Stroop’s 1949 classic is still relevant today

Seventy years have passed since J. Ridley Stroop wrote “Why Do People Not See the Bible Alike?” But this book remains a must-read for all of today’s Christians.

Written in 1949 by Stroop, who taught psychology at David Lipscomb College (now Lipscomb University), it’s an easy read. It’s also excellent for answering important questions.

We are to learn God’s Word, apply God’s Word and teach God’s Word, Stroop writes. Our teaching should cause people to become a certain kind of people. This is possible because God’s word has never changed, and human nature has not changed.

One reason why people do not see the Bible alike is a lack of knowledge. Stroop cites several examples of ignorance in the New Testament — among the Jews, the Gentiles and the religious leaders of the day, the Sadducees and the Pharisees. 

Another reason people do not see the Bible alike is deception, a  human weakness. Eve was deceived, and Paul feared deception among the Corinthians. Deception was pointed out to the Ephesians as the cause of their former corruption.

Another human weakness is conceit, an excessive opinion of one’s ability or importance (Romans 1:21-22 and 1 Corinthians 3:18). We must measure ourselves by God’s word.

Stroop does not attempt to condemn or justify any religious group. We all stand or fall before God as individuals.

Jerry Bailey is an elder of the Southside Church of Christ in Portland, Ind.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn money from qualifying purchases made through the links on this page.

Filed under: Churches of Christ disagreeing about the Bible Opinion Reviews Understanding the Bible