It’s a simple solution.
As the 2024 presidential election looms closer, a leading Christian researcher underscores the urgent need for a “spiritual awakening” in the United States to address the deep-seated division and polarization rampant in American politics.
The latest findings from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, unveiled through its fifth annual American Worldview Inventory, shed light on the prevailing ideologies shaping the nation’s psyche. Drawing from interviews with 2,000 U.S. adults in January, the survey delves into 14 distinct worldviews present within the populace.
Syncretism emerges as the predominant worldview, characterized by the amalgamation of diverse ideologies, beliefs, and principles into a customized blend. A staggering 92% of respondents identify with syncretism, eclipsing other worldviews.
Contrastingly, biblical theism, encapsulating an outlook grounded in biblical perspectives, garners a mere 4% adherence. The study gauges adherence to this worldview across various facets of life, including faith practices, moral convictions, and views on human nature.
Support for alternative worldviews such as Mormonism, nihilism, postmodernism, and secular humanism registers at 1% each. Notably, syncretism transcends religious affiliations, with 92% of Christians, comprising two-thirds of the population, embracing this worldview. Conversely, a mere 6% of Christians uphold a biblical worldview.
Within Christian denominations, syncretism prevails, particularly among Catholics, where 98% adhere to it. Protestants and Christians of other traditions also exhibit high syncretic tendencies, underscoring a pervasive trend.
George Barna, the director of the Cultural Research Center, underscores the implications of these findings for the forthcoming election. He emphasizes the futility of expecting political leaders to mend the nation’s fabric without a profound shift in societal worldviews.
Barna advocates for a revitalization of spiritual values, viewing it as the sole remedy for fostering unity and shared purpose. He stresses that expecting a sudden transformation is unrealistic, highlighting the need for sustained commitment to spiritual renewal.
Moreover, the survey identifies areas of consensus and discord among Americans on various worldview indicators. While many affirm the authority of the Bible and the importance of ethical conduct, disparities arise concerning moral absolutes, respect for others, and views on human life and morality.
In navigating these complexities, Barna posits that fostering a national consensus demands deliberate efforts to bridge ideological divides and cultivate a shared ethos. Only through a concerted commitment to spiritual renewal can America transcend its current state of division and embrace a collective vision for the future.