STANDING ON THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD

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Barna Group’s recent research reveals: only 4% of American adults and 6% of professing Christians hold a biblical worldview. Nearly half of American adults don’t believe the Bible is literally true — that is, according to a recent study highlighted by The Christian Post. The Ligonier State of Theology 2025 report, a separate study conducted by Lifeway Research, found a collective 48% of Americans believe “the Bible, like all sacred writings, contains helpful accounts of ancient myths but is not literally true.” Similarly, 44% reject that “the Bible is 100% accurate in all that it teaches.”

The State of Theology study revealed alarming trends: 47% of evangelicals believe God accepts the worship of all religions, 53% assert that most people are inherently good despite sinning occasionally, and 49% of U.S. adults view Jesus as a great teacher but not God. These findings, as Hibbs and Perkins emphasized, directly contradict biblical teachings, raising concerns about the doctrinal fidelity of many churches.

This should not come as a surprise as most church denominations have accepted gay marriage, homosexual pastors and even transgenderism. 

The Bible is God’s voice, His truth, alive and active. Every passion you’re wrestling with, every opinion you hold, Scripture speaks to it, directly or indirectly. Throw out any topic, and the Bible has the final say. It’s the lens that makes sense of everything. Every worldview outside the Bible crumbles under scrutiny. Only Scripture unveils who God is, what’s broken in the world, who we are, and where we’re headed. It’s the only lens that makes sense of a chaotic world.

When skeptics reject the Bible as God’s inspired, authoritative word, they’re left chasing fleeting wisdom from the “universe” — or worse, themselves — and they always come up empty.

I challenge you to find one person who’s genuinely content — not just pretending to be — and unshaken by life’s uncertainties, without a flicker of longing for something greater. I’ve yet to meet an unbeliever who isn’t, knowingly or not, trying to fill a God-shaped void with something, because we simply weren’t created from nothing, for nothing, only to die and fade back into nothing.

Dr. George Barna nailed it: “Understanding God — often referred to as ‘prime reality’ — is the cornerstone of worldview development. Without a biblical understanding of God, it is difficult to develop a coherent biblical worldview built on His truth.” There’s a simple truth we, as believers, must never forget: it’s not ultimately up to us to change minds and unharden hearts. Only God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, carries that ability. It’s easy to feel like a failure if a single conversation doesn’t spark a conversion, but that’s not the case.

I’ll tell you where we’ve failed. We fail when we water down Scripture to appease skeptics. We fail when we stop quoting God’s word because it’s “unwelcome.” We fail when we dodge the hard truths — sin, Christ’s cross, repentance — to avoid ruffling feathers. We fail when fear of rejection or uncertainty silences our witness, or when cynicism tricks us into thinking humanity’s hope lies in ourselves, not in Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

If you’re a Christ-follower reading this, I pray it causes you to re-examine your own life. Do you shy away from tough talks? Do you let skeptics dictate what you can or cannot say? Or do you stand bold in biblical conviction? Do doubts shake you, or do you anchor yourself in Christ?

We are all called to trust and obey. Trust that “the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 12:12). Trust that God’s grace is enough, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Trust that “God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Trust Psalm 118:6: “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Because “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Then, with these promises written on your heart, obey Christ’s call in Matthew 28:19 to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Obey Ephesians 4:15’s charge to “speak truth in love.” Trusting in God’s faithfulness, obey the call to be salt and light, even when the world mocks us for it.

WHAT IS THE AMERICAN DREAM?

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There is a big difference between natural liberty and civil liberty, which is well known to those who study the political philosophy of the Puritans. Natural liberty, according to John Winthrop, the chief figure among the Puritan founders of New England, “is a liberty to do evil as well as to do good.” It is simply having the liberty to do whatever one desires, whether having a family, becoming a millionaire, or attending a Pride parade. “The exercise and maintaining of this liberty makes men grow more evil, and in time to be worse than brute beasts,” Winthrop warned. “This is that great enemy of truth and peace, that wild beast, which all of the ordinances of God are bent against, to restrain and subdue it.”

The American dream was spelled out in the Declaration of Independence: “It’s the idea that America would be a nation where all its citizens would be free to enjoy ‘Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness’ — as their Creator would allow them.”

Back in the time of the Puritans, the enjoyment of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness centred around traditional biblical values. The liberty Winthrop exhorted his listeners to practice was civil liberty, which simply meant the liberty to do what was right. “It’s a liberty to only do that which is good, just, and honest,” in Winthrop’s words. He believed moral and just laws derived from Scripture were the best tools to encourage citizens to religious liberty

The American dream has shifted from the idea of a happy and content family to the concept of corporate superiority and personal financial stability. The director of Family Research Council’s Centre for Biblical Worldview, David Closson, explained why this shift has happened. “In the last 25 years, the percentage of those with a consistent biblical worldview has continually declined. George Barna’s most recent research shows that only 4% of Americans have a biblical worldview,” Closson observed..

“The result today is a generation of young people who struggle for meaningful relationships, struggle at work, struggle to afford a home, struggle to find a spouse, and more,” Family Research Council’s Director of FRC Action, Matt Carpenter, said.

“They are powerless to do the one thing that can restore the American dream. That is, restore God to His proper place in the hearts and minds of every American. Only a national revival can actually restore the American dream.”

THE CHURCH HAS SO COMPROMISED WITH THE WORLD THAT IT NO LONGER PREACHES BIBLICAL TRUTH

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George Barna, a leading expert in church and worldview trends, has weighed in on some of the biggest issues facing the Church, including the steady decrease in a biblical worldview and dwindling concern for spiritual formation, which results in “Christian invisibility” in our culture.

Bible Colleges and seminaries set young ministry leaders up for failure. “You get what you measure,” George Barna contended. “So, if you measure the wrong things, you’ll get the wrong outcomes … pastors measure how many people show up, how much money they raise, how many programs they offer, how many staff persons they hire, how much square footage they built out. Jesus didn’t die for any of that. “If we were to go back to the Bible, I think we’d recognise the local church, the institutional church, as we’ve created it, is man-made. It’s not in the Scriptures,” he said.

Barna says, “We need to go back and recognise that it starts with families; parents have the primary responsibility to raise their children to become spiritual champions. Local churches need to support parents in that endeavour. Our primary focus needs to be on children … and growing their biblical worldview. If we do that, we’ll be able to increase the 3 per cent of adults who are disciples in America today to a larger proportion.”

I would also suggest that the church return to the church as described in the Book of Acts. Francis Chan got it right when he walked away from his church of 5000 to establish house churches where everybody is trained to be disciples to preach the good news of the Gospel.

Barna warns the church is at a critical juncture, and the path to a thriving Christian community lies in returning to the core biblical principles, the empowerment of parents as spiritual leaders and the intentional discipling of the next generation. “All the other stuff is noise,” he said. “If we don’t do those things, we’re going to lose even more in this war … this is our moment, we’ve reached a time of Christian invisibility in our culture. What I’m seeing now is that we’re getting to this place where the typical American … will not have anyone in their circle of influence who has a biblical worldview. You’re not going to be influenced by God’s truth.

TRUE TRUTH BRINGS JOY UNSPEAKABLE

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  1. Truth exists and is knowable.
  2. Truth upheld brings blessings.
  3. Truth disregarded brings consequences

I am more convinced than ever that embracing a biblically informed worldview of “true truth” brings “joy unspeakable” (1 Pet.1:8) and “abundant life” (John 10:10) as Jesus promised to obedient followers.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

Erroneous thinking and anti-biblical worldviews have consequences. For many, it leads to addictions, health problems, and even premature death or suicide. For everyone serious about aligning with the radical and amazing plan God ordained for your life, let me strongly encourage you to fulfil your destiny by embracing a biblical worldview.

More than 30% of the Bible is Biblical prophecy, and much of it is now fulfilled, which proves that the rest of the prophecies—there are about 2000 of them—are about Jesus’ second coming to Earth, to defeat the Antichrist and his army at the battle of Armageddon, and to initiate His Millennial reign with the glorified Saints.

Have you read my recent post – Will you escape the wrath of God? If not, I urge you to do so.

SURVEY REVEALS U.S. CHURCH ATTENDANCE ON THE INCREASE AFTER YEARS OF DECLINE

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The church is the last bastion of truth in many communities, as most institutions have been captured by the ideological Left. A recent survey reveals many Americans apparently now recognise the bankruptcy of ideologies pedalled by the Left and are truly searching for truth — truth found in gospel-preaching churches. So long as the church stays committed to God’s revealed truth in His word, the church offers a counter-narrative to much of what the world has sold.

According to research from the Barna Group released earlier this month, weekly church attendance reached a peak in 2009 with a 48% attendance rate among American adults. Since then, it has dropped and remained in the upper 20% range. However, preliminary data from 2025 suggests a potential uptick in weekly church attendance to approximately 32 percent.” Additionally, and perhaps more notably, 65% of the surveyed American adults disagree with the claim that “Church is not relevant in today’s world” — with 41% saying they “definitely disagree” and 24% saying they “somewhat disagree.”

Breaking it down between practicing and non-practicing Christians, 88% of those who are practicing said they either “definitely” or “somewhat” disagreed that church is irrelevant, followed by 67% of non-practicing Christians who “definitely” or “somewhat” disagreed as well.

Beyond attendance, the report highlights the social fabric of churchgoing. As The Christian Post summarised, “A majority of those surveyed (57%) said they talked to clergy before, during or after services. … 53% of churchgoers interact with ‘other attendees’ when going to church. … Exactly one-half of churchgoers (50%) reported they usually talk with a church staff member while at church,” and “one-third (33%) of those surveyed reported usually talking to church volunteers when they go to church.”

As the report emphasised, “These simple interactions represent important entry points for deeper discipleship community and leaders can help congregants consider how to strengthen those moments and take their Sunday engagement a step further.” In a deeper analysis, Family Research Council’s David Closson, the director of the Center for Biblical Worldview, shared with The Washington Stand, “As someone who has been around church for as long as they can remember, and as someone who has worked at and for the church for years, I am encouraged by recent reports that suggest most Americans reject the claim that church is irrelevant.” “As a Christian,” he added, “nothing could be more relevant than the church.” In fact, “Matthew 16 teaches that the church is God’s idea, and Jesus promises that even the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” Closson explained how a glance at what’s taken place over the last few years reveals the “variety of cultural developments that have likely demonstrated the importance of the church to many Americans who may have been disinclined to view the church favourably.”

Especially in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, Closson observed, “I think many of our friends and neighbours realised that when you shut the doors of the church, you release a host of social pathologies into the community. As such, perhaps “in large response to shutting down the church, many people realise just how important the church actually is.” Beyond this, Closson also pointed to how “the true church is the last institution that has consistently taken a stand against radical ideologies such as LGBT activism and critical race theory. And as long as a church stands on the Bible as authoritative, it is a countercultural influence that testifies to the created order and how God has set up the universe.”

“My hope,” Closson concluded, “is that this report points to a burgeoning revival that will draw more of our friends and neighbours into our churches where they will encounter the living gospel that alone can change their lives and save their souls.”

Sadly, most of the mainline denominational churches have compromised with the world on homosexuality, gay marriage and even transgenderism.

LIVING IN THE WORLD BUT NOT OF THE WORLD

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To be “in the world but not of the world” is one of those sayings that make sense, but it remains undeniably easier said than done. As Christians, we understand that we are in the world, passing through, on our way to eternity. We also understand that we are not to be of the world in the sense that we submit our lives to Christ, putting off the desires of the flesh, avoiding temptations, and resisting evil. We understand these things, but how can we ensure we’re living them out?

“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world,” Jesus prayed. “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” John 17:14-16

How do we juggle the balance of loving unbelievers while not condoning their worldliness? How can we navigate discourse between those we disagree with? For many of us, it may be safe to say that we have a sense of needing to find unity where we can with those around us. And yet, in that pursuit, we must not neglect the command to speak the truth boldly and in love. To help us with this endeavour, there are a few goals worth prioritizing.

  1. Put God and His Word first.

No matter what you’re doing, who you’re talking to, where you’re going, or what you’re hoping for, putting God and His word first is the most important task for the believer. Proverbs 3:6 states, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The two greatest commandments are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbours as ourselves. These are all in God’s word, and these are all rooted in putting God first. It’s glorifying to God to share His truth. It glorifies Him for us to love others and to be people who bear the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When He is the one our gaze is fixed upon, we see the world differently. We’re quicker to see others (especially those of the world) not merely as obstacles or irritants but as people made in the image of God. We see sinners not so much as stumbling blocks but as people needing saving — just as we all are.

If you want to be a light to everyone around you, then make sure the Source of light is deeply and firmly planted within you. Be engaged in His word. Seek Him daily in prayer. Earnestly seek to glorify Him in all that you do, and you just may find yourself walking in a posture ready to communicate with anyone about anything in a way that is dignified, loving, truthful, and fruitful.

  1. Understand the biblical definition of love.

Jesus said in John 13:35 that His disciples will be known for their love. Of course, what is loving in biblical terms does not align with what the world defines love to be. And so, if we’re to be in the world but not of it, we must come to terms with the fact that we will have conversations with people we don’t agree with that won’t go particularly well. We can do everything in our power to be cool, calm, and collected, but it doesn’t change the fact that the truth is inherently offensive to those of the world. But as Christians, we know there is nothing more loving than to share this truth. A precise definition of biblical love can be found in 1 John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” The truth can hurt, and it can hurt badly. But to experience hurt is not the same as to experience harm. The truth is love and freedom, and remembering this will help us hold our ground in conversations with people who are not like-minded. And at the end of the day, their responses are not in our control.

  1. Make sure you know what you believe and why.

This may actually be one of the most crucial steps to finding the balance of seeking unity while holding your ground. 1 Peter 3:15 states, “In your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Ephesians 4:15 talks about being equipped for ministry “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” The point is that we should have conviction about what we believe. We should be able to clearly define and defend it.

  1. Stay humble.

Humility is not only biblical, but it’s necessary for healthy dialogue. Humility helps us approach conversations with the right attitude. It helps us respond better to those who do not behave well. It helps us be more compassionate when we’re dealing with difficult people or having dicey conversations. We are all sinful, imperfect, messy humans. Humility reminds us of that.

Summary: Between the goals of putting God first, understanding what true love is, knowing what you believe, and staying humble, you will be walking a path to success. A great anonymous quote “Jesus sat with sinners; He didn’t sin with them. Know the difference.” And remember the words found in Luke 12: 11b-12: “Do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” He is always with us. And praise be that He gives us the strength, wisdom, and discernment needed to live in and not of this world.

This an abbreviated version of an article in The Washington Stand entitled Living in the World, Not of It: The Balance of Finding Unity While Standing Firm in Truth by Sarah Holliday

APOSTATE AMERICAN CHURCH

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Seth Gruber interviews Steve Dease about the current state of the church in the USA and what prompted him to produce his fictional film Nefarious, which is about the reality of demonic possession. Steve is committed to doing his utmost to get Christians to live out their Christian worldview totally trusting Jesus for the outcome.

Where was the American Church when America was descending into the progressive agenda? Steve Deace caught the cultural decline before most pastors did and stepped into the gap to educate Christians on how to stand in a culture of death. Deace and Gruber discuss the crumble of the Church and how Christians should respond to the modern Trump era.

BONHOEFFRER MOVIE IS BOUND TO ‘INSPIRE AND ENCOURAGE’

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Many of us want to believe that, in the face of severe adversity and risk, we would try to prove worthy of a memorable legacy. Indeed, should circumstances ever turn sour, we hope to fancy ourselves as brave, courageous, and willing to stand firm no matter the cost. And yet, for the vast majority of those who have not been severely challenged in such ways, how could we know for sure the way we would react? This is why examples of people who did stand firm amid trial are not just important, but necessary.

Deitrich Bonhoeffer is one of those examples. Maybe you’ve heard the name — maybe you haven’t. Nonetheless, it’s a name worth knowing. Bonhoeffer was a German theologian, pastor, and author. But what makes him stand out in ways not many can is that Bonhoeffer was also a spy and an assassin who sacrificed his life to take apart Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime’s Third Reich as they sought to exterminate the Jews. Bonhoeffer’s story is powerful, and at its very heart is the call to boldly oppose what is wicked — a call applicable to all.

For these reasons (and more), a team has been working tirelessly for over a decade to create the film, “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.” According to one of the producers, Camille Kampouris, the hope behind this movie is “to raise up men and women, old and young, to be like Bonhoeffer, to speak out when there’s evil.” According to The Christian Post, “Releasing in theaters this Thanksgiving weekend, the movie explores the theologian’s decision to shift from preaching peace to allegedly plotting murder, a crime that could alter the course of history.”

The film is unavailable for streaming as it has not yet been released. Check back in December 2024 for online viewing options.

Angel Studios has brought Bonhoeffer back to life by taking viewers on a cinematic journey of danger and determination. As Kampouris added, this movie also highlights both the failures of the church as well as “what a real Christian should be like.” Filmmaker Todd Komarnicki explained how “Bonhoeffer is unlike who we are today.” He added that this movie is not targeted specifically at a Christian audience, as Bonhoeffer’s story could impact anyone. He stated, “His singular courage, his willingness to lose everything, and he had a lot to lose, really stands out in a time where I don’t see a lot of political courage now. The way he grappled with his faith, in the way he was honest about his doubts … [and] followed his calling from God, all the way to the foot of the cross. This man’s life is so extraordinary.”

On Friday’s episode of “Washington Watch” with Family Research Council’s guest host Jody Hice, another producer of the film, John Scanlon, unpacked this striking narrative. According to Scanlon, “The movie is a beautiful production by top Hollywood talent about an amazing story.” More than that, Bonhoeffer is “an inspiring character and someone that will make you come out of the movie wishing that you could be a better version of yourself.”

Hice asked, “What was the experience like in filming a movie like this that you know is true?” For Scanlon, “[T]he experience every day of being on set was deeply spiritual.” He continued, “Bonhoeffer’s life is so rich and … he wrote so many wonderful works. … He was a very prolific author. And, of course, his experience in Harlem in the United States [and] his experience in Germany traveling around the world, all changed him and influenced his thinking.”

Ultimately, Scanlon emphasized, “the Bonhoeffer that we bring to the screen is complex. He’s a man of action as well as a man of thought and words. … I think that he can be an inspiration.” He concluded that for anyone of any worldview “who’s facing evil … I guarantee … they’ll find something in this film to inspire and encourage them. And that’s what we’re hoping for everyone in the audience.”

Sarah Holliday is a reporter at The Washington Stand.

HOW TO RAISE CHILDREN IN A WOKE CULTURE

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Mike Johnson Speaker in the USA House of Representatives talks to Family Research Council president Tony Perkins about his family life. According to Perkins most people can’t help but admire the Louisiana leader for staying focused on what matters at home — even in their whirlwind new life with him as Speaker. Most of the time, people want to know how their kids have stayed so grounded. Johnson said the secret isn’t that they’re amazing parents. The secret is knowing Who to turn to.

Mike Johson and his wife Kelly.

When confronting the woke culture, Perkins pointed out, so much of that “goes back to the parents and preparing the foundation … so that our children can be out there making a difference.” Johnson emphatically agreed. “People ask Kelly and [me] all the time … ‘How have you done this? Your kids are all really well-adjusted and great people.’ Well, there’s no secret to it,” he insisted. “We’re not extraordinary parents,” Mike wanted people to know.

“We just follow the rule book — we follow the Bible — and we teach them that [it’s] real. It is actually an instruction manual for life. And when you develop in your children a true biblical worldview and where they understand how it applies and how reliable it is, and that’s the only reliable thing there is, then it takes hold in their heart.”

Scripture lays it out pretty clearly, Johnson explained. “It reminds us that if you teach [children] that way, they will not walk away from it. And we’ve just focused on that, kept it simple, and made faith a real aspect of life woven into all seven days of the week — not just Sunday mornings. … And we’re blessed that they’re all walking with the Lord.”

He and Kelly think a lot about 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking with the Lord.” “And ours do, by God’s grace,” he said gratefully. “We pray that they continue to do that and I hope they will.”

USA PUBLIC SCHOOLS PROMOTE A GODLESS AGENDA

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A new documentary, “Brainwashed: The Indoctrination of America’s Youth,” warns that public schools promote a “godless” agenda. It calls on parents and churches to “wake up” and help today’s youth develop a biblical worldview. The godless, evolutionary worldview has been taught in schools and universities increasingly since the late 1960s (the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in Epperson v. Arkansas (1968) that Arkansas‘s law prohibiting the teaching of evolution was in violation of the First Amendment)

In an interview with The Christian Post, Coral Ridge Ministries CEO Robert J. Pacienza said the documentary’s target audience includes parents, grandparents, and “anyone concerned about the next generation.”

Pacienza told CP the documentary took about a year to make. He said he was inspired to make the film after seeing various reports about the messages America’s youth receive not only through social media and the entertainment industry but also at public schools and college campuses.

According to a report the advocacy group Parents Defending Education released last year, more than 1,000 school districts, representing 18,335 schools with more than 10.7 million students, have policies that permit or advise faculty to withhold information from parents about their child’s gender confusion. 

Another study released last year found that around 3,600 individuals between the ages of 12 and 18 underwent body-disfiguring gender transition surgeries across the United States between 2016 and 2020. 

In addition to raising concerns about what schools are teaching kids about gender, the documentary discusses school curricula centered on social-emotional learning, which some experts featured in the film argued is used to push “left-wing politics” in the classroom. 

The documentary notes that while schools promote politics and social justice topics, many students fail at fundamental subjects like reading, writing, and math.

“I just thought we needed something that is waking people up to what is happening,” Pacienza told CP. 

Pacienza said that one of the documentary’s goals is to provide parents with “real action steps” in response to what he described as “propaganda” from the progressive left. These steps might include limiting kids’ exposure to digital devices and having more conversations with them around the dinner table.

“So it’s not just a documentary that exposes the problem, but it also gives Christian parents and Christian grandparents and any Christian in America that cares about the next generation real tools and resources to help them fight against this godless agenda that’s targeting the youth in America,” Pacienza said.

Sadly, the documentary does not address the issue of evolution and billions of years which contradicts the Bible’s history of 6000 years. The worldwide flood of Noah’s day produced the fossils: billions of dead things all over the world, including fossil fuels. It did not need billions of years.

http://www.answersingenesis.org and http://www.creation.com provide essential resources for dealing with the issue of evolution and billions of years.