Beyond kindergarten Christianity

Paul lamented to the Corinthians "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready." How little things have changed in two thousand years. It is a sad commentary how many Christians yet today remain content with a kindergarten Christianity understanding of the faith. They know that Jesus loves me, but they seem not to know much more.

Actually some will say they can't get much farther than "Jesus loves me". And it ain't their fault either, because doctrine is just too hard. Theology is difficult and makes their brain hurt. As a seminary professor I hear these kinds of protests on a regular basis. And I don't buy them for one minute. I know such asseverations are baloney because I have listened to late night sports talk radio. And it doesn't take long listening before I am marveling at the encyclopedic knowledge and brilliant strategizing that is repeatedly demonstrated by the Joe Six-Packs that call in to offer commentary on their favorite team.

The issue it would seem is not one of intellectual ability, but rather of interest. Many Christians simply are not that interested in thinking about Christian doctrine. They are content with week after week of sermons that reiterate "Jesus loves me" in a thousand different ways. But they are not interested in venturing off those well worn paths and into the wilder territory of the doctrine of the Trinity, or the atonement, or arguments for the existence of God.

I suspect that the single greatest factor that inhibits theological growth is likely boredom. How many people would prefer to spend their evening reading dusty theological tomes instead of watching "Dancing with the Stars" and "American Idol"?

To get a sense of what a poor state the church is in, consider a recent Gallup survey that revealed "About one-third of the American adult population believes the Bible is the actual word of God and is to be taken literally word for word." I have no problem with the first part, but the latter part can only be considered bizarre. What would it mean to take the hymnic psalms or richly symbolic apocalpytic Daniel and Revelation "literally word for word"? Consider this description of Jesus from Revelation 1:14-16:

"His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword."

Would one third of American adults really interpret this passage literally word for word? I suspect not (at least I hope not). But then why did they say they do interpret it all literally word for word? Could it be that before Gallup asked they had never taken the time to think through how the Bible should be read or the kind of authority it has?

Call me elitist if you will, but maybe it's time to turn off the TV and start thinking about some things that are really important.