Literacy Bible Reading and Church Growth Through the Ages

<p><strong>Scripture Literacy and Growth</strong></p><p></p><p>Church history from Apostolic times to the present reveals that in virtually every country around the world A Bible-reading laity was an important factor in the growth of the church both numerically and spiritually. </p><p></p><p>The importance of this study is found in the challenge to the church today. There are still some 800000000 adults and teenagers who are illiterate unable to read God's word or other Christian literature. In many areas of rapid church growth it is impossible for lack of literacy to train enough leaders to keep up with the vast people movements. In Asian countries which comprise 57% of the world's population the demand is for Christian literature that truly speaks to the needs of the people. The Chinese revere teachers and literature. In Japan the Bible is the best seller. In India in 1967 the Light and Life Bible Correspondence School reported more than one and a half million people enrolled 85% of whom were non-Christians.</p><p></p><p>Further research may reveal new approaches to the Chinese Hindus and Muslims but Christian literature will assume a major rule in the winning of these people for Jesus Christ.</p>