Are you a “low-information Christian”? Since the 2012 election we’ve been hearing a lot about “low-information voters” or “lo-fo’s.” The term was coined by political scientist Samuel Popkin in 1991 and it referred to people who voted for politicians based on popularity as opposed to having substantial knowledge of the candidate’s political philosophy or background. The uninformed voter is more likely to vote for someone they perceive as “cool” or “good looking” or on the basis of gender, race, or sexual preference.

I’m guessing that most people wouldn’t want to be characterized as being “low-information” anything, but the odds are the “lo-fo’s” don’t even realize they are uninformed, misinformed or ill- informed.

What is a “low-information Christian”? Do you know one? Are you one? Think of all the Christians who seldom, if ever question their own beliefs. For those who have questioned their belief system, is that a one-time proposition or a lifelong process of growth and overcoming?

In Matthew 5, Jesus likened Christians to salt. In verse 13, he said this: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”

A “low-information Christian” might never have even heard that warning from Jesus if he wasn’t familiar with God’s Word. The Bible is replete with guidance about the need to self-examine and reevaluate, and it shows us how to do it. It’s our “owners manual.” It contains everything we need to know about the Christian way of life.

The “low-information Christian” is missing out on the profusely abundant blessings God pours out on those who enthusiastically seek to learn more about him and his plan. Sadly—and scarily—too many Christians neglect the rich opportunity to learn more about God and Jesus and the adventure they are offering us. We can be involved in that adventure if we make it a daily part of our lives spending time reading that Book of Books.