Go Figure

Compiled by Ted Olsen

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

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.

- More from Ted Olsen

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.

Christianity Today December, 2009

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