| Scripture Memory— A Lost Discipline? |
2008-09-25 |
The discipline of Bible memorization has virtually disappeared in American churches, and its omission has undoubtedly contributed to the negative and disturbing trends developing in Christianity. Moral decline, relativism, and outright rejection of truth have incrementally infiltrated the church as the body of Christ has been predominantly influenced by the culture, instead of the other way around. If the Word is not dwelling in us richly (Colossians 3:16), should it surprise us that our salt has lost its flavor and our light has lost its brilliance? If we neglect to hide God’s Word in our hearts, what safeguards exist to protect us from our own sin (Psalm 119:11)? How can we expect to be witnesses for Christ if we are not prepared to give a ready defense to everyone who asks us for a reason for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15)? How can we expect to be set apart by God’s truth if we don’t know it (John 17:17)? And how can we cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, if His Word is not in us (2 Corinthians 10:4–5)? John Dewey understood that in order for secularists to continue tearing away at our country’s Christian base, they would have to de-emphasize traditional Christian education and concentrate on altering children’s beliefs and values. He wrote an article, “Soul-Searching,” published by Teacher Magazine (September 1933, p. 33) which states: “There is no God and there is no soul. Hence, there are no needs for the groups of traditional religion. With dogma and creed excluded, the immutable truth is also dead and buried. There is no room for fixed, natural laws or moral absolutes.” Lyell, Darwin, Hall, Dewey, Mann, and a host of other atheistic antagonists have chipped away at our Christian base, and as a result, we are facing the most vicious attacks on Christianity ever witnessed in this country. This sinister and relentless attack will not be reversed unless we build strong Christian leaders who are sanctified and equipped by the Word of God. The Shelby Kennedy Foundation is dedicated to promoting Bible memorization among children and youth through the Bible Bee, thereby encouraging them to genuine spiritual growth and preparing them to be effective ambassadors for Jesus Christ to the next generation. It is our hope and prayer that God will use this ministry to help stem the tide of accelerated moral decay in America and to steer this country back to its Christian foundation. Mark D. Rasche Executive Director Shelby Kennedy Foundation |
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