An overwhelming majority of American Christians reject the basic Christian teaching of the Trinity.
That’s the finding of a study by the Cultural Research Center (CRC) at Arizona Christian University.
Just 11% of 2,100 adult respondents believed in the Trinity: That the God of the Bible is “three distinct, but inseparable and equal persons in one infinite Being.”
The Center’s report points out belief in the Trinity is a fundamental tenet of Christianity.
RESULTS REVEAL LACK OF TRUST IN THE BIBLE
CRC Director George Barna said the results reveal a lack of trust in the Bible in a nation where most people claim to be Christian.
“Even the statistics for the groups that are most in-tune with Biblical teachings, such as belief in the nature and impact of the Trinity, are shockingly low, ” he observed.
They prompted fresh concerns that Americans are living without the influence of “the truths and life principles of God.”
BELIEF IN GOD, JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
Overall, just 40% of respondents believed that God exists and affects people’s lives.
That percentage rose to 53% among self-identified Christians, 60% among theologically-identified born-again Christians, and 100% among what the CRC terms Integrated Disciples who have a Biblical worldview.
While a majority of those surveyed (59%) believed in the existence of Jesus Christ, a significantly smaller share (29%) believed in the Holy Spirit.
Belief in the Trinity rose to 16% among self-identified Christians, 24% among theologically-identified born-again Christians and 62% among Integrated Disciples.
“MOST AMERICANS ARE UNINFORMED ABOUT ESSENTIAL BIBLE TEACHINGS”
Dr. Barna lamented: “We know from our national worldview tracking studies that most Americans are uninformed about the many essential Biblical teachings, ranging from the Ten Commandments and the Trinity, to matters related to repentance, salvation, the chief purpose of life, and divine measures of success.”
“It could be argued that the primary theologians influencing the spiritual views of America these days are figures such as Tucker Carlson, Joe Rogan, Russell Brand, Jordan Peterson, Megyn Kelly, and Bill Maher” — all influential podcasters and not religious figures.
“They mix practical and sometimes unbiblical theology and philosophical points of view into their commentary on life and world events,” Dr. Barna reflected.
“Meanwhile, many churches are focused on delivering multi-part series that are not effectively developing or bolstering an integrated, Biblical worldview that congregants can rely upon to counteract popular secular takes on reality,” he postulated.
