Faith runs deep

Some secular organizations profess to believe we’d be better off without religion.

Frankly, it seems to me our society is immersed in the effects and influences of religion. I expect that may be their point; however, I also expect we would not like the result of that absence.

If we appeal to a bit of history for detail, we’ll find plenty examples to bear that out. Sure, religion in general has its problems, but they’re surely not greater than the value of religion to society. The baby is far more valuable than the dirty bath water, so its certainly foolish to throw both into the street.

I’d like to demonstrate just one small influence of religion on society.

Have you heard or used some of these colloquialisms? “The four corners of the Earth,” “eating your words,” “feet of clay,” “queen of Sheba,” “ate up!,” “got clean away,” “at wit’s end,” “would to God,” “walk a mile in my shoes,” “a little bird told me,” “the blind leading the blind,” “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!,” “it’s always darkest before the dawn,” “just do it!,” “you’ da’ man!,” “by the skin of your teeth,” “older than dirt.”

Few people will realize the source, but they all come from our common, garden-variety, friendly neighborhood Bible!

We’re surrounded by the influence of its text, and positively influenced by far more than just a few interesting phrases.
 
David House
IU employee