A new study suggests that Evangelicals make up a significantly smaller portion of the U.S. population than previously thought, primarily due to misconceptions about the term. This report highlights the lack of a cohesive biblical worldview among Evangelicals and the consequent implications for American society.
The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, under the direction of veteran Evangelical pollster George Barna, has published the fourth edition of its American Worldview Inventory 2024.
Titled “The Limitations of Christian Evangelicalism in American Society,” the report reveals that Evangelicals constitute a smaller demographic than commonly reported, exhibit less biblically-based thinking than expected, and participate in elections at lower rates.
The findings stem from a survey of 2,000 adults conducted in January 2024 as part of the American Worldview Inventory. The Cultural Research Center estimates that Evangelicals make up about 10% of U.S. adults, translating to roughly 25 to 30 million people.
Using the National Association of Evangelicals’ definition, which describes Evangelicals as individuals who acknowledge their sinful nature, rely on Jesus Christ for redemption, and seek guidance from the Bible, the report contrasts these criteria with other, broader definitions. It suggests that many estimates, which range from 25% to 40% of the U.S. population, overstate Evangelical numbers due to reliance on self-reported data that does not always meet rigorous theological standards.
“Often, media portrayals mislead by using data from self-identified Evangelicals who may not align with the theological criteria outlined in our research,” Barna commented. He further noted that some reports include individuals who attend what they consider Evangelical churches but do not necessarily adhere to Evangelical beliefs.
The report underscores that many who identify as Evangelicals do not attend churches that are considered Evangelical. Instead, it focuses on individuals who meet specific theological criteria.
According to the study, nearly all Evangelicals affirm beliefs such as the existence of an all-knowing, just God (97%) and the belief that God is the source of all truth (96%). Additionally, over 90% believe that life’s purpose is to fully know and serve God (92%) and affirm that God created the universe (97%).
Common beliefs among Evangelicals also include the existence of Satan, the importance of Jesus as a life guide, and the notion that humans are born into sin and can only escape through Jesus (all above 90%). Many Evangelicals also oppose same-sex marriage (86%), fornication (84%), abortion (82%), and lying (81%) as morally unacceptable.
However, the report identifies several beliefs held by Evangelicals that diverge from biblical teachings. For instance, 76% believe in eternal bonding for married couples, 71% trust in following natural instincts, and 54% view humans as “supposed to live in harmony” with nature, contrary to a dominion view.
Only 35% of Evangelicals align with what the CRC considers a biblical worldview, while 64% hold a syncretistic view, blending elements from various worldviews such as Marxism, Secular Humanism, and Postmodernism.
The study also found that less than half of Evangelicals engage in daily Bible study outside of church (41%), consider themselves very active in their faith (42%), follow political news closely (42%), or meet the criteria for a Spiritually Active, Governance Engaged Conservative Christian (44%).
While 67% of Evangelicals vote in all or most general and primary elections, the report criticizes their level of electoral participation as insufficient. Additionally, fewer Evangelicals refuse to buy products from companies with opposing stances on issues (52%) or believe that non-human entities have unique spirits (60%).
The report attributes the failure of many Evangelicals to adhere to a biblical worldview as a significant factor contributing to what it describes as societal decline and the weakening of the United States.
Barna expressed concern over the influence of non-Evangelical teachings in churches attended by Evangelicals, which he believes impacts their theological beliefs and lifestyle choices. The report shows that only 35% of those who meet the Evangelical criteria attend Evangelical churches, while 21% go to independent or non-denominational churches, 15% attend mainline churches, 14% frequent Pentecostal churches, and smaller numbers attend Catholic (3%) or traditionally Black churches (2%).