SECOND THOUGHT

Looking again at news and commentary

The Boston Globe

From The Boston Globe, June 2, 1990 "Few follow their beliefs, polls say"

"Survey research has disclosed gaps between what Americans say they believe and what they really live, according to pollster George Gallup Jr.

"He said that while most Americans tell pollsters that they believe in God and Jesus and trust the Bible, they are in fact often ignorant of the doctrines and history of their chosen faiths.

"Half of the nation's Christians, for example, do not know who delivered the Sermon on the Mount, he said, citing a poll by his organization. 'We revere the Bible, but don't read it,' he said. 'We believe the Ten Commandments to be valid rules for living, although we can't name them. We believe in God, but this God ... does not command our total allegiance.'"

Reprinted courtesy of The Boston Globe.

Editors' comment: The poll suggests that for vast numbers of those who consider themselves Christians, the teachings of Christ Jesus may be somewhat remote from thought and daily life. For the Christian who's committed to living his faith, the above figure is humbling.

Much needs doing now if Christianity isn't to become a relic! If there's one thing Jesus made clear, it's that he expected his teaching to be lived. Works more than words are the life force of Christianity. "Let your light so shine before men," Jesus said, "that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

James 3:17, 18

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