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
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