December 11, 2009
Some people call it "cafeteria faith." It means choosing what makes you feel good, rather than pursuing objective truth and a holy God.
A new Pew Survey on Religion and Public Life finds that 65 percent of American adults, including many who call themselves Protestants and Catholics, have adopted elements of Eastern faiths and New Age thinking.
One in five find "spiritual energy" in mountains or trees and one in six believe in the "evil eye," that certain people can cast curses with a look. Syncretism also appears on the rise. That means a blending of contradictory beliefs.
This demonstrates a depth of biblical ignorance and is a major reason why the church - the real church - lacks power in contemporary society. I don't mean political power, which is not power at all. I mean a compelling power that is rooted in Jesus Christ, the redeemer of all those who come to him, repent of their sins and receive him as savior.
The Bible makes unique claims. Anything added to its message is another gospel.
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.
