This week I decided to drop out of my Bible study group, at least for the next few months. I came to this decision after reading one page of the guide for the group’s upcoming 10-week study of Dr. David Jeremiah’s book, Where Do We Go From Here? The woman who recommended this book to our small group warned us that it was political. Even so, I was surprised to find the first page of the introduction laced with Republican buzz words.

“A future pandemic could lead to emerging globalism.”

“The world is full of people who are ready to…cancel anyone who disagrees with them.” This leads “to eroding religious liberty at home.”

“Many professed Christians are abandoning their faith, creating a vacuum for the rising tide of Marxism.”

I have always been independent politically and otherwise. I have no allegiance to a political party. In these troubling times, politics is especially divisive. Meeting with a group of women who are likely to embrace Dr. Jeremiah’s biased teaching will upset me too much.

Globalism. Religious liberty. Marxism. Socialism. Cancel culture. Critical race theory. I believe these words are used to instill fear in the minds of the Republican base. Sadly, this tactic works too often with believers.

I bought the study guide so I am going to read and study it critically. How well does Dr. Jeremiah support his assertions with facts? Does he have a political agenda?

Beauty school dropout. Go back to high school.

Bible study dropout. Go back to the word.

Lord, I pray for wisdom and discernment as I read the study guide to Where Do We Go From Here? Show me your ways, teach me your paths. Give me the courage to share your truth.

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

Matthew 7:15

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