According to a recent survey by the Pew Foundation, Mississippi is the most religious state in the Union. Following in close pursuit was Alabama, Arkansas Louisiana and Tennessee. The results are expected. Eighty percent of all Mississippians exclaimed that religion was important in their daily lives.

Superficially, one might claim a spiritual victory over the forces of evil; a closer and more microscopic examination might  reveal something else.

Yes, we Mississippians are firmly devout, but devout about what? For a state that is so religious, we either lead or we are situated near the top of the nation in unwed pregnancies, poverty and illiteracy. Our capital city has one of the highest crime rates in the country. I hate to say it, but religion, seemingly, has not helped a great deal.

Sadly, the vast number of respondents and the dominant religion in Mississippi is Baptist. So, we must ask the question. Why is there such a disconnect between belief and practice? I believe I can diagnose the problem and answer the question.

First, there is a pervasive hypocrisy that permeates throughout this state and the southern region. Simply put, we think we are more holy than what we are. In truth, we are more closely aligned to trash than to treasure. Religion, for most, is a weekly habit and not a way of life. A true moral compass is subjugated when self righteousness governs.

Second, since I can only speak with a degree of certainty about Christianity, ignorance, among the masses, is the most wicked problem we face. Most people can tell you passionately about what they believe, but those same folks couldn’t tell you the reasons why they believe.

Conviction without thought is mere babble. Emotion has been substituted for biblical understanding, and thus, ignorance prevails. The blame for this should be laid at the feet of the local pastor.

Third, many churches have become glorified social organizations, where games and having fun trumps worship. It is very difficult to put faith into practice, when there is a greater concern about conviviality than spirituality. In essence, we crowd God out.

Fourth, there is a place for heart-felt emotion, fraternizing and having an enjoyable time in one’s personal religious and spiritual quest, but these elements cannot over shadow sound, biblical instruction. It seems to me that we need less shouting and socializing in our churches, and a return to an environment that emphasizes study and reverence, where doctrine and application is more fully integrated.

Finally, poverty, drug abuse, illiteracy and teen pregnancy are problematic but reversible. At the heart of the matter, these are moral and spiritual issues that must be aggressively confronted by local churches and communities.

We must come to the realization that salvation is not just about being rescued from the torments of hell, but it is also a process of becoming more godly and productive in our present lives. The Church has a responsibility and should not resign herself in defeat. In the balance, hangs the welfare of others. Hopefully, our faith and practice will emerge as one.

Cordially,

Dr. Andrew Brasher

Cornerstone Baptist

Church, Batesville