Barna's Annual Tracking Study Shows Americans Stay Spiritually Active, But Biblical Views Wane (a portion of the article available from the Barna website http://www.barna.org/. )
"It is not unusual to spot minor ebbs and flows in what adults believe. However, the 2007 study of the nation’s core beliefs found that five out of six theological perspectives have shifted in recent years away from traditional biblical views. This includes perspectives about three spiritual figures: God, Jesus, and Satan.
Most Americans still embrace a traditional view of God, but they are less likely than ever to do so. Currently two-thirds of Americans believe that God is best described as the all-powerful, all-knowing perfect creator of the universe who rules the world today (66%). However, this proportion is lower than it was a year ago (71%) and represents the lowest percentage in more than twenty years of similar surveys.
Few adults possess orthodox views about Jesus and the Devil. Currently, just one-third of Americans strongly disagree that Jesus sinned (37%) and just one-quarter strongly reject the idea that Satan is not a real spiritual being (24%). Each of these beliefs is lower than last year and among the lowest points in nearly two decades of tracking these views.
The other changes in beliefs include greater reluctance to explain their faith to other people (just 29% strongly endorse this view, compared with 39% in 2006) and the willingness to reject good works as a means to personal salvation (down to 27% from 31%).
Given these shifts, it is ironic that the only religious belief that was unchanged from previous years was the belief that the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches. Not quite half of Americans (45%) strongly assert this perspective." *
It seems that culture is moving away from an orthodox view of the Christian faith, and the church is following. As the bible asks, Psa 11:3 "If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?" One thing we can do is make sure we believe correctly. As I've mentioned before theology matters, and it matters because of this very article....when Christians don't know what they believe, and are not willing to make a stand for what they believe then the church will gradually lose to the culture.
So, this is an opportunity to discuss the "fundamentals." What are those most important things that you believe? You get to pick only 5. What are the 5 things you believe and will not recant? What are your fundamentals?
I ask this because I know that most of us have not really thought through those things we believe that are THE non-negotiables. You can see by the Barna article that personal beliefs, for most people, are now adjustable....something to fit with what I believe, instead of me believing what God says.
This should be a fun discussion....I invite you to take some time to look at your core faith issues, even if you don't comment here...
*Part of an article by © The Barna Group, Ltd, 2007.Copyright Disclaimer: All the information contained on the barna.org website is copyrighted by The Barna Group, Ltd., 1957 Eastman Ave. Ste B, Ventura, California 93003. No portion of this website (articles, graphs, charts, reviews, pictures, video clips, quotes, statistics, etc.) may be reproduced, retransmitted, disseminated, sold, distributed, published, edited, altered, changed, broadcast, circulated, or commercially exploited without the prior written permission from The Barna Group, Ltd.
8 comments:
1.) There is one God, being three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, creator of all things.
2.) Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, and is both God and man.
3.) Jesus lived a perfect life among his creation, as his creation; making his death on the cross the perfect sacrifice.
4.) Jesus, after his death on the cross, was raised again to life three days later; and is now alive, seated at the right hand of the Father.
5.) The life of Christ (salvation) is given to man by the grace of God through faith.
-- Ryan
1. The Bible is the inerrant Word of God.
2. Jesus is God and the only means to have a relationship with God is because of His death on the cross.
3. Salvation is a free gift and can't be earned.
4. Salvation cannot be lost.
5. Spiritual warfare is real.
Man, 5 things really doesn't cover it.
Lori,
I know! But isn't it great that we have more than 5 we are convinced of? Ryan, Lori...great choices. thanks.
As my own personal theology is in a state of flux I found this exercise a bit overwhelming. I hope the fact that I read you every day will excuse my lack of more definitive answers.
1. God, our creator, is good.
2. What I know is a tiny fraction of what there is to know about God.
3. Man's relationship with the creator was broken many millenia ago.
4. The arrival of God in the flesh, Jesus, set right man's relationship with the Creator.
5. There are great benefits in knowing about #4, yet grace will ultimately win the day for all.
Blessings from Kel in Atlanta
Kel and Karla,
thanks for your comment, and glad to know you like the posts. thanks.
That is good information, Mike. It would be interesting to view a similar survey concerning Canada, where I live. I would think that there is less acceptance of Biblical Christianity in Canada per capita than in the United States.
1. God is one, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
2. We have been created both for relationship with God and for His glory.
3. Sin means we are not what God intended us to be. He has taken responsibility for overcoming the consequences of sin. All three persons of the Trinity are involved in that solution.
4. God pursues relationship through offering us Himself.
5. When we are submitted and united with Him by faith all that He is becomes available in us.
I believe its time to turn on a little praise music!
I believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and the Savior of the world. God has raised him up, and He is come in the flesh.
I think that is five. Rather than fundamentals, I like to think of these as confessions of faith. The problem with fundamentals is that they are often reductionist, and sometimes exclusionary. By revealing my own beliefs, I wish in no way to exclude others of any stripe or belief, for I realize that the Christ is so much more.
URfriend,
Dean Johnson
P.S. Mike, I appreciated the opportunity to respond to your queries on my URfriendly Reflections blog. Blessings.
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