New findings from the first national post-pandemic study from Dr. George Barna and the Cultural Research Center confirm what has long suspected—the COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the foundations of faith in the United States.
Many shifts were away from biblical thinking, especially when it comes to beliefs that every individual has a unique, God-given calling or purpose for life, that human life is sacred, and that God is the basis of all truth. Far fewer Americans describe themselves as “deeply committed to practicing” their religious faith after the pandemic—and fewer are identifying as Christians. In fact, a full 15 million fewer Americans are attending church than in 2020..
And the number of Americans with a biblical worldview dropped from 6% to 4% since the start of the pandemic.
Dr. Barna’s findings are especially significant because, unlike changes related to politics, entertainment choices, and lifestyle preferences, massive shifts in religious beliefs are highly unusual.
Religious changes of this magnitude typically only occur as the result of a major life crisis. Based on the new findings, the pandemic clearly fits that description for many Americans.
When it comes to faith in America, these latest findings point to both opportunities and challenges in a rapidly shifting spiritual landscape.
As Dr. Barna rightly points out, this is a time that calls for a return to teaching basic Christian principles.