A psychology professor at Stanford University recently had a survey published of respondents who self-identify as Christians. He wanted to see how people’s political views corresponded with the teachings of their faith. Bottom line – not very well.
In the survey, both liberal and conservative Christians expressed the opinion that Jesus’ views on morality-related issues would be stricter than theirs. The particular issues that they saw as important were different for the liberals and conservatives, but both acknowledged discrepancies between their political views and the religious teachings of their faith.
So, what does this tell us? It tells us that, in general, the personal beliefs of most Christians do not align with a truly Christian worldview. If these people truly held a Christian worldview, their actions would be guided by their faith rather then by personal desires.
What is it about the human condition that lets us think it is okay to live life based on selfish desires, even when we know they are wrong?
The solution? Make our personal relationship with God so real and personal that we come to the place where we “want” to do what we know is right.