Only 10% of Americans Have A Biblical Worldview

Study reveals how many Americans have a Biblical worldview.

According to a survey published by the American Culture and Faith Institute, only 10 percent of Americans possessed a biblical worldview, despite 46 percent claiming to call themselves Christians.[/tweetit]

Only 10% of Americans Have A Biblical Worldview[/tweetthis]

The survey found 7 out of 10 Americans referred to themselves as Christians. However, when it came to answering Biblical or Christian questions, a majority of them lacked the knowledge.

George Barna, the director of the survey, stated the study collected information about the attitudes held by American Christians with regard to general topics such as pornography, stealing, lying, cheating, consequences of unresolved sin, and the nature of God.

The results indicated a significant discrepancy between the number of Americans calling themselves Christians and the number of Christians who actually held a biblical worldview. The final figure, according to Barna, was “alarming.”

However, it seems each individual did have their own worldview. Barna believes it is important to figure out which worldview a particular individual has embraced. The researcher believes in order to change culture, it is necessary to help people make the choices that lead to that transformation, which can only happen if the individual’s beliefs are first identified.

The survey assessed around 6,000 people from three different groups. The first group consisted of the “General Public,” the second one was made up of “Theologically Conservative Ministers,” and the third group was made up of "Spiritually Active, Governance Engaged Conservative Christians."

The survey questionnaire, consisted of 20 “Christianity 101” questions regarding spiritual beliefs and 20 more related to behavioral assessment. The answers to the 40 questions were reviewed by researchers within the context of biblical relevance. Finally, the number of answers that were in adherence with biblical teachings was calculated and tallied.

It was found that only 4 percent of respondents in the age group of 18 to 29 scored 80 percent  or higher, which according to the researchers, qualified them as integrated disciples. Integrated disciple is a term used to identify individuals who make lifestyle choices based on stated religious beliefs.

Barna believes such an instrument helps people differentiate between people who actually adhere to their beliefs and the ones who only make claims about the same. The researcher cited the biblical example of Jesus’s teaching concerning discernment based on observing the fruit of a person’s living.

However, Barna warned the study only aims to provide a fair estimate, rather than an absolute answer.

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