In a world overflowing with information, The Gospel Coalition’s new initiative, The Carson Center for Theological Renewal, goes to war against biblical illiteracy and the need to preserve the true teachings of the Bible amidst modern cultural shifts.
Named in honor of TGC co-founder Don Carson, this initiative underscores the importance of holding fast to God’s Word in its purest form and passing on a profound understanding of Scripture to future generations.
Collin Hansen, the editor-in-chief of The Gospel Coalition, highlights the pressing need to address biblical illiteracy, not only in Western countries but also in the thriving churches around the world. He recognizes that spiritual revival hinges on a return to the unaltered and divinely-inspired teachings of the Bible. Despite the easy access to the Bible through the internet, many popular resources for studying God’s Word are either inadequate or promote false teachings.
The Carson Center’s mission is crystal clear: to equip leaders of Bible studies and discussion groups with the tools they need to tackle tough questions while staying true to the Scriptures. They offer resources such as theological journals, academic books and free materials that empower individuals to delve deeply into the Bible, regardless of their formal training.
Looking forward, The Carson Center plans to create a comprehensive digital collection to serve church leaders worldwide. Additionally, it aims to gather and share a wide range of biblical and theological materials while nurturing a select group of fellows who will create resources for the next generation of church teachers.
As the American Bible Society’s “State of the Bible 2023” report reveals, young people’s engagement with Scripture has steadily declined over the past three years. This concerning trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive biblical education, particularly for the younger generation.
Don Carson, in a 2019 interview with The Christian Post, emphasized the importance of instilling the fundamentals of faith through family devotions and prayer from a young age. He stressed the significance of exposing children to quality literature, teaching them the Bible through family devotions and living out a consistent faith as parents.
Furthermore, Carson highlighted the importance of demonstrating compassion for the less fortunate and involving children in missions. This hands-on approach helps young believers witness their parents’ commitment to more than just a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
In addition to The Carson Center, The Gospel Coalition has launched the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics, aimed at helping Christians adapt to a rapidly changing cultural landscape. Inspired by the late TGC co-founder Tim Keller, this initiative seeks to raise and support a new generation of evangelists and apologists who can effectively communicate the unchanging gospel in a dynamic world.
Younger individuals often leave Evangelical churches due to a lack of guidance in navigating secular narratives and arguments. Tim Keller emphasized the center’s role in providing apologetic training, not only for evangelism but also for the formation of strong faith. The hope is that, in the future, initiatives like the Keller Center will help reverse the trend of young people leaving the church, ensuring that more enter its doors than exit.
In a world where biblical truths are continually challenged and diluted, The Carson Center and The Keller Center stand as beacons of unwavering faith, committed to preserving the Word of God and nurturing the faith of generations to come.
Through sound teaching, deep biblical literacy and unswerving devotion to Scriptural truths, these initiatives pave the way for a stronger, more resilient church that can boldly proclaim the gospel in an ever-changing world. {eoa}
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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