George Barna‘s latest research, which was primarily conducted through the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, provides a detailed examination of the state of biblical worldview among American Christians as of early 2025.
His findings reveal a significant decline in the adherence to a biblical worldview, which is defined as a perspective rooted in the belief that the Bible is true, authoritative, and applicable to all areas of life.
What is extremely troubling is that his latest research reveals a widespread rejection of the Trinity by people claiming to be Christians in the United States. Here is a summary based on his most recent studies:
1.) Low Incidence Among Adults: Barna’s American Worldview Inventory 2025 indicates that only 6% of U.S. adults possess a biblical worldview, despite 69% (approximately 176 million) identifying as Christians. This suggests that while many Americans claim a Christian identity, few consistently align their beliefs and behaviors with biblical principles.
2.) Decline Since the Pandemic: The research highlights a 33% drop in biblical worldview among adults since January 2020, falling from 6% to 4% by 2023, with indications that this downward trend is continuing. This decline is attributed to cultural shifts, the influence of media, and a lack of intentional worldview development in churches and families.
3.) Pastors’ Worldview Crisis: Probably the most shocking finding is one from 2022, reaffirmed in later studies, that shows only 37% of Christian pastors in the U.S. hold a biblical worldview, with 62% embracing syncretism—a blend of various beliefs from conflicting worldviews. Among youth and children’s pastors, the figure drops to 12%, raising concerns about the discipleship of younger generations. If the shepherds of the church are turning from biblical truths, is it any wonder that church attendees are also?
4.) Syncretism Dominates: Barna identifies syncretism as the prevailing worldview in America, with over 90% of adults adopting a personalized, inconsistent mix of beliefs. His 2025 research notes that 40% of adults believe in deities from competing religions, and 17% worship multiple deities, including some self-identified Christians blending Christian and non-Christian spiritual practices. Jesus repeatedly warned us to beware of false teachers!
5.) Generational Shifts: The research underscores a generational decline, with Generation Z being the most likely to mix Christian and non-Christian beliefs. Millennials also show a significant departure from biblical principles, with earlier studies noting only 2% hold a biblical worldview.
6.) Implications for Faith and Culture: Barna warns of a “spiritual confusion” with profound implications, including the potential “extinction” of biblical theism in America. He argues that the lack of biblical worldview among Christians—evidenced by only 53% of self-identified Christians recognizing the God of the Bible as a spiritual authority—contributes to a broader cultural and moral decline.
Barna emphasizes the need for intentional discipleship, particularly teaching children before age 13, when worldviews are primarily formed.
Worldview training (discipleship) has been our primary message in urging families to exit government schools. The importance of intentional biblical training is more and more important in a world that is becoming increasingly secular.
Developing a biblical worldview in children is not something parents can simply delegate to others. Ministry leaders, Christian school teachers, etc., can certainly support and help, but parents are central. (Prov 22:6) Parents must teach a biblical worldview which is then reinforced by other, trusted Christian leaders.
We also need to guard against those who would influence our children away from a biblical worldview (see Col 2:8). Safeguards relative to the influence of pop culture and social media are especially important.
Bottom line: Intense spiritual warfare is raging all around us. Faithfully reading God’s Word and a diligent prayer life are essential if we hope to be equipped for spiritual battle. We must put on the armor of God, which is listed in Ephesians 6:10-18. This provides us with everything we need to persevere and stand firm against spiritual attacks.
Regular family discussions at the kitchen table are also very important. Discussing current news and trends with a biblical perspective is necessary so that each member can process the issues of the day and respond in ways that glorify our Heavenly Father.
But we can’t do that if we don’t know the God of the Bible.
Give Him Thanks…
-Thank God for Good Friday, Easter Sunday and His plan to redeem mankind from the penalties of sin and rebellion. (John 3:16-21)
-Thank God for His hand of protection and blessings on our nation over 249 years. Thank Him for the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and our Bill of Rights.
-Thank God for our children, grandchildren, extended family members, and the blessings they bring into our lives.
-Thank God for the opportunities we have to make a difference in the culture, and in the lives of those around us. May He use us for His glory.
-Thank God for our farmers and ranchers, who are diligently preparing to plant crops and raise livestock to sustain the nation.
-Thank God for our active military members, our veterans, our first responders and emergency medical teams who serve and protect our communities.
Please Pray…
-Parents and grandparents will prioritize biblical worldview training so their children would be able to recognize the lies of the culture that are being sold to them regularly. If you don’t feel confident in your knowledge of the Bible, study it together and learn together. That paints a beautiful picture that is pleasing to our Lord.
-For the children who are growing up in a secular culture. Pray for God’s hand of protection on them physically, mentally, and spiritually. Pray that they come to seek God diligently throughout their lives (Jer 29:13; Isa 55:6) and respond to His calling (John 6:44; Eph 2:10). Do your very best to influence those the Lord has put near you.
-That church leaders will understand the worldview crisis exposed by Barna’s research and will respond deliberately to encourage faithful home discipleship.
-That the Church will wake up and take its rightful place as culture changer. Pray for a better understanding of the Lordship of Christ over every aspect of existence – including the political realm.
-That call themselves Christians desire to be salt and light in a manner that brings God glory.
-Against the spirit of apathy that grips far too many Christians. (Rev 3:15-22)
-That Christians would not only recognize the flood of lies pouring into our culture, but would also be bold and courageous enough to respond biblically to expose wickedness (Eph 5:11). It only takes a little light to dispel darkness (Matt 5:16).
-Against pending legislation that would legalize assisted suicide, prostitution, and more drugs; laws that protect criminals, and onerous government regulations (and penalties) on home education (Isa 5:20).
-Pray for President Trump and his administration, especially as they seek to bring peace to Israel and Ukraine.
-Pray for persecuted Christians around the world. May their testimony of Christ make converts and that they would have the courage and wisdom to share their faith despite the dangers they face.
-For churches in the Chicago area to courageously speak truth in the culture.
-That Christians would realize the importance of being God’s ambassadors in every aspect of our culture, especially the public square.
-That God will raise up His people to positions of authority in both business and government. People that are not afraid to openly align themselves with God’s truths. Individuals that desire to lead in a manner that is contagious and Gospel oriented.
-For the staff and board members of Illinois Family Institute and Illinois Family Action: that God would send volunteers, resources and funding to better execute His mission here in Illinois.
-God would give the people a spirit of wisdom and repentance for their apathy, ignorance, biblical illiteracy and love of sin.
