Last Thursday we started a series that overcomes incorrect beliefs held by Bible-believing Christians. A Barna survey, sponsored by Summit Ministries, revealed a great many Biblically-incorrect beliefs that have crept into the church. Yesterday’s article combatted strange doctrine from the “New Spirituality” movement (which largely stems from eastern mysticism, so its not really “new” at all). Today we examine beliefs that are right at home among secularists than among those who think biblically. As always, we use the Bible to combat these false notions which is especially appropriate in this case since those surveyed stated a belief in the Bible as God’s Word. Let’s begin!

10% of those surveyed concede that a belief must be proven by science to know it’s true. Where do I start? How about with the “fact” that science is not the only form of truth? There are three forms of truth: scientific, historic and revealed. Science is good, but is limited to what can be observed, tested and repeated. It cannot do anything to confirm the existence of historic figures, like George Washington, for example. For that we rely on historic truth, which is dependent on records, eye-witness testimony and artifacts. From these two forms of truth we can build a fairly accurate representation of the events of history, at least that history that mankind has experienced. For anything else, we rely on revealed truth. This is truth about subjects we can have no knowledge of apart from someone else revealing it to us. God’s Word is revealed truth. Science cannot determine how the world came into being, God can and has revealed how to us. As a witness and the person who created the world, he has information that we are not privy to. The only question is if we believe him.

13% of those surveyed believe a person’s life is only valuable if society sees it as valuable. The obvious issue that springs to mind is abortion. If society does not deem an unborn child as valuable, then it isn’t and may be aborted at will. But the argument extends to other subjects as well. If society no longer values character in its leadership, or honesty in transactions, the rule of law, or even the Bible then those things become unimportant. If society determines what is valuable, then all society will descend into chaos. A wealthy young man once asked Jesus about what is most valuable in all the world (Luke 18.18-30). Long story short, the answer is our eternal salvation. That isn’t something much of our society values, but God does. God cares about it so much that he sent Jesus to dies on a cross for our sins so that we might have eternal life with him.

20% of those surveyed believe meaning and purpose come from working hard to earn as much as possible so you can make the most of life. Money. If money is the meaning and purpose of life we are destined to hollow and empty hearts. The answer to this question is found in Genesis chapter one. Our purpose is to know God, tend to his temple (the Garden of Eden), and to be fruitful. I can attest that a life spent with God is far more fulfilling than a life pursuing wealth, but you do not have to take my word for it: “I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me” (Philippians 4.12-13).

It disturbs me that secularism has so successfully infiltrated Christian beliefs, seeing that it’s world view is directly opposed to that of the gospel. It get’s worse, however, and tomorrow we’ll find out how.