BIBLE NEWS: Respect for Bible in Decline

The Barna Group is known for taking surveys on religious issues, and one of their newest studies is on attitudes among Americans towards the Bible.  Most years, this is good new, but not so this year.  Respect for the Bible has been falling, especially among Millennials.

Bible skepticism is on the rise compared to previous years—this year the number of people who claim they don't believe in the Bible equals the number of people who claim to regularly read or study the Scriptures.

This should remind us how important it is to not only study scripture for ourselves, but teach it to those around us, as well.

BIBLE NEWS: A "Famine" of Bible Knowledge?

Bible Quizzers - as a group - really know our Bible.  We not only know general facts about it, but we study the text intensely and talk about it every practice for historical and cultural context.  But what about everyone else?  Is there a crisis of Bible knowledge in America?  A professor from Biola University makes the case.

For well over twenty years now, Christian leaders have been lamenting the loss of general biblical literacy in America. … Some among us may be tempted to seek odd solace in the recognition that our culture is increasingly post-Christian. … Much to our embarrassment, however, it has become increasingly clear that the situation is really no better among confessing Christians, even those who claim to hold the Bible in high regard.

FLASHBACK: Matthew Bible Knowledge Test

If you were at Districts this year, you took the Bible Knowledge Test.  And we acquitted ourselves very well!  But have you been wondering how your friends or family might do with the material?  Well, here's your chance to find out.  You can down load a blank copy of the Test to print out HERE, and the answer key HERE.

HUMOR: Fill it up!

Not mine.  Found online.

One Saturday the Pastor's 5 year old daughter complained of a stomach ache to her mother. Her mother replied, "That's because you have an empty stomach. You need to feed it with something."
The next day her father sat down after a long sermon and complained of a headache. His daughter replied, "That's because you have nothing in your head you need to feed it with something."

What is the Bible Knowledge Test?

Districts has one activity that is different from all other Bible Quizzes - the Bible Knowledge Test.

WHAT IS IT?

The Bible Knowledge Test is a written exam given each year at Districts, covering the same material as we quizzed on.

WHY DO WE DO IT?

The Bible Knowledge Test gives you a chance to demonstrate what you learned during the Bible Quizzing season without worrying about competing with other quizzers or worrying about the speed of jumping.

DO I HAVE TO TAKE IT?

No, the Bible Knowledge Test is 100% voluntary.  All Quizzers (and Coaches) are encouraged to take it, but it's entirely up to you.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

After Quizzing is done, a room (or a few rooms) will be opened up for everyone to work on the Bible Knowledge Test.  As you enter the room, you'll give given the test and a pencil.  Everyone will work on the test, and hand it when we're done.

HOW WILL IT BE SCORED?

The test will be scored by Coach Rose - the District Head - and we'll get our scores (and rankings) in a few weeks.  The coaches will hand out the scores and your marked tests when we get them.