CHRISTIANS: More like Pharisees

Mr. Teague, there are millions of people who call themselves Christians. Barna Research conducted a survey of Christians to see if they were more like Jesus or more like Pharisees. The results were that over half of the nation’s Christians, using the broadest definition of those who call themselves Christians, were more like the Pharisees (51 percent). They tend to have attitudes and actions that are characterized by self-righteousness. Fourteen percent of today’s self-identified Christians — just one out of every seven Christians — seem to represent the actions and attitudes of Jesus. The balance, 35 percent, were mixed with both traits of the Pharisees and Jesus.

The “Christians” in the 1500s may have had the Bible, but they were not listening to God. They were more like the Pharisees. These were carnal men at war against carnal men. When they came to America, some of the Christians made friends with the Indians, but others who were supposedly Christians killed the Indians.

You see, things are the same today as they were then. Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

In other research, Barna had results that showed that very few who claimed to be Christians were actually Christians. Some people believe that because they were born in America, they are Christians. The Bible is the guide to what is a true Christian and those who read, understand and follow it are a small percentage.

DAVE BOERNER

Coeur d’Alene