America’s Biblical Illiteracy & the Family Bible Commentary
America has a serious problem, and it’s not a political issue that I’m talking about it. America has a major Biblical illiteracy problem. This reality has led to major consequences in American society. As the influence of Christianity in America has waned in recent decades, our nation has undergone a major transformation in its social behavior and political attitudes–from the acceptance of gay marriage to the normalization of single-parent households.
Back in 2014, Pew Research surveyed American adults and found that less than HALF of Americans read Scripture once a month or more. However, Lifeway Research found that most Americans view the Bible in a positive light. So, there appears to be some sort of disconnect between the behavior and views of Americans (specifically American Christians) when it comes to the Bible.
On a similar note, this dearth of Scripture reading reflects another interesting phenomenon–most American Christians hold incorrect positions on major tenets of Christianity. For instance, most American Christians deny the inerrancy of Scriptures, original sin, and the exclusivity of Christianity (i.e. “all religions can lead you to heaven”). Not a good look.
Personally, I believe that America’s lack of Bible reading manifests in its views toward orthodox, Bible-based Christian teachings. If that were the case, then American Christians should promote regular Bible reading in American society. That’s where the Family Bible Commentary comes in.
My friend and personal hero Dr. Adam Koontz is writing five-volume Bible Commentary series called the Family Bible Commentary. The commentary’s publisher plans to release the first volume this December and the rest will come out each December through 2025.
Here is how Dr. Koontz describes the importance of reading the Scriptures:
“The Scriptures opened up are light for the soul and food for the heart. Nothing suits a Christian better than growth in the knowledge of his God, and how can he grow, whether young or old in years or faith, if the Spirit’s Word does not feed him?“
This Bible Commentary will not be the dry, academic tome that many people think of when it comes to the typical Bible commentary. Instead, Dr. Koontz’s Family Bible Commentary will function as an engaging, chapter-by-chapter commentary on the New King James Bible. I truly believe that this commentary holds the potential to aid in the battle over America’s Biblical illiteracy problem.
If you want to learn more about the Family Bible Commentary, then go make sure to check out the publisher’s website (Ad Crucem) of this commentary. You can also listen to Dr. Koontz’s discussion of Bible translations and his upcoming bible commentary in his weekly podcast show A Brief History of Power:
