Biblical literacy is a rising issue

8 August 2017

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds …’ Deuteronomy 11:18

Biblical literacy is a rising issue in both Australia and the western world. It would seem that parents are not reading the Bible with their children, and in turn, children do not know how to read the Bible and understand it, or use it as a vehicle for hearing God speak to them in their everyday life.[1]

In a recent survey conducted by Grow Ministries, 24% of all parents responding to the survey indicated that they never read the Bible with their children. 23% read once or twice a year; 22% read once or twice a month; with only 10% reading once or twice a week, and 19% reading most days.

The Bible Society has also completed research that shows that biblical literacy in Australia is low. Their research shows that only 4 per cent of young people read the Bible daily and seven out of ten have never read it. Young people are ten times more likely to read the Bible if they are involved in a group which encourages them to do so. Only one in one hundred youth will pick up the Bible out of curiosity or interest.

One of the most important things for Christian parents to do is to be continually growing their own relationship with God. When parents participate in regular spiritual practices, not only are they building their own faith but they are also modelling their faith to their children. Children can also be invited to participate in these practices and learn to incorporate them into their own faith formation and growth.

The Word of God is to our spiritual lives what food, clothing and shelter are to our physical lives. Make time and space to read God’s Word and allow it to strengthen, guide and shape the faith of your family by reading Bible stories together and sharing what those Bible stories mean to you.

Vicki

How can we help?

Grow Ministries has created a GIFT My Bible which is full of practical resources to engage and encourage your family to delve deeper into all that the Bible has to offer. There are games and activities to learn about the authors of the books, the key characters and how the Bible speaks into our lives today.

We’d love to provide you with some samples and if you would like to order a copy to share with your family or congregation CLICK HERE.

NB Promos_GIFT 2016