Atheists and Agnostics Know More about Religion Than Christians, Survey Says

“Atheists and agnostics, Jews and Mormons are among the highest-scoring groups on a new survey of religious knowledge, outperforming evangelical Protestants, mainline Protestants and Catholics on questions about the core teachings, history and leading figures of major world religions,” says the executive summary of the Pew Forum’s U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey.
The survey had 32 questions on religion, and on average, Americans scored a 16. For questions specifically about Christianity and the Bible, Mormons (7.9 correct out of 12) and evangelical Protestants (7.3 correct) scored the highest of all groups. Fewer than half of those surveyed knew that the Gospels included Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The survey also showed confusion about religion in public schools. Only 36% of people surveyed knew that public schools could offer comparative religion courses. Only 23% knew that public school teachers could read from the Bible as an example of literature.
Few Americans know the history of Christianity and the rise of new religious movements. Only 46% knew that Martin Luther inspired the Reformation. Only 51% knew that Joseph Smith was a Mormon.
“As our society changes, Christians need to have more knowledge of not only their own Bible, but also about other religions. They need to converse with others about spiritual matters, and be familiar with the history and basic tenants of various groups. Even the Apostle Paul, when he went to Athens and Ephesus, showed an understanding of the local beliefs.” says Gretchen Goldsmith, president of Rose Publishing, an evangelical Christian publisher that specializes in comparative religion charts and summaries of key beliefs.
“This is why we produce than side-by-side comparison charts of Christianity with religions, cults, and new religious movements,” said Goldsmith. “We also have charts showing the 200 key events and people in biblical and church history.”
Rose Publishing producesThe Rose Book of Bible Charts which includes:
Comparison charts of —

  • 18 major religions, cults and new religious movements
  • 12 church denominations
  • Christianity and Islam

Bible Overview charts —

  • The Ten Commandments
  • Books of the Bible and their key themes

Time lines of —

  • 200 key events and people in church history (AD 1 – 2010)
  • 300 key events and people in the Bible

(US $29.99 – ISBN: 9781596360228)
“For less than the cost of a meal out, you can have the answers at your fingertips. Busy people don’t have time to read long books about other religions, but a clear color-coded chart can be read in just a few minutes.”

What other people say:

“This is the best collection of charts for teaching Biblical literature I have.” —Harold Carl, LeTourneau University – September 16, 2009

A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible. This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. —Kirkus Review – June 15, 2007

“It is awesome! Rose Publishing has produced one of the finest books I have ever seen. Every aspect of the charts, maps and time lines leaps off the page with spectacular color, incredible accuracy and intricate detail. Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps and Time Lines is a must for every pastor and teacher who wants to clearly present the truths of the Bible. Dr. Jerry Falwell, Liberty University – October 1, 2005

Imagine having confidence when discussing issues about religion…whether for a nationwide survey or sitting around the table with friends and family.

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