Far too often, we hear a statistic and assume, with very little evidence, that it is correct. Particularly, and quite oddly, Christian pastors and leaders seem vulnerable to quickly incorporating such into their proclamations.
For example, we are repeatedly told that Christian couples are divorced at the same rate as non-Christian couples. The clear implication is that Christianity, Jesus Christ, makes no practical relational difference in a person’s life.
The problem with comparing divorce of “Christian” couples to non-Christian couples is that one must have other factors to make sense of such. For example, most Americans claim to be Christian, but few true Christians would countenance such a claim. These comparisons do not take into account how active and dedicated these “Christian couples” are to their local church, prayer, following Scripture, growing in Christ, dying to self, humility, etc.
Every comparison that I have ever read that takes such vital considerations seriously, the conclusion is that Christianity makes an enormous difference. Even secular sociologists have noted in various ways that Christians we deem as dedicated are far different than nominal Christians.[1]
An example of comparisons that take these vital behaviors and beliefs into account was in the Fact Checker. What is at stake is, if Christ does not make a difference in marital relationships, then how can He really make a difference in a person’s relationship with God? If Christ does not make a difference in time, then how pray tell can He make an eternal difference?
The truth is that Jesus does make an eternal difference in one’s relationship with God, which must be nurtured by humility and must also precede riches in human relationships like marriage.
[1] See my book The Death of Man as Man.
