Search Religion News

Show summaries



Religion News
Israeli News

Top News Stories
U.S. Political News
Canadian News

Christian Magazines
Link To Us

Bible Resources
• Bible Study Aids
• Bible Devotionals
• Audio Sermons
Community
• ChristiansUnite Blogs
• Christian Forums
• Facebook Apps
Web Search
• Christian Family Sites
• Top Christian Sites
• Christian RSS Feeds
Family Life
• Christian Finance
• ChristiansUnite KIDS
Shop
• Christian Magazines
• Christian Book Store
Read
• Christian News
• Christian Columns
• Christian Song Lyrics
• Christian Mailing Lists
Connect
• Christian Singles
• Christian Classifieds
Graphics
• Free Christian Clipart
• Christian Wallpaper
Fun Stuff
• Clean Christian Jokes
• Bible Trivia Quiz
• Online Video Games
• Bible Crosswords
Webmasters
• Christian Guestbooks
• Banner Exchange
• Dynamic Content
Subscribe to our Free Newsletter.
Enter your email address:

Religion News
 You're here » News Main Index » Religion News
Religion News
Printer friendly version
Email page to a friend
Link to this story

Top Stories of 2004: Survey Says Only Half of Pastors Have 'Biblical' Worldview

by Fred Jackson and Jody Brown
December 21, 2004
Like This Page?

(AgapePress) - A new survey indicates that when it comes to developing a biblical worldview, a good place to start may be with the people in the pulpit.

What constitutes a "biblical" worldview? Christian researcher George Barna says it includes a belief in absolute moral truth as defined by scripture, as well as acceptance of six core biblical beliefs: the accuracy of biblical teaching, the sinless nature of Jesus, the literal existence of Satan, the omnipotence and omniscience of God, salvation by grace alone, and the personal responsibility to evangelize.

In a recent survey of Protestant pastors conducted by the Barna Research Group, only half (51%) passed the test on whether they possess a biblical worldview. Of the pastors surveyed, Southern Baptists scored the highest with 71% while United Methodists finished at the bottom with just 27%. In between were 57% of pastors of Baptist churches (other than Southern Baptist), 51% of pastors of non-denominational Protestant churches, 44% of pastors of charismatic or Pentecostal churches, 35% of pastors of black churches, and 28% of pastors of leading mainline denominations.

Another point of interest in the survey dealt with education. The pastors least likely to have a biblical worldview were seminary graduates. There was also a significant gender gap in the results. While 53% of male pastors possessed a biblical worldview, only 15% of female pastors fit that category. In addition, white senior pastors were nearly twice as likely as black senior pastors to have a biblical worldview (55% vs. 30%).

And interestingly, the highest proportion of pastors showing evidence of a biblical worldview were found in the area of the country inhabited by people who are considered among the most liberal. According to Barna, almost two-thirds (64%) of pastors in California, Oregon, and Washington "have such a moral and spiritual compass in place."

Read the Barna Report in its Entirety

This report comes on the heels of another recent Barna survey that indicates only 9% of all born-again adults -- and just 7% of Protestants -- possess a biblical worldview. This more recent survey, the researcher says, highlights a simple but important principle: "you can't give people what you don't have."

"The low percentage of Christians who have a biblical worldview is a direct reflection of the fact that half of our primary religious teachers and leaders do not have one," Barna says. "In some denominations, the vast majority of clergy do not have a biblical worldview, and it shows up clearly in the data related to the theological views and moral choices of people who attend those churches."

Why is a biblical worldview important? According to Barna, everyone has a worldview, but few have a biblical worldview -- which the researcher says has a radical effect on a person's life. He says individuals' attitudes, beliefs, values, and opinions determine their behavior.

"Although most people own a Bible and know some of its content, our research found that most Americans have little idea how to integrate core biblical principles to form a unified and meaningful response to the challenges and opportunities of life," he says. "We're often more concerned with survival amidst chaos than with experiencing truth and significance."

Barna's research indicates that adults with a biblical worldview possess radically different views on morality, hold divergent religious beliefs, and demonstrate vastly different lifestyle choices.

Discuss this article in the ChristiansUnite Discussion Forums

Back to Religion News Headlines.




More From ChristiansUnite...    About Us | Privacy Policy | | ChristiansUnite.com Site Map | Statement of Beliefs



Copyright © 1999-2019 ChristiansUnite.com. All rights reserved.
Please send your questions, comments, or bug reports to the

NOTE: News and information presented on this web site is for informational purposes only. ChristiansUnite.com does not necessarily endorse the views and opinions expressed.