News

Go Figure

American views of the Bible, God as King and Friend, and other recent statistics.

11% Americans who think the Bible is just another book of teachings written by men containing stories and advice.

56% Americans who think the Bible has no errors.

Source: Barna Research

*  *  *

Americans who strongly agree that the Bible is totally accurate in all it teaches, by age:

18-25: 30% 26-44: 39% 45-63: 46% 64+: 58%

Source: Barna Research

*  *  *

29% Americans who described God as “Friend” in 1984.

18% Americans who did so in 2008.

18% Americans who described God as “King” in 1984.

23% Americans who did so in 2008.

Source: General Social Survey

*  *  *

32% Americans who said this in 1983 said they attend religious services weekly.

26% Americans who said this in 2006.

54% Americans who in 1983 they pray daily.

59% Americans who said this in 2006.

Source: General Social Survey

Copyright © 2009 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Related Elsewhere:

See our earlier Go Figure postings from November 2009, October 2009, September 2009, August 2009, July 2009, June 2009, May 2009, April 2009, March 2009, February 2009, January 2009, December 2008, November 2008, October 2008, September 2008, and earlier issues.

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

Our Latest

The Bulletin

Dick Cheney Dies, Democrats Win Elections, and Merz Says ‘Go Home’

The life and legacy of Dick Cheney, Tuesday’s elections, and Germany signals future deportations.

Why CT Was Skeptical of Cold War Calls for Peace

In 1959, evangelicals looked to political leaders to hold up America’s great spiritual heritage as responses to the Soviet Union divided Christians.

News

When God Closes a Church, He Opens Another?

US evangelicals are buying up shuttered Catholic properties.

News

After Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican Baptists Look to Rebuild from the Ruins

Churches step in as shelters, aid sites, and sources of hope after the island’s strongest storm.

News

Zohran Mamdani’s Coalition Captured Some Christians, Alarmed Others

The democratic socialist’s energetic campaign paid off in Tuesday’s election.

The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

Justin Giboney: Stop Outsourcing Your Witness

Faith that holds conviction and compassion in the same breath.

When Songs Undermine Orthodoxy

Church songs need to be true, not necessarily catchy.

How to Forgive When You’re Deeply Offended

A new book from Bible teacher Yana Jenay Conner offers a blueprint for living out a difficult spiritual practice.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube