Leonard Thomas Nyirongo

Addressing the Shocking State of American Theology Leonard Thomas Nyirongo

A recent survey titled, The State of American Theology Study 2016, conducted by Ligonier Ministries in partnership with Lifeway Research, reveals shocking statistics on beliefs linked to the doctrines of salvation in Christianity. Out of the 3,000 candidates surveyed, the percentages of people who lack understanding of (and/or disagree with) the basic doctrines of salvation and spiritual growth are not only shocking but also cut across a wide spectrum of ethnic groups - White (Non-Hispanic), Asian-American, African-American, Hispanic/Latino, and other mixed/ethnic groups. They also cut across age ranges between 18+ and 65+ and male and female gender. So the survey is balanced. For the purpose of illustrating the seriousness of the problem, extracts of the statistics in the survey are presented in the introduction of this book. The purpose of this book is twofold: to make the precious doctrines of salvation and spiritual growth plain - not only to the American local churches, but also to the churches in other continents. Both sets of doctrines are concisely and plainly explained without diluting their biblical meaning. Readers who find it difficult to digest complex systematic theology writings, will find this book a good and user-friendly starting point in obtaining a clear and straightforward explanation of each doctrine of salvation and spiritual growth. The book is based on the conviction that a good grasp of Bible doctrines, especially those relating to salvation and spiritual growth, is critical to every true Christian in these days of growing apostasy, and is not reserved for church leaders and Bible college professors and graduates. It is for every Christian who is willing to learn from the Bible and gifted teachers and preachers God has placed in the local church. The book makes a clear distinction between (a) the doctrines related to what God does once and permanently in the life of the Christian and (b) the doctrines related to the Christian's on going spiritual growth till the Lord returns to take all his saints home. The book can be used in private devotions as well as in local church groups, such as men's fellowship, women's fellowship, married couples' fellowship, youth fellowship and adult Bible classes. Christians contemplating to enter the Bible College will also find this book a useful introduction to soteriology.