Report Reveals A Shocking Decline In Belief In God
A recent survey by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University reveals that over half of Americans either do not believe in God’s existence or do not think He affects their lives. The study, part of the American Worldview Inventory 2025, shows that 60% of Americans fall into this category, including 47% of self-identified Christians and 40% of born-again Christians. The findings have prompted George Barna, director of research at the university, to call for “sweeping national repentance and spiritual renewal,” arguing that America’s most pressing need is spiritual healing, not political or legal reform.
The survey also highlights how many Americans have redefined God to fit their personal beliefs. Among those who believe in God, 38% consider Him the most important part of their lives, while 23% view Him as extremely important, and 18% as very important. However, there are others who see God as less central, with 14% describing Him as somewhat important and 5% saying He is not important at all. A small percentage indicated that their views on God’s influence vary.
In terms of the relationship with God, only 20% of those who believe in His existence report having an “intimate and interactive” connection with Him, marked by constant communication. A larger group, 45%, describes their relationship as close, involving frequent prayer and trust. However, 18% of respondents view their relationship with God as distant, and 7% are unsure how to describe it. This points to a significant diversity in how people experience their connection with the divine.
When asked about the influence God has on their lives, one-third of believers say He has a “total” influence, while another third report that He has a “lot” of influence. A smaller group (19%) claims God’s influence is “somewhat” present in their lives. Despite many acknowledging God’s influence, fewer than one in five believers recognize any life boundaries set by God, and only 24% see their identity as rooted in their relationship with Him. These findings suggest a disconnect between what people profess to believe and the deeper spiritual engagement that the research implies.
Barna emphasized that these survey results reveal significant challenges within American Christianity, pointing to a faith that often deviates from biblical teachings. He also noted that the survey shows a widespread lack of understanding about the responsibilities and boundaries that should come with a relationship with God. The data was collected from 2,100 U.S. adults in January, with a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points.