A recent study–American Worldview Inventory 2021 (Release #1)–revealed that only 6% of adults in the U.S. hold a biblical world view. The study went on to paint an unflattering view for the Church and the state of Christianity in America:
Our studies show that Americans are neither deep or sophisticated thinkers…
American Worldview Inventory 2021 (Release #1)
Americans have become selfish and emotion-driven, leaving logic behind. To promote a way of life that pushes us to think more clearly, consistently, and purposefully will take time and effort, and will be uncomfortable.
American Worldview Inventory 2021 (Release #1)
Most people seem more interested in living a life of comfort and convenience than one of logical consistency and wisdom.
American Worldview Inventory 2021 (Release #1)
Our children will continue to suffer the consequences of following in the unfortunate footsteps of their parents and elders. People who are willing to fight for a more reasonable way of thinking and acting can make a difference but it will be slow progress.
American Worldview Inventory 2021 (Release #1)
The church has abandoned deep thinking and we are paying the price for it. A separate report —American Worldview Inventory 2021 (Release #3)–found that those among the four adult generations still living, labeled as “Don’ts” (people who do not know, believe, or care if God exists), increases with younger generations: Builders and Boomers (28%), Gen X (31%), and Millennials (43%). We are losing ground as Christians because we have failed to train our children and grandchildren how to think. We have abdicated our responsibility to educate and train our children to the public school system, colleges and universities, news media, social media, and culture. It is time we take ownership of our Christian duty to “train up” our children and grandchildren.
Our fight is not strictly limited to education, as is noted by George Barna:
“Barna noted that in more than 25 years of studying worldview in America he has discovered that people generally adopt worldview beliefs and behaviors that they encounter in arts and entertainment vehicles, in news reports, in political statements made by public leaders, and through conversations experienced with people they trust.”
American Worldview Inventory 2021 (Release #1)
We have surrendered the arts, entertainment, politics, and the daily news cycle to a worldview that does not support or reinforce a biblical worldview. And in our highly advanced tech-centered culture, we have forsaken the fundamental building blocks of community–our families, friends, and neighbors. We are building relationships with technology and losing our connections with people. We not only have to educate the next generation, we have to reclaim our position in the culture as creatives and creators, as well as friend and neighbor.