Interfaith ministry calls on us to respect and understand the beliefs of a wide range of people. Whether we agree or disagree, our higher calling is to find common ground from which to form our faith and beliefs. A study by Barna Research, based on more than 2,000 interviews with U.S. adults, concludes that Bible skeptics and Bible supporters are now equal in number, and that both comprise roughly 19% of the population. When we encounter opposition, or resistance, it is important to meet it with genuine concern. Most of all, it is important that we understand it.

Few points of divergence are stronger than those concerning the Bible. Specifically, whether the Bible represents the word of God or is instead a well-meaning inspirational book written by man is hotly debated.

People who view the Bible as a book of man-written stories and advice are known as “Bible skeptics.” Their numbers are rising, especially among younger generations. Many factors contribute to the rising skepticism. The internet, for example, along with television, bring pictures of life around the globe into our homes. Many of those presentations are unpleasant. Today’s youth see real time photographs of starvation, war, poverty, cruelty and political expediency. They see violence and the disconnected. They see despair. Never before in the history of man has the experience from the other side of the world been brought into our homes and put squarely before us. Difficult times can make young people more skeptical about the presence of the divine. They can make us challenge whether- if there were a God- he would allow such suffering to continue.

People who are engaged by the Bible see it as a book of holy scripture given to us by God. They believe the words of the Bible were spoken by God. They are uncomfortable with variations in the Word, because they do not believe God would change his mind. They believe that the changing times, including the violence, wars and suffering, could be ameliorated with a closer adherence to the word of God. To them, the Bible is the pathway out of suffering.

Whether we encounter Bible skeptics or Bible supporters, it is important that we remain in tune with our mission: to elevate the human spirit. Opinions about the Bible on both sides should challenge us to look beyond the human condition toward what is possible.