Confusion Among U.S. Christians.

In a recent survey of “self-identified Christians” in the U.S., the Barna Research Group unearthed some interesting findings.

First, 40% of respondents stated that Satan was not a “real” being, but rather just a “symbol” for evil. Only about 30% identified Satan as a real, evil being.

Next, while nearly half of respondents stated emphatically that Jesus did not sin while on earth, 39% stated that He did sin while on earth, in direct opposition to the Scripture.

Two-thirds believe that humans can be influenced by demonic forces, while an entire third believe that it is not possible for humans to be influenced by demonic forces. Only 55% of those surveyed had a negative view of organized witchcraft (“wicca”), while 40% did not have an opinion about wicca, even though it was described as “organized witchcraft.”

When confronted with the statement that “the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are all different expressions of the same spiritual truths,” 41% of respondents agreed! (Barna.org, April 16, 2009). This recent research is sobering and also telling.

According to the survey results, professing Christians differ greatly in their understanding of what the Bible really teaches. In fact, only 55% strongly agreed that the Bible is “accurate” in the principles it teaches. With this in mind, and the statistics on Satan and demons, is it any wonder that professing Christians today are deceived?

Very few actually read and study the Bible on a regular basis (according to previous Barna research), and therefore have a very weak moral compass. God stated “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6).

God speed the day when the “earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea…” (Isaiah 11:9).—James Ginn, Sue Bennett and Scott Winnail