Only 6% of Americans have a Biblical Worldview. The first question to answer is, what is the definition of a Biblical Worldview?
Definitions are often boring and, for some, get in the way of making convenient generalizations on various topics. It is so much easier for us to set our own, internal definitions, groomed in such a way as to strengthen our preconceptions. In the end, especially when dealing with polls, it’s important to know what the pollster, used as the basis for defining their terms.
Center for Biblical Worldview
The Center for Biblical Worldview (CBW) represents a joint effort from George Barna of the Barna Group, and Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council. In May of 2021, the group issued its first “Perceptions about Biblical Worldview and Its Application”. It represented a compilation of past polling from Barna and others. Results are somewhat based on the definitions below:
Biblical Worldview (BW) – as defined by CBW
“We believe a person exhibits a biblical worldview when their beliefs and actions are aligned with the Bible, acknowledging its truth and applicability to every area of life.”
The study was conducted from a sample of 1000 adults randomly selected from across the nation. Interviewers asked 37 questions, with each respondent taking an average of 17 minutes to complete.
Key findings from the study included…
Among Adults…
- 51% claim they have a BW vs. 6% who do.
- 80% of born-again Christians claim they have a BW vs. 19% who do.
- 81% who attend an evangelical church claim they have a BW vs. 21% who do.
- 73% who attend a charismatic church claim they have a BW vs. 16% who do.
- 69% attending a mainline church claim they have a BW vs. 8% who do.
- 57% attending a Catholic church claim they have a BW vs. 1% who do.
Among Age Groups…
- Millennials – 44% claim a BW, yet only 4% have one.
- GenXers – 53% claim a BW, yet only 6% have one.
- Baby Boomers – 54% claim a BW, yet only 8% have one.
- Elders – 62% claim a BW, yet only 9% have one.
Among Ethnicity
- White – 48% claim a BW, yet only 7% have one.
- Hispanic – 59% claim a BW, yet only 3% have one.
- Blacks – 63% claim a BW, yet only 5% have one.
- Asians – 45% claim a BW, yet only 4% have one.
Among Political Ideology
- 74% of Conservatives claim a BW, yet only 16% have one.
- 49% of Moderates claim a BW, yet only 3% have one.
- 33% of Liberals claim a BW, yet only 1% have one.
Conclusion
Reviewing the data, it quickly becomes apparent that what people think they believe (a Biblical Christian Worldview) is not what they are actually willing to accept when pressed. What is perhaps most shocking, if one is willing to accept the data, is that among those who attend evangelical churches, 81% claim to have a Biblical Christian worldview, however when questioned in detail, only 21% are willing to fully accept its tenants. Looking deeper into the demographics it should not be a surprise that our acceptance of those theological constructs deteriorates the younger the generation polled. That reality, if left unchecked, does not bode well for our future.
This is just further documentation that America has long since left its position as a Christian nation, regardless of the rhetoric of its population to the contrary. Undermining it all is the realization that, when pressed on contemporary issues that run counter to a Biblical Christian worldview, many submit to evolving cultural norms rather than remaining “aligned with the Bible, acknowledging its truth and applicability to every area of life.”
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, – 2 Timothy 3:16
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Jeff Hilles | BCWorldveiw.org, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit
