CRC: among American Christians surveyed only 6 percent hold biblical worldview [video]

Last updated on: August 3, 2020 at 12:18 pm by Bethany Blankley

CRC: among American Christians surveyed only 6 percent hold biblical worldview [video] 2020-08-03T12:18:29-05:00 Bethany Blankley

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

“America seems to be in a freefall – morally, politically, culturally – our founding values and the biblical worldview seemingly fading forever,” the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, argues. But it’s also attempting to do something about it. “Cultural transformation is possible,” it argues.

According to recent survey results, spiritual ineptitude and biblical illiteracy defines the majority of American Christians surveyed. The survey found that while 7 out of 10 Americans consider themselves to be a Christian, only 6 percent actually hold a biblical worldview.

What is a biblical worldview?

A worldview, which everyone has, is a “core belief,” or the German concept of Weltanschauung. No English word can adequately translate the German meaning, but its concept embodies what American-Swiss evangelist, Francis Schaeffer, called, a worldview.

Our worldview is so important that it constitutes a person’s definition of reality, truth, and falsehood. One’s worldview defines a person’s identity, shaping how he or she perceives others and him or herself.

A biblical worldview, PursueGod.org, explains, “is one that is shaped by the Bible and centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ.” This worldview holds three keys points to be true:

“1) Truth: God’s Opinion, Not Mine: A biblical worldview elevates God’s opinion above all others, seeing it as the very definition of truth. The Bible guides us, not our culture.

“2) Submission: God’s Terms: Not Mine Christians with a biblical worldview allow the Bible to be authoritative in their everyday lives. They come to God on his terms, not their own.

“3) Relationship: Love God, Love People: The story of the Bible is about a relationship with God and with people. Christians with a biblical worldview are pursuers of God, not just students of the Bible.”

The American Worldview Inventory 2020 was complied by Dr. George Barna, director of research at the CRC and professor at Arizona Christian University. He founded the Barna Group, a research company, and written more than 50 books.

The survey identified several significantly worrying trends:

1/5 (one-fifth or roughly 21 percent) of evangelical Protestant church attendees and 1/6 (one-sixth or roughly 16 percent) of charismatic or Pentecostal church attendees hold a biblical worldview. Smaller percentages exist among attendees of mainline Protestant (8 percent) and Catholic (1 percent) churches.
The number of American adults who hold a Biblical worldview has declined by 50 percent in the last 25 years.
Next generation Christians indicate a worsening trend. According to the survey results, only 2 percent 18 to 29-year-olds hold a biblical worldview.

Len Munsil, ACU president, said of the results:

“Why is it dangerous that so few Americans have a biblical worldview? We see it now with our response to the COVID19 pandemic. Unlike past national crises – including the Great Depression and World Wars – when Americans responded with charity, prayer and hope, today we are seeing widespread hoarding, panic and hopelessness.

“A biblical worldview says ‘love your neighbor’ and brings hope, joy, faith and prayer to any trial or any crisis. When a large percentage of Americans no longer think biblically, the societal response is completely different.”

Because the churches where these survey respondents attend to not appear to be teaching the truths of the Bible, groups like the CRC and PursueGod.org, among others, are.

CRC says, “We have a plan to restore the biblical worldview and God’s truth to all areas of our culture.” It has begun conducting intentional biblical worldview training at Arizona Christian University, arguing, “Nothing is more important than restoring knowledge, acceptance, and application of biblical truth, starting with college students.”

Christianity

American Worldview Inventory 2020

Arizona Christian University

biblical literacy

biblical worldview

Dr. George Barna

Previous Post

August 1, 2020

New BSF study in Genesis includes artwork from members around the world-- and collection is impressive

Next Post

August 6, 2020 Another pastor takes a stand against Newsom, evangelical stalwart John MacArthur [videos]

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Christianity Islam politics Sexuality transgender Uncategorized

Select a Month January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 October 2019 September 2019 July 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 June 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 October 2016 July 2016 June 2016 April 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 November 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What did David take from Saul's camp while he was sleeping?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Crown and robe Sword and scroll A sack of gold Spear and water jug