Arizona Christian University’s Cultural Research Center (CRC) has released a study indicating that only 39% of American churchgoers regard the Bible as their primary moral guide.
According to the CRC, these findings underscore concerns about diminishing biblical literacy and moral grounding within American Christianity. The report suggests that modern churches face challenges in addressing social, cultural, and political issues through a scriptural perspective. This has led many congregants to adopt secular or relativist views. Pastors are increasingly avoiding politically sensitive topics such as abortion, gender, and marriage, contributing to a disconnect between faith and public behavior. This trend reflects broader societal shifts where moral values once rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition have been replaced by cultural pluralism and ideological polarization.
The CRC study surveyed over 2,000 adult churchgoers across the nation. It found that only 46% of respondents vote based on candidates’ alignment with biblical principles, while just 51% believe Scripture clearly defines the morality of abortion. Additionally, 32% expressed a preference for socialism over capitalism, with 22% unsure of their stance. Adults under 50 were twice as likely as older respondents to favor socialism. These results highlight generational differences in moral and economic values among U.S. Christians.
Broader national data corroborates these findings. A 2024 Pew Research Center survey reported that only 37% of U.S. adults identify religion as their primary source of moral guidance, down from 52% in 2011. Among Christians specifically, those who say the Bible is “God’s literal word” decreased from 39% in 2016 to 30% in 2024. This decline parallels the rise of moral relativism and “spiritual but not religious” identification, particularly among younger Americans. The study linked these patterns to declining church attendance and weakened denominational influence.
The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University was founded in 2020 and is located in Glendale, Arizona. It conducts nationwide studies on faith, culture, and worldview trends under the leadership of veteran researcher Dr. George Barna. The center aims to equip Christian leaders with data to understand moral and spiritual shifts within American society through its flagship publication, the American Worldview Inventory.
