Who is wheat? Who is weed?

 

The research organization, Barna Group, published a report in April of this year regarding the perception of American Christians towards religion. They interviewed 1,871 self-described Christians in the nation, and found that only three-quarters of those responding believed that God is the “all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe who rules the world today.” The remaining one-quarter had different depictions of God, e.g. everything is god; whoever realizes his human potential is god, etc. Concerning comprehension of the divinity of Jesus Christ, 39% of those interviewed thought to various degrees that Christ had sinned while on earth, and is not perfect. Only 46% firmly believed in His divinity. Regarding knowledge of the Holy Spirit, 58% of respondents considered that He is “a symbol of God’s power or presence but is not a living entity.” 9% was uncertain, and only a third was clear that the Holy Spirit is triune God. As well, 40% of those polled regarded Satan as a symbol of evil and not an existing spiritual being. 8% could not be certain, and only 25% affirmed that Satan exists as a spirit. 3 out of every 10 respondents disagreed that people could be influenced by evil spirits or demons.

 

About the personal influence of Christian faith, 59% of those interviewed felt strongly that their religious belief had greatly transformed their lives; 29% believed that faith had been helpful in their dealing with life, while 9% could not see a difference. As for their disposition towards God and Satan, when asked if they believed a person must side with either God or Satan and that there is no neutral position, 76% indicated they agreed. 21% had a differing opinion, while 3% did not express any view.

 

When surveyed Christians were asked about their position on Wicca, after having it described to them as “an organized form of witchcraft”, 55% rejected any relationship between Christians and Wicca. Yet 40% could not concur to the harmfulness of witchcraft, while 5% actually had a positive opinion of it. 55% of those polled strongly agreed that the Bible is accurate in all of its teachings, but 20% felt that there are some inaccuracies. 41% believed that the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are all different expressions of the same spiritual truths. 20% did not have an opinion.

 

The above-mentioned report clearly exposes the general ignorance in faith, and the disparity between the faith and acts, of American Christians. How can those who accept an opposing perspective of the deity from the Bible’s be called Christians? How can those who even refute the divinity of Christ call themselves saved Christians? Most of those self-described Christians surveyed were actually so ignorant of the existence of Satan and his influence on mankind, it’s no wonder that so many people are unwary of and have no position on Wicca. This is also due to the downplaying of Satan’s influence and refurbishment of witchcraft’s deception by Hollywood movies. Although the Bible repeatedly clarifies that that the Holy Spirit is triune God, yet over half of those polled do not know the Holy Spirit, and considers Him to be just a symbolic force of God’s presence. That’s why the American Church is so feeble, and the Holy Spirit cannot work within the Church. On the other hand, the researchers further analyzed their data on born-again Christians within the group, and found that their views on the deity, the divinity of Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, Satan and witchcraft are more accurate. This proves once again that only Christians that have experienced re-birth are true Christians. Understanding the grace of salvation, admitting to sin and repenting, and being saved and re-born are very important. Whether those self-proclaimed Christians truly have the life of the Son of God can be disclosed by a simple questionnaire. If trials and suffering arrive, who is really weed should be immediately revealed.

 

By: Daniel To