Although a recent survey revealed that only about 6 percent of American adults have a biblical worldview, according to a prominent Christian researcher there is reason for optimism.

“The truth of the matter is God has his remnant here in America,” says Dr. George Barna of the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. “There are millions of devoted followers of Christ here in America who are willing to do anything that God calls them and prepares them to do.”

Dr. Barna recently joined a Truth & Liberty livecast to discuss a number of issues, including why promoting a biblical worldview is important for America’s future.

Biblical Worldview Still Leads

Whether you know it or not, everyone has a worldview—a lens through which you see the world. According to Dr. Barna, among all worldviews – including secular humanism and Marxism – the biblical worldview is still most prevalent.

“What we’re seeing now is an increase in the proportion of Americans, and even spiritual leaders, who are tuning into this idea of biblical worldview,” says Dr. Barna. “It’s so important, because that’s the mental, the moral, the spiritual filter, the emotional filter that we use to make decisions.”

In contrast, the number of people who identify with a strictly Marxist worldview has dropped dramatically in the last two years. Seeing socialist principles promoted by leftist candidates in the last election had a significant impact.

“What we discovered is that most of the Americans who are saying that they would prefer socialism really didn’t know what it was,” says Dr. Barna. “It was the first time that tens of millions of Americans actually heard somebody talking in very specific terms about what socialism would look like – about what the impact of socialism might be on their lives – and that’s when we started to see the curve change.”

Equipping People to Be Active

It’s biblically based decision making that can impact a nation. In the recent election, people identified as “Spiritually Active Governance Engaged Conservatives” (SAGE Cons) made their biblical values known. About 97 percent of SAGE Cons voted, with 99 percent voting for President Donald Trump and his biblically conservative policies.

According to Dr. Barna, worldview begins developing in children at the age of 15 months and can be fully formed by 13 years old. He says churches and parents need to impact kids with solid teaching and shape a biblical worldview.

“There’s so much stuff that kids can absorb,” says Dr. Barna “We’ve got to stop thinking, ‘Oh, they’re so small. We’ll wait until they’re in their 20s.’ Too late. By then, the world’s already won them over.”

According to Dr. Barna, discipleship is the key to developing a biblical worldview, and Christians have to start making it a priority.

“The goal in ministry needs to be: We’ve been called by Christ to develop disciples,” says Dr. Barna. “If everything that we’re doing isn’t related to that outcome then we’re missing the boat.”

Learn More

To learn more about Dr. George Barna and his research, visit the Cultural Research Center website. To help develop a biblical worldview, check out the Biblical Worldview curriculum series created by Andrew Wommack Ministries.  

Watch the full episode at the Truth & Liberty website and visit our Research Center for great practical resources. Also learn how you can become a Truth & Liberty Coalition member and join us in standing for truth in the public square.