Who Was The Mother Of Jesus?

Survey Exposes Bold Rejection Of Traditional Biblical Teachings

Renowned Christian researcher George Barna has issued a stark warning about the declining presence of Christianity among young Americans, emphasizing that the nation is on the brink of losing its Christian identity. This concern arises from recent findings by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, which revealed that preteens are increasingly rejecting beliefs associated with a biblical worldview.

The research, conducted through surveys of preteens, parents, pastors, teenagers, and adults, highlighted significant disparities in worldviews across different age groups. For instance, only 36% of preteens affirmed the belief that salvation is attained exclusively through Jesus Christ, compared to 54% of children’s pastors who held this belief. Similarly, while 21% of preteens acknowledged the Bible as the true word of God, higher percentages of parents (44%) and children’s pastors (62%) expressed agreement with this statement.

Moreover, a concerning trend emerged regarding the belief in absolute truths, with less than half of preteens, parents, and children’s pastors acknowledging their existence. Additionally, while a majority of children’s pastors identified knowing, loving, and serving God as life’s purpose, this sentiment was less prevalent among preteens and parents.

The study also examined the extent to which preteens engage with the Bible in their moral decision-making process, revealing that only a minority consistently consult the Bible for guidance on right and wrong. Despite these findings, there were similarities between the views of preteens and adults on certain theological matters, such as the means of attaining eternal salvation.

Barna attributed the decline in biblical worldview among preteens to the lack of adherence to such beliefs among the adults influencing them. He underscored the urgency of addressing this issue, stating that the development of children’s worldviews poses a critical challenge for the American Church.

The Cultural Research Center defines a biblical worldview as a framework for interpreting reality based on biblical principles. According to Barna, the diminishing prevalence of this worldview among adults and parents necessitates a concerted effort to instill such values in children from an early age.

Barna emphasized the formative nature of the preteen years and the importance of parents actively shaping their children’s worldview. He warned against leaving this task to external influences, stressing the need for intentional investment in nurturing a biblical perspective on life.

In conclusion, Barna called for a recommitment to worldview development among children, emphasizing the pivotal role of parents and the Church in shaping the next generation’s spiritual and moral foundation.