Research shows that a person’s worldview is essentially formed by the age of 13, making the preteen years the critical window for helping children build a faith that will last a lifetime The beliefs and values put into place during these years will define them for the rest of their lives.
But Barna says his research shows that the foundational beliefs of 8- to 12-year-olds today puts them on a track to abandon biblical Christianity in record numbers. In fact, preteens are rejecting five beliefs central to the Christian faith:
- Viewing the Bible as the true, reliable words of God and a guide for life
- Recognizing the existence of absolute truth (based on Scripture)
- Acknowledging Jesus Christ as the means to salvation
- Finding life purpose by serving God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength
- Defining success as consistently obeying God’s principles and commands
Barna says what’s even more stunning is his research shows that the most important influencers in the lives of young people—parents and children’s ministry leaders—are rejecting these five basic principles at similar levels.
Only 2% of today’s parents and just one out of eight children’s pastors have a biblical worldview. And tragically, this void in worldview development is being filled by the single, most influential input into the hearts and minds of children—media content.