New Barna, CRC Research Unmasks America’s Faltering Relationship with God
CRC Staff | March 13, 2024 |
From the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University
Glendale, AZ —America is undergoing a profound spiritual shift—as fewer individuals are placing God at the center of their lives, according to new findings from the American Worldview Inventory 2025. This new research presents a stark picture of our nation’s faltering relationship with God and the profound implications of the deterioration of the belief in and reliance upon the God of the Bible.
“Americans are not just questioning God’s existence—they are actively pushing Him to the margins of their lives,” said Dr. George Barna, Director of Research at the Cultural Research Center (CRC) at Arizona Christian University. “Even in churches, where He is meant to be at the center.”
Dr. Barna describes this trend as not merely a decline in religious belief but an active push to the margins, even within churches. Among all American adults:
- Only 16% of American adults say God is the most important element in their life
- Just 40% believe the God of the Bible exists and actively influences human lives
- Fewer than one-third (31%) believe God is involved in every moment of their lives
- Only 9% claim to have an intimate, interactive relationship with Him
- A mere 14% say God has total influence over their daily decisions.
Even among those who profess belief in God, the study reveals a waning reliance on Him. Among individuals making up the 40% who still believe in the God of the Bible:
- 79% say He is important, yet only 38% claim He is the most important part of their life.
- 72% believe He is active in their lives, but far fewer consistently depend on Him.
- 66% say God has “a lot” of influence on their decisions, yet only 33% believe He has total influence over their choices.
Barna refers to this as “functional atheism”—a state where individuals acknowledge God’s existence yet fail to integrate their faith into their daily lives. This passive faith has led to a version of Christianity that bears little resemblance to its biblical roots.
The research builds on previous findings from the American Worldview Inventory 2025 that highlight the increasing redefinition of how Americans view God:
- While 71% of Americans believe in one or more deities, only 40% believe in the God of the Bible.
- Just 34% say they worship or follow the biblical God, marking a significant decline.
- Many are turning to alternative spiritual figures, including Mother Earth, the Universe, and various deities from non-Christian traditions.
This growing shift towards self-directed spirituality prioritizes comfort over biblical truth, leading to moral relativism and increased spiritual confusion.
The study reveals a decline in reliance on God for core aspects of life, even among those who believe in Him. Many no longer turn to God for:
- Moral boundaries and guidance.
- A sense of identity and purpose.
- Strength to fulfill His calling.
- A foundation for moral responsibilities.
- Security and direction in life.
This trend reflects a culture increasingly embracing self-autonomy and moral flexibility, further distancing itself from biblical principles.
Barna warns that America’s departure from biblical faith is not just an individual crisis but a national one. The redefining of faith into a convenient, self-centered belief system is leading to moral and societal decay. He argues that political, economic, and legal reforms cannot resolve this deep-rooted issue—only a return to God can.
He stresses that the only way forward is a sweeping national spiritual awakening. As he notes, without sincere repentance and a return to biblical faith, America’s decline will continue unchecked.
As the nation faces increasing challenges, Barna’s research findings highlight the urgent need for renewed faith, deeper commitment to biblical truth, and a restoration of the God of the Bible in daily life.
The American Worldview Inventory 2025: A National Study for Strengthening the Worldview of Americans from Dr. George Barna is designed to examine concerning trends in American beliefs about God, truth, sin, and salvation. It seeks to understand why these key aspects of American faith are weak and to provide practical insights for rebuilding a strong biblical worldview in our nation. This major research from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University is essential for understanding the nation’s current worldview landscape and for guiding future improvements, with approximately 12 reports planned for release in 2025.
The most recent AWVI 2025 report, “Americans Minimize the Role of God in Their Life (Report #2), is available here.
