Korean Airline Flight #007 departed Anchorage, Alaska, on October 31, 1983, for its direct fight to Seoul, South Korea. However, unknown to the pilot and crew, the computer engaging the flight navigation system contained a one and a half degree routing error. At the point of departure, the mistake was unnoticeable; 100 miles out the deviation was still so small as to be undetectable. But as the giant 747 continued through the Aleutians and out over the Pacific, the error was picked up by Soviet radar. Jets were scrambled for the intercept, and over mainland Russia Flight #007 was shot out of the sky and all were lost.
Someone summarized the lesson to be learned by saying, “A small error at departure point resulted in tragic trajectory and a destructive finish.” In the same way, whenever we depart from God’s moral laws, we will find ourselves on a tragic trajectory of loss and a destructive finish.
Having a biblical worldview might be compared to a flight navigation system that sets us on a good trajectory concerning standards for morals, justice, and equity. The Assemblies of God denomination recently worked with Barna Research and found sobering statistics concerning the worldview of most Americans. The results tell us that we have some hard work ahead of us if we are going to change course and have a safe landing for families, churches, and culture. Here is what Barna found:
- Out of every 100 Americans, only 6% embrace a biblical worldview
- 61% of Millennials might identify as “Christians.” But only 2% have a biblical foundation for what they believe and actually hold a biblical worldview.
- 56% say pre-marital sex is acceptable, and 25% of all teens report feeling sexually attracted to someone of the same gender within the last 3 months.
- 35% have had suicidal thoughts within the last 3 months. ER visits for suspected suicide attempts rose 22% last summer as opposed to the previous summer and 39% in the winter compared to the previous winter.
- Nearly 50% of 13-to-15-year-olds admit to viewing pornography within the past 3 months.
The world is obviously not helping young people cope. The prophet Isaiah spoke for God to his struggling generation, “Come now, let us reason together!” (Isaiah 1:18).
While it’s true that you can’t force someone to act morally, it’s also true that good policy and legislation can protect people, religious freedom, and our culture from crashing and burning like Korean Air Flight #007.
Family Policy Alliance here in Rhode Island is working to change the worldview in our state to a biblical one. This Saturday I will begin teaching a new course for Northpoint Bible College and Graduate School called “Engage the State.” This new course will help pastors and leaders understand the difficult subjects of our day from a biblical perspective. Here are some of the topics we’ll cover: separation of church and state, homosexuality, transgenderism and sex education. Northpoint is committed to strong biblical training for ministers and church leaders.
I have also been part of planning a timely two-day conference on October 29-30 called “The Bible, Gender & Sexuality.” It’s put on by the Ministry Training Network of Southeastern New England I strongly encourage you and other leaders to attend. You can register here.
Dr. J Alan Branch, Professor of Christian Ethics at Midwestern Seminary and Dr. Michelle Cretella, Executive Director American College of Pediatricians are the main speakers. There will also be informative and practical workshops. This conference is designed to help pastors and church leaders to understand and address the difficult issues of our day from a biblical perspective and with grace, love, and understanding.
Rhode Island desperately needs a course adjustment. Please partner with us as we work with churches and legislators to make our state a place where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished.
For Faith and Family,
Dave Aucoin
Chairman, Board of Directors – Rhode Island
P.S. If you have a religious objection to a vaccine mandate at your school or workplace, here is a link where you can access resources from our friends at Alliance Defending Freedom.
