Biblical illiteracy is weakening the theological foundations of Western Christianity, fueling calls for renewed engagement with scripture to preserve doctrinal clarity.

At a Glance

• John 14:6 remains a central verse in Christian doctrine, emphasizing Jesus as the exclusive path to God
• Biblical illiteracy is linked to declining church engagement and weaker doctrinal understanding
• Churches and educators are pushing new literacy initiatives, including digital Bible studies
• Theological debates over exclusivity of salvation remain central to interfaith and denominational tensions

The Core Biblical Claim

The statement in John 14:6, where Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” has remained one of the most pivotal verses in Christian theology for nearly two millennia. Uttered during the Last Supper, the phrase was meant to provide guidance and reassurance to the disciples at a moment of deep uncertainty. For generations since, it has been interpreted as a foundational claim of exclusivity, underscoring that access to God is possible only through Jesus.

The significance of this passage extends beyond devotional reading, shaping how Christians articulate their faith both internally and in public dialogue. Without strong biblical literacy, however, believers risk misinterpreting or oversimplifying its meaning. The verse’s influence has been central in Christian evangelism, missionary work, and theological debate, particularly in pluralistic societies where exclusivity is often contested.

Decline in Biblical Literacy

In recent decades, researchers and church leaders have tracked a marked decline in scripture engagement across many Western nations. Surveys by religious institutes show that a growing percentage of Christians seldom read the Bible, relying instead on second-hand interpretations or fragmented knowledge. This erosion of direct familiarity with scripture has raised concerns about doctrinal integrity.

To counter this trend, churches, seminaries, and religious organizations have expanded initiatives to encourage study. Programs range from structured small-group sessions to digital Bible reading apps that make scripture more accessible to younger audiences. The initiatives are designed not only to revive personal devotion but also to strengthen believers’ ability to engage in interfaith discussions where doctrinal clarity is tested.

Watch now: The Importance of Biblical Literacy · YouTube

The decline in literacy also has consequences for Christian identity in public life. When core verses like John 14:6 are not understood in their historical and theological context, debates over exclusivity and salvation risk devolving into oversimplified or divisive soundbites.

Renewed Engagement and Modern Tensions

The past five years have seen notable growth in online Bible study communities and publishing output of theological resources. Platforms offering structured study plans have reported surges in participation, particularly during global crises when individuals seek moral and spiritual stability. This shift demonstrates a revived appetite for deeper engagement with scripture, though the extent to which it will reverse broader literacy trends remains uncertain.

The exclusivity of salvation through Christ continues to spark division within Christianity itself. While some denominations adopt a more inclusivist stance, traditionalists emphasize the non-negotiable nature of John 14:6. This divide illustrates how literacy initiatives may either foster greater doctrinal unity or reinforce existing denominational boundaries.

Economically, the renewed emphasis on scripture has fueled growth in Christian publishing and religious education, signaling that demand for theological resources is expanding alongside the debates. The long-term trajectory will depend on whether churches can sustain engagement among younger generations and articulate a coherent response to pluralistic pressures.

Sources

Life, Hope & Truth
Ligonier
Kathy Howard
Desiring God