survey results- biblical literacy

7/30/2019 Survey Results- Biblical Literacy

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A RELATIONAL ANALYSISBETWEEN

A LOCAL CHURCH CONGREGATIONS BIBLICAL LITERACY,UNDERSTANDING OF BASIC TENETS

OF TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE,

AND

THE LOCAL CONGREGATIONS BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

AND UNDERSTANDING OF SPIRITUAL MATURITYAS COMPARED TO

CURRENT NATIONAL BARNA RESEARCH GROUP STATISTICS

By

Bobby Edward Long

A Thesis Submitted in

Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree of

Masters of Divinity

At

Northwestern Theological Seminary

2009


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Tables

D-6: Denominational Distribution ----------------------------------- 8

Absolute Truth by Denomination ----------------------------------- 13

Satan a Reality by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 15Salvation Table by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 16

Salvation Table by Denomination ----------------------------------- 17

Mormonism by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 28

List of Charts & Graphs

Worldview(WV) by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 10

WV- Absolute Truth by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 12

WV- Sinless Jesus By Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 18

Spiritual Health By Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 21

Spiritual Health By Age ----------------------------------- 22

God or the Devil By Age ----------------------------------- 26

Biblical Knowledge (BK) All ----------------------------------- 30

BK- by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 30

BK- By Age ----------------------------------- 31

BK- by Denomination ----------------------------------- 31

Christian Doctrine (CD) by Church Affil. ----------------------------------- 32

CD- by Age ----------------------------------- 32

Person of Jesus- By Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 33

Person of Jesus- by Age ----------------------------------- 33

Trinity by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 34

Trinity by Age ----------------------------------- 34Holy Spirit by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 35

Holy Spirit by Age ----------------------------------- 35

Sin by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 36

Sin by Age ----------------------------------- 36

The Resurrection by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 37

The Resurrection by Age ----------------------------------- 37

Salvation by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 38

Salvation by Age ----------------------------------- 38

God Never Changes by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 39

God Never Changes by Age ----------------------------------- 39

Mary by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 40

Mary by Age ----------------------------------- 40

Heaven by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 41

Heaven by Age ----------------------------------- 41

Paths To God by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 42

Paths To God by Age ----------------------------------- 42


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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Jesus (God/Man) by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 43

Jesus (God/Man) by Age ----------------------------------- 43

The Devil by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 44

The Devil by Age ----------------------------------- 44

The Bible by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 45The Bible by Age ----------------------------------- 45

Nature of Man by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 46

Nature of Man by Age ----------------------------------- 46

Hell by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 47

Hell by Age ----------------------------------- 47

Prayer by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 48

Prayer by Age ----------------------------------- 48

Israel by Church Affiliation ----------------------------------- 49

Israel by Age ----------------------------------- 49

WV to BK and CD Overall Scores ------------------ 50

WV to BK and CD Progression of Right Answers ------------------ 51

VW to BK and CD Variance Between Answers ------------------ 52

Spiritual Satisfaction to BK / CD Scores by Age ------------------ 53

Worldview Variance ------------------ 54

Salvation By Grace Worldview Variance ------------------ 55

Moral Truth Worldview Variance ------------------ 59

Absolute Truth Worldview by Age ------------------ 60

Reality of Satan- Worldview Variance ------------------ 62

Sinless Jesus Worldview Variance ------------------ 64

Church Doctrine (CD)- 5 Question Variance ------------------ 66

CD- Holy Spirit Variance by Church Affiliation ------------------ 67CD- Resurrection Variance by Church Affiliation ------------------ 68

CD- Salvation by Grace Variance by Church Affiliation ------------------ 70

CD- Jesus (God/Man) Variance by Church Affiliation ------------------ 72

CD- Israel Variance by Church Affiliation ------------------ 74

Acknowledgments ---------------------------------------------------------------------- iv

Abstract ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-3


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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

1. INTRODUCTION ------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2. METHODS

2.1 Calculations & Technique ---------------------------------------------------- 3

2.2 Limitations & Assumptions ---------------------------------------------------- 5

2.3 Implementation ------------------------------------------------------------------ 62.4 Methodology ------------------------------------------------------------------ 7

3. RESULTS 8

3.11- Worldview ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 10

3.12- Absolute Truth ---------------------------------------------------------------- 12

3.13- Biblical Inerrancy ----------------------------------------------------------- 14

3.14- Reality of Satan --------------------------------------------------------------- 15

3.15- Salvation ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

3.16- Sinless Christ ------------------------------------------------------------------ 18

3.17- Nature and Attributes of God ------------------------------------------------ 20

3.18- Satisfaction with Spiritual Health ------------------------------------------- 21

3.19- Influences of Evil Spirits ---------------------------------------------------- 23

3.20- Impact of Individual Religious Faith --------------------------------------- 24

3.21- God or Devil- No Middle Ground ------------------------------------------ 25

3.22- Opinion of Wicca ------------------------------------------------------------- 27

3.23- Opinion of Mormonism ----------------------------------------------------- 28

3.24- Views on the Bible, Koran, & Book of Mormon ------------------------- 29

3.25- Biblical Knowledge ----------------------------------------------------- 30

3.26- Basic Christian Doctrine ----------------------------------------------------- 32

4. OBSERVATIONS, RELATIONSHIPS & DISCUSSION ---------------- 504.1 Directly Proportional Relationship between Having a Biblical

Worldview to Biblical knowledge and Understanding of ChristianDoctrine.

50

4.2 Four of the six worldview questions show individual variances ranging

from 21.1% to 55.3% between those with a biblical worldview andthose that do not have a biblical worldview.

54

4.3 Five crucial Christian doctrine questions were answered correctly by

less that 80% of those having a biblical worldview with one being

answered correctly only 63% of the time.

66

5. CONCLUSIONS 77

5.1 New Insights --------------------------------------------------------------------- 77

5.2 Suggestions ---------------------------------------------------------------- 78

5.3 Personal Impact ---------------------------------------------------------------- 87


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ACKNOWLEGMENTS

I would like to express my deepest praise and worship to God for birthing within me

the desire to give a reason for the hope that lies within and to somehow share that knowledge

with others so as to give glory to God and draw men unto Him. It is this gift of God alone

that has spurred me on, and I magnify Him. To my wife who is owed both a debt of

gratitude and my love for encouraging me to pursue and finish the course. She has been and

will always be a source of strength and support. This study would not have been possible

had it not been for the congregation of The Rock of NEA in Jonesboro Arkansas. Pastor

Terry Watson was so gracious and accommodating in every imaginable way. I proudly call

this congregation my family and my church home. Lastly, I wish to acknowledge

Northwestern Theological Seminary and Dr. Samuel Galloza for their vision, mission, and

steadfastness in making Seminary accessible and achievable for all who wish to pursue a

deeper study of Gods word.


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ABSTRACT

One does not have to venture far into current evangelical circles to find a literal

mountain of articles, papers, surveys, and lectures exclaiming that the population of America

and especially the subset of this United States who claim to be Christian, have, over the past

several years, become more and more illiterate in general biblical knowledge and

understanding of basic Christian doctrine. This lack of knowledge and understanding has set

the foundation for attrition regarding the basic tenets of Christian faith and with such

attrition, a biblical worldview.

As postmodern tolerance is preached from the pulpits, indoctrinated in the schools

and universities, legislated from the halls of Congress, and upheld by the courts of the land,

the exclusive nature and non-negotiable doctrines of traditional Christian salvation are being

attacked and eroded in a multitude of fronts.

The purpose of this study is three fold; 1) subjectively evaluate the current worldview

of a local conservative evangelical body of believers against current national Barna Research

studies, and 2) evaluate how that worldview correlates to their overall biblical knowledge and

traditional Christian doctrine. Lastly, 3) Examine possible means of more effectively

combating major deficiencies detrimental to the spiritual health and well-being of the

congregation identified in the research.


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A single survey tool administered to the members / attendees of The Rock of NEA

over a course of three weeks was implemented. One hundred sixty-five surveys were

administered which yields a 95% confidence rate with a +/- 3.2% error rate. In consulting

with the Pastor, it was estimated that out of the total congregation, one-hundred fifty would

be under the age of eighteen leaving two hundred attendees eighteen years of age or over

eligible for the study. Two main survey styles were used; 1) Dichotomous questions for

demographic information and 2) Likert response scale for the worldview sections. Short

answer was utilized when necessary and multiple choice questions were used to evaluate

biblical knowledge and understanding of traditional church doctrine.

As the results of the surveys were analyzed, several significant trends materialized.

Of all surveyed, 100% indicated they were born-again; even among those that believe Jesus

did not live a sinless life or they indicated they were apart of a non-Christian religion.

Barna indicates that only 9% of all Americans and only 19% of all born again1

Christians

have a biblical worldview2. Overall, those with a biblical worldview achieved a score of

60.28% on overall biblical knowledge while those not having a biblical worldview scored

slightly less with a score of 56.03%.

1 The Barna Group, LTD. 6 Mar. 2009. Barna Survey Examines Changes in World view Among Christians

Over the Past 13 Years. As extracted from Path: Barna update; Articles;

Transformation;. 18 Jun. 2009. Definition of born-again Christian are those who said they have made apersonal commitment to Jesus Christ that is important in their life today and that they are certain that they will

go to heaven after they die only because they confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their savior.

2 Ibid. Definition of a biblical worldview is on that believes that 1) absolute moral truth exists; 2) the Bible is

totally accurate in all the principles it teaches; 3) Satan is considered to be a real being and not merely symbolic;

4) a person cannot earn their way into heaven by trying to be good or do good works; 5) Jesus Christ lived a

sinless life on earth; and 6) God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the world who still rules the universe

today.


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However, basic understanding of Christian doctrine did have a more significant

impact. Those having a biblical worldview correctly answered 89.89% of the questions.

This was 7.30% greater than those not having a biblical worldview. Of the eighteen

questions relating to doctrine, the nature of Jesus Christ as being both God and Man had the

most variance between those with a worldview and those that do not. 70.6% of those with a

biblical worldview answered correctly stating that Jesus was both God and man. Only 51.3%

of those not holding a biblical worldview answered correctly. Even though 76.36% of the

all those polled have a biblical worldview, that leaves 23.64% attending the Rock of NEA in

some capacity that does not.

The results of this study will have far reaching implications on the body of believers

at The Rock of NEA in developing educational and discipleship curriculums for all ages.

With 12.1% of the regular attending membership holding a non-biblical worldview, major

changes in several areas of ministry must be reviewed and processes must be changed to

alleviate this trend.

Similar surveys could be conducted setting a reference point and a guideline for not

only the affiliated denomination of The Church of God but for other churches to follow suit.

The survey subjectively assesses the effectiveness of past efforts to effectively equip

congregations in the areas of Biblical literacy and knowledge of Christian doctrine

propagating a biblical worldview within the congregation. It is essential that the teachers

and leaders of tomorrow be solid in their biblical worldview, but to do so, they must be solid

in their knowledge of the scripture and most of all, their understanding of basic Christian

doctrine.


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1.0: INTRODUCTION

My people are destroyed for lackofknowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, Iwill also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of

thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6 KJV

Is ignorance bliss? In the case of biblical knowledge and understanding of basic

Christian doctrine, I would say no. Non intentional ignorance can be alleviated to some

extent if the desire of the individual is to know and understand that area which they are

ignorant. Scripture teaches that ignorance in a salvation sense will not be an option given

the reasons in chapters 1- 9 of Romans. However, intentional ignorance on the part of church

leaders for the sake of unity or church growth is a disservice to the congregation and a

neglect of the duties and obligations as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Some are content to say, Those statistics would not apply to our congregation or I

just know that our congregation is way more mature than that. Deep down there is a feeling

that, lurking beneath the suits and ties of Sunday morning and the smiling faces that are

greeted at the door with Bible in hand, is a person who may have a non-biblical worldview

and a skewed understanding of the Gospel and the Savior of who it declares. The leadership

of the Rock of NEA met this challenge undergoing three weeks of surveying.

The Rock, nestled in the Northeast corner of Arkansas, is located within three miles

from a major state University, and is on a main highway surrounded by many neighborhoods

and businesses. Within the next five years a major hospital will be build within two miles of

the church, bringing with it, increased development and exposure. No matter where one lives

within the city limits of Jonesboro, there is a church within one mile. The city would be

considered highly conservative and church saturated.


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If there were one place where may have a legitimate hold to those sometimes naive

thought of a biblically literate congregation, this would be the place.

The finding of this survey has proven to be very interesting with both good and not so

good results. Some outcomes were expected while some were a surprise. Needless to say

that the information gathered will prove vital to future development of educational material

from the children to senior adults.

As churches constantly fight to engage the ever more secular world system, she must

never stop evaluating and testing those processes and programs developed for efficiencies

and effectiveness. Leadership must also never assume anything concerning the spiritual

maturity of the people they have been put over. Just as athletes train and are constantly

evaluated, so must the congregation of the local church; no matter where they are or who

they may be.

As this study will prove, even in a small town in rural Arkansas with a church almost

literally on every corner, the post modern world can and will influence multitudes of people.

Church leaders who turn a blind eye to such will find themselves in a dilemma that will take

years to undo once a decision to attack the problem has been adopted.

With a sincere trust in God and a dedication to the proposal that true followers of God

will not only desire a systematic and intentional plan for spiritual growth, but should with all

tenacity, expect it from those whom they call their church leaders, elders, and pastors. We

can then embark on a mission to turn the tide in this land. We can and should expect a true

revival of a love for the Logos whom 2000 years ago became flesh and dwelt among us;

Emmanuel; God with us.


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2.0: METHODS

2.1 Calculations & Technique

Due to the comparative nature of the study to recent Barna statistics, many questions

and statements used in the survey were constructed in a way that would best correlate with

the Barna findings. Those questions measuring biblical knowledge and understanding of

church doctrine were formulated as to produce a standard questionnaire that spans the facets

of each area to yield a foundation by which to compare and contrast multiple and varied

cross-sections and groupings within the surveyed pool. The study consisted of one paper

survey containing seven pages;

Demographics Section Within this section, six questions gathered information

related to age, religious affiliations, their born-again status as defined by Barna, gender,

affiliation to the Rock of NEA, and denominational background. They were not asked any

information that would identify them individually nor were any income bracket questions

asked.

Section 1- Worldview These six questions correlated with the Barna definition of an

individual with a worldview. In order to meet the definition of having a biblical worldview,

that individual must answer strongly agree or agree to each of the six questions. If that

individual answered disagree or strongly disagree to any of the six questions, the

individual was classified as NOT having a biblical worldview.


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Section 2- Defining Spiritual Maturity This section consisted of six questions as

well; two of which were statements measured by using the Likert response scale. The other

four were short answer dealing with personal definitions of spiritual maturity and the barriers

to their spiritual maturity.

Section 3 My Spiritual Beliefs- Using the Likert response scale, these seven

questions measured the individuals beliefs concerning the following categories: the person

of Holy Spirit, influence of spiritual forces, the absolute nature of siding with God or the

devil, impact of religious faith in their life, their opinions concerning the cult, and the occult.

Section 4 through 7- Biblical Knowledge- This section was broken down into four

subsections. Each section consisted of five multiple choice questions. The sections

increased in complexity and difficulty beginning with those topics one would learn in pre-

teen Sunday school and ending with questions on topics only a deeper study of the Word

would reveal. This section was scored individually and as a whole.

Section 8 Knowledge of Christian Doctrine - This was the longest section with

eighteen multiple choice questions or statements in which the individual had to choose the

correct answer or finish the sentence. These questions dealt with the nature of the Trinity as

a whole and as individual Persons, the essence of sin, the resurrection of Christ, salvation,

Mary, heaven, hell, prayer, and the future destiny and role of Israel. If a question was left

blank, the question was counted wrong.


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2.2 Limitations & Assumptions

One hundred sixty five surveys were completed. An estimation of the total number of

adults over the age of eighteen was established and confirmed by the pastor at two hundred.

A 95% confidence level was achieved with a +/- error rate of 3.20% based on a normal

distribution using the following formulas where the sample size = n, margin of error = E, N =

the population size, r = the fraction of responses, and Z(c/100) is the critical value for the

confidence level c.

x = Z(c/100)2

r(100-r)

n =Nx

/ ((N-1)E2 + x)

E = Sqrt [(N n)x / n (N-1) ]

Even though the surveys were collected over a three week time span at the same location,

there was no safe guard built in to adjust any percentages for any level of cheating.

Great care was taken to make sure that those taking the survey answered in a way that

best correlated to their beliefs. Surveys were not signed as to give anonymity to those taking

the survey. It was conveyed to the individual taking the survey that no one could be

identified on an individual basis. Each survey was completed with the same type of pencil

so as to be consistent and further unrecognizable. The assumption is that all polled were

honest and forthright in their answers. No tool was built in to adjust error rates to

accommodate for the percentage of those that gave the pat answer.

The last major assumption was that all understood the statements and the

corresponding list of answers. Since all were over eighteen years of age, a general

understanding of the English language and modest vocabulary were taken for granted.


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2.3 Implementation

All surveys were completed on-site and under supervision. No surveys used in the

study were taken home or completed with the help of another individual. After the surveys

were completed, they were turned in to the one administering the survey. They were

collected after the Sunday morning service for three weeks and prior to the Wednesday night

services for two weeks between the dates of August 9 and August 23, 2009.

During each survey administration, the leader of the class and/or their designee,

would hand out the survey, review the directions, and administer the survey taking them up

as they were completed. All who were surveyed were instructed to refrain from discussing

the content and questions contained in the survey with any person until the collection of the

entire sample pool was completed.

As the survey data was entered into the database, a unique ID was assigned by

the database to that individual survey. This unique ID was then written on the survey after

the data was inputted into the program. This allowed for quick review of the actual survey in

order to correct any mistakes in inputting of data.

After all the survey data was keyed into the database, an excel spreadsheet

was created using the input table data. This data was double checked for accuracy in

computing basic biblical knowledge scores, overall biblical knowledge scores, and church

doctrine scores. All mistakes in calculations were corrected prior to final reports being run.


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2.4 Analysis Method

A Microsoft Access database was constructed to analyze the data. Using one table

as the source table, an input form was created for ease in entering the raw data from the

written surveys. Every possible answer to each question on the survey was constructed as an

individual field within the input table. A value of 1 was entered for the answer that was

chosen, and a 0 for all other answers was entered. This allowed for analysis at the single

question answer level. Due to all the responses having a binary answer, computations of

percentages were easily processed on the multiple groupings and sub-groupings desired for

each individual report.

Once the data from the surveys were inputted, queries were built accessing data from

the main source file or table. These queries were used as the source for the different reports

that were built. Once extracted from the source table via the query, the raw data was then

grouped and sub-grouped according to the purpose of the report. Within the reports,

calculation fields were used to compute percentages of each category and sub-category

within the report as needed. Overall, twenty-eight queries and one hundred-eighteen reports

were constructed to yield the data found in this thesis.


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3.0: RESULTS

Many abbreviations will be used in the following chapters concerning the affiliation

categories of those that attend the Rock of NEA. Those abbreviations are as follows. Also

included, are the number of surveys for each category:

R.A.M- Regular Attending Members - 90

N.R.A.M- Non-Regular Attending Members - 4

R.A.N.M- Regular Attending Non-Members 53

Visitors - Visitors - 18

B.A. - Born Again 100% or 165

All those surveyed indicated that they were born again. The Barna definition of born-again

are

those who said they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that isimportant in their life today and that they are certain that they will go to heaven after

they die only because they confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their Savior.3

Thus all charts and

percentages listed will be

indicative of a congregation

who each attendee believes

themselves to be 100% born

again.4

Table D-6 to the left, lists

the different denominational

backgrounds within the total sample pool.



Transformation; 18 Jun. 2009.


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This does not necessarily indicate the present affiliation of the individual polled, but

reflects the denominational background the individual may have come from or is apart of

currently. On any given service, the Rock of NEA will have around thirteen different

denominational backgrounds represented. Of the total populous, those coming from the

Assemblies and Churches of God make up the bulk of the congregation with 41.21%.

Baptist and Non-Denominational backgrounds make up another large section of attendees

with 36.97%. Together, these four denominational backgrounds comprise 78.18% of those

that assemble at the Rock of NEA on any given service.

Of the regular attending membership, the Assemblies of God make up13.33% of the

ninety persons in this group with Churches of God second with 31.11%. Those with a

Baptist background comprise 20% of the regular attending membership with those coming

from Non-Denominational backgrounds coming in at 12.22%. Together, these groups

comprise 76.66% of the total regular attending membership of the Rock of NEA.

Of the fifty-three individuals comprising the regular attending non-member group,

32.08% come from a Baptist background and 11.32% come from a non-denominational

background. 16.98% have backgrounds rooted in the Assemblies of God and 18.87% from

the Churches of God.


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3.11- Worldview

Barna shows only 9% of all

American adults have a biblical

worldview. Of the sub-category

labeled born-again the statistic

more than doubles. However, that

would only put the percentage of

born-again Christians having a

biblical world view at only 19%.

5

Over all those surveyed, 77% have

a biblical worldview leaving 23% whom do not. Of those with a biblical worldview,

42.40% were regular attending members.

2.40% were non-regular attending members.

24.89% were regular attending / non-members.

Visitors made up 7.3% of those with a biblical worldview.

The 23% surveyed that did not hold a biblical worldview broke down as follows:

12.1% were regular attending members.

7.3% were regular attending / non-members.

Visitors made up 3.6% of those with a non-biblical worldview.

The 18-24 age bracket consists of forty-four individuals or 27% total surveyed of which,

81.2% hold a biblical worldview. Eighteen persons of this age group are regular attending

member of the Rock of NEA of which, 78% hold a biblical worldview. This means that

about 1 in 5 persons in the age division, who are R.A.M.s, do not hold a worldview.



Transformation;. 18 Jun. 2009

9

19

77

42.4

2.4

24.8

7.3

01020304050607080

90100

BarnaAdults

Barna"B.A."

Rock-All

Rock-R.A.M's

Rock-N.R.A.M

's

Rock-R.A.N.M

's

Rock-Visitors

B ar na A dult s B ar na " B .A ." Ro ck- A ll Ro ck- R.A .M ' s

Rock- N.R.A.M's Rock- R.A.N.M's Rock- V isi tors

Graph: WV-3.11-1


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Of those ages 25-43, totaling sixty-five in all, 70.77% hold a biblical worldview. 79% of

the thirty-three regular attending members in this age bracket hold a biblical worldview.

Again, over 80% (or 1 in 5) of the thirty-three regularly attending members in this age

division does not hold a biblical worldview.

Forty-nine individuals comprise the 44-62 age group, of which, 83.67% hold a biblical

worldview. 80% of the thirty-five regular attending membership of this division hold a

biblical worldview leaving 20% that do not. Once again, 1 in 5 of the regular attending

members in this age division holds a secular worldview.

The category with the least amount of individuals surveyed is the 63+ age group with

only seven members. Of these, 57.14% hold a biblical worldview leaving 42.86% that does

not. The regular attending membership of the Rock accounts for four of these seven. Of

the four, 50% hold a biblical worldview and 50% did not.

Eighty-four of the one hundred sixty-five individuals surveyed were female and eighty-

one were male. 81.48% of the total male population surveyed holds a biblical worldview

while 72.62% of the female population holds a biblical worldview. Forty-five females

identified themselves as regular attending members of the Rock of NEA of which, 71% hold

a biblical worldview. Of the eighty-one total male sample, regular attending members

account for forty-five of which, 84% hold a biblical worldview.


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3.12- Absolute Truth

Statement:Moral truth is absolute and unaffected by circumstances.

Barna studies indicate that only 34% of all American adults believe moral truth is

absolute and unaffected by

circumstances. Of the sub-category

labeled born-again the percentage

is 46%.6

Overall, 90.9% of all who

took the survey agreed or strongly

agreed with the statement

concerning absolute truth. Those

that disagreed (7.3%) or strongly

agreed (.6%) made up almost 8% of

the sample population leaving 2%

undecided.

Females taking the survey refused the existence of absolute truth 13.1% of the time

where males refused that statement 2.4% of the time. Males strongly agreed 71.6% of the

time and agreed at a rate of 25.9% of the time. Females, on the other hand, strongly agreed

63.2% of the time and agreed 21.4% of the time.

The study revealed that 18 24 year olds agreed or strongly agreed with the

statement 93.2% of the time. The 25 43 age group agreed or strongly agreed 89.3% percent

of the time; disagreeing were 6.2% and strongly disagreeing 1.5%. Over 10% of those ages

44 62 disagreed that moral truth is absolute and unaffected by circumstance. While none in


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this age group disagreed strongly, 79.6% agreed strongly leaving 10.2% agreeing with the

statement. Ages 63+ had no individual disagreeing with the statement. 67.3% strongly

agreed and 23.6% agreed.

Along denominational lines, only two categories came in with 100% strongly

agreeing with the statement concerning absolute truth; these identified themselves as having

a Christian or a Coptic background. Four denominational backgrounds came in scoring 50%

strongly agreeing and 50% agreeing. These were Catholic, Church of Christ, Methodist, and

Nazarene. Those with no religious background disagreed with the statement the most at

37.5%. The others are as follows:

ABSOLUTE TABLE Table AT-3.12

Denomination Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Assemblies of God 73.9% 21.7% 4.3% 0.0%

Baptist 53.7% 29.3% 14.6% 2.4%

Catholic 50.0% 50.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Christian 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Church of Christ 50.0% 50.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Church of God 73.3% 22.2% 0.0% 0.0%

Coptic 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Methodist 50.0% 50.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Nazarene 50.0% 50.0% 0.0% 0.0%Non-Denominational 85.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0%

None 37.5% 25.0% 37.5% 0.0%

Other 90.0% 0.0% 10.0% 0.0%

United Pentecostal 40.0% 60.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Table: AT1-3.12





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3.13- Biblical Inerrancy

Statement: The Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches.

Barna studies indicate that 50% of all American Christian adults believe the Bible is

accurate in all the principles it teaches. Of the sub-category labeled born again, the Barna

percentage is 79%.7

In reviewing the data based on gender, 91.7% of females and 96.3% of

all males strongly agreed.

The Rock of NEA sample pool had none that disagreed or strongly disagreed with the

statement. Of the four sub-categories for affiliation to The Rock of NEA, the non-regular

attending member category was the only one to have all in the 100% in the strongly agree

column. The regular attending members strongly agreed 97.8% of the time and the regular

attending non-members strongly agreed 92.5% of the time. The visitors strongly agreed

77.8% of the time leaving over 22% agreeing with the statement.

Four denominations scored 100% in the strongly agree column. These were 1)

Christian, 2) Church of Christ, 3) Coptic, and 4) Methodist. Those scoring lowest in the

strongly agree column were the Catholics at 50% and the Baptists at 85.4%. The Assemblies

and Churches of God strongly agreed 95.7% and 95.6% respectively.





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3.14- Reality of Satan

Statement: Satan is a real being or force and not merely a symbol of evil.

Barna shows 27% of all American Christian adults believe that Satan is a real force

and not just a symbol of evil. Of the sub-category labeled born-again the percentage is

40%.8

Taking all surveyed into account, 95.2% strongly agreed or agreed with the statement.

All in the non-regular attending member group strongly agreed 100% of the time. On

the end of the spectrum, the visitors strongly agreed only 72.2% of the time and disagreed or

strongly disagreed 11.2% of the time.

89.1% of females strongly agreed that Satan is a real being and not just a symbol of

evil while males strongly agreed 95.1% of the time. Only 2.4% of males disagreed or

strongly disagreed, while 4.8% of females disagreed.

Along denominational lines, six represented strongly agreed 100% of the time. These

were Christian, Church of Christ, Coptic, Methodist, Nazarene, Non-Denominational and

United Pentecost. Although the Assemblies and Churches of God had none that disagreed or

strongly disagreed, there were 19.7% only agreed with the statement. Baptist was the only

denominations that scored in the disagree (9.8%) and the strongly disagree (2.4%) categories.




Satan Reality Table-Church %

Church Affiliation StronglyAgree

Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree

Non-Regular Attending Member 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Reg. Attending / Non-Member 90.6% 5.37% 3.8% 0.0%

Reg. Attending Member 91.1% 4.4% 1.1% 0.0%

Visitor 72.2% 16.7% 5.6% 5.6%

Table 3.14-T1


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16

3.15- Salvation

Statement:It is impossible for a person to earn their way into Heaven through good behavior

or good works.

Barna shows 28% of all American Christian adults believe that it is impossible for

someone to earn their way to heaven by good works or behavior. Of the sub-category labeled

born-again the percentage is 47% thatstrongly agree.9

According to the survey, 90.0% of regular attending membership agreed or strongly

agreed. Those that attend regularly but are not members dissented with that statement 15%

of the time and visitors 22.2% of the time.

Those with different denominational backgrounds were varied in their response to

this statement. Of the thirteen different denominational backgrounds, four had no dissent to

the statement; meaning there was none that chose disagree or strongly disagree to the

statement. These were none or those with no denominational background, Methodist,

Church of Christ, and Christian. The Assemblies of God and Churches of God had 13.2%

that either disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement.




Salvation Table-Church %

Church Affiliation Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Non-Regular Attending Member 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Reg. Attending / Non-Member 69.8% 13.2% 7.5% 7.5%

Reg. Attending Member 86.7% 3.3% 2.2% 6.7%

Visitor 55.6% 22.2% 11.1% 11.1%

Table 3.15-S1


25/96

17

Those with a non-denominational background strongly disagreed at a rate of 15%

while those with a United Pentecostal background disagreed 20% of the time. 12.2% of

those with a Baptist background either disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement.

SALVATION TABLE: Table 3.15-S2

Denomination Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly

Disagree

Assemblies of God 95.7% 0.0% 0.0% 4.3%

Baptist 70.7% 14.6% 4.9% 7.3%

Catholic 50.0% 00.0% 50.0% 0.0%

Christian 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Church of Christ 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Church of God 80.0% 8.9% 6.7% 2.2%

Coptic 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0%

Methodist 50.0% 50.0% 0.0% 0.0%Nazarene 75.0% 0.0% 0.0% 25.0%

Non-Denominational 85.0% 00.0% 0.0% 15.0%

None 37.5% 25.0% 37.5% 0.0%

Other 60.0% 10.0% 10.0% 20.0%

United Pentecostal 60.0% 20.0% 20.0% 0.0%

Table: 3.15-S2

Breaking the results into ages, those between the ages of 44 62 strongly agreed or

agreed 95.9% of the time. The 25-43 age group strongly agreed 70.8% of the time and

agreed 9.2% of the time leaving 18% of that group either disagreeing or strongly disagreeing

with the statement concerning salvation by grace through faith alone and not of works or

good behavior.

Of those with a non-biblical worldview, the 18-24 age division strongly disagreed

44.4% of the time and disagreed 11.1% of the time. The 25-43 age group dissented with the

statement 65.1% of the time while 25% of the 44-62 age group dissented. The 63+ age

group either disagreed with the statement or strongly disagreed with the statement 33.3% of

the time.


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18

3.16- Sinless Jesus

Statement:Jesus Christ lived as entirely sinless life while He was on the earth.

Barna shows 40% of all American adults believe that Jesus lived an entirely sinless

life while on earth. Of the sub-category labeled born-again the percentage is 62% that

strongly believe.10

The survey revealed that, overall, 92.7% of those surveyed strongly

agreed with the statement and 5.7% agreed; leaving 3% disagreeing and .6% strongly

disagreeing.

The most dissention to this statement came from the visitors group who disagreed

11.1% of the time. Although the only category to have some strongly disagree was in the

regular attending membership with 1.1%. The regular attending membership strongly agreed

95.6% of time while the regular attending non-members agreed 5.7% of the time and strongly

agreed 88.7%.




Sinless Jesus- Chart 3.16-SE1

40

62

95.1 92.7 96.7 95.6100 100

94.488.7 88.9 88.9

0

20

40

60

80

100

Barn

aAd

ult

Barn

a"B

.A."

Rock-

All

All-S

.A

Rock

-R.A

.M'

RAM

-S.A

Rock

-N.R

.A.M'

NRAM

-S.

Rock

-R.A

.N.M'

RANM

-S.A

Rock

-Visi

tors

Visit

ors-S.

A

% Sinless Jesus-Yes


27/96

19

Of those polled over the age of 63, 14.3% disagreed that Jesus lived a sinless life.

The 44 62 age group was polarized with 98% strongly agreeing and 2.0% strongly

disagreeing. The 25 43 age bracket was dispersed among three categories. 92.3% strongly

agreeing, 1.5% agreeing and 4.6% disagreeing. The youngest of the age groups (18-24) had

90.9% strongly agreeing, 6.8% agreeing and 2.3% disagreeing.

Along gender lines, 95.1% of all men strongly agreed, 2.5% disagreed and 1.2%

strongly disagreed. 90.5% of all females strongly agreed that Jesus lived a sinless life and

4.8% agreed leaving 3.6% disagreeing and none strongly disagreeing.

Seven denominational backgrounds represented had 100% strongly agreeing. These

were those that had no denominational background at all, Non-Denominational, Nazarene,

Methodist, Coptic, Church of Christ, and those with a Christian background. Of those

remaining, two had no hits in the strongly disagree or disagree category but had those register

in the agree category; Assemblies of God (agree 4.3%) and United Pentecostal (agree 20%).

Only those with Catholic (50%), or Baptist (4.9%) backgrounds registered that they

disagreed that Jesus lived a sinless life. Only one denominational background registered in

the strongly disagree category. 4.4% of those with a Church of God denominational

background disagreed and 2.2% disagreed strongly that Jesus lived an entirely sinless life.


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20

3.17- Nature & Attributes of God

Statement: God is the all-powerful, all knowing creator of the universe who still rules the

world today.

Barna shows 70% of all American Christian adults believe that God is the all-

powerful, all-knowing creator of the Universe who still rules today. Of the sub-category

labeled born-again the percentage is 93%.11

Of the pool surveyed at the Rock of NEA,

nearly all strongly agreed with the statement. The only exception to that was in the visitor

category in which 16.7% agreed. One survey from the regular attending membership

representing .6% of the total, disagreed.





29/96

21

3.18- Satisfaction with Spiritual Health

Statement:I am satisfied with my spiritual maturity.

Barna shows 65% of all American adults are either completely satisfied (22%

completely / 43% mostly satisfied) or mostly satisfied when it comes to their spiritual

maturity.12

Overall, 55.2% of all surveyed are satisfied with their spiritual maturity leaving

44.8% who were not. When broken down by their affiliation with the Rock, 42.2% of the

regular attending members were dissatisfied with their spiritual maturity and 3.3% were

strongly dissatisfied. The group feeling the most satisfaction was the non-regular attending

members at 75% followed by the visitors at 61.1%.

The females registered strongly satisfied or satisfied 50% of the time. Males chose

strongly satisfied 8.6% of the time and satisfied 51.9% of the time for a combined

satisfaction rate of 60.5%

12 The Barna Group, LTD. 11 May 2009. Many Churchgoers and Faith Leaders Sruggle to Define Spiritual

Maturity. As extracted from Path: Barna update; Articles; Faith/Spirituality;. 18 Jun.

2009

Spiritual Health (Satsified)

Barna Adults , 65%

Rock- All, 55.2%

Rock- R.A.M's, 53.4%Rock- N.R.A.M's,

75.0%

Rock- R.A.N.M's,

54.7%

Rock- Others, 61.1%


30/96

22

Along denominational background lines, the United Pentecostals were the most

satisfied registering 80% of those with that background as satisfied. Second to the UPCs

were the Nazarenes with 75% of those being strongly satisfied or satisfied. Those with a

Coptic background registered dissatisfaction 100% of the time. 56.1% of those with a

Baptist background were either satisfied or strongly satisfied with their spiritual maturity and

those coming from the Assemblies or Churches of God were 47.8% and 60.0% strongly

satisfied or satisfied respectively. The Churches of Christ, Methodist, and Catholics were

split down the middle at 50% satisfied and 50% dissatisfied.

The 25-43 year olds were the least satisfied with 44.6% registering either strongly or

dissatisfied. The most satisfied with their spiritual maturity were the 63+ category at 85.7%

The 44-62 age group registered 65.3% satisfied (51.0%) or greater (14.3% with 18-24 year

old group in the middle with 54.5% registering satisfied (47.7%) or completely satisfied

(6.8%)

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%

18-24 25-43 44-62 63+

Spiritual Health (Satisified)-By Age

% Spiritual Health(Satsified)


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23

3.19- Influence of Evil Spirits

Statement:A person can be under the influence of spiritual forces such as demons or evil

spirits.

Barna shows 64% of all Christians including born-again believe a person can be

influenced by spiritual forces such as demons and evil spirits.13

Of all surveyed 94.6% either

strongly agreed (69.1%) or agreed (25.5%).

Regular attending members unanimously agreed or strongly agreed with the statement

as did non-regular attending members. Regular attending members agreed or strongly agreed

86.8% of the time and disagreed 7.5% of the time and strongly agreed 3.8%. Visitors

strongly agreed 61.1% of the time and agreed 25.5% of the time. 5.6% of the visitors

disagreed and none in the category strongly disagreed.

Breaking the data down along age brackets, all ages up to the 63+ age group either

strongly agreed or agreed over 95% of the time leaving only a small portion either

disagreeing or strongly disagreeing. The 63+ age group disagreed or strongly disagreed a

total of 28.6%; 14.3% for each; disagree or strongly disagree.

Eleven of the thirteen categories of denominational backgrounds either strongly

agreed or agreed with the statement 100% of the time. Those disagreeing or strongly

disagreeing were those with Baptist backgrounds (7.3% / 2.4% respectively) and Church of

God (4.4% / 2.2%) respectively.

Males strongly agreed 71.6% of the time and disagreed 25.5% of the time. Females

strongly agreed at a rate of 66.7% and disagreed 27.4%. Both male and female strongly

disagreed 1.2% of the time.

13 The Barna Group, LTD. 10, April 2009. Most American Christians Do Not Believe that Satan or the Holy

Spirit Exist. As extracted from Path: Barna update; Articles; Faith / Spirituality;. 18

Jun. 2009


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24

3.20- Impact of Religious Faith

Statement: In what way has your religious faith impacted you life?

Barna shows 59% of all Christians believe their faith has greatly transformed their

life. 29% said their faith had been helpful but not transforming, and 9% stated that their faith

had been insignificant in their life.14

Overall surveyed, 86.1% indicated that their faith has

greatly transformed their life. 12.1% said that their faith had somewhat transformed their life

and 1.2% stated that their faith has had little impact in their daily living.

Regarding affiliation to the Rock of NEA categories, 93.3% of the regular attending

members find their faith greatly transforming. 5.6% see their faith as somewhat transforming

and 1.1% finds their faith having very little impact at all. Non-regular attending members

chosegreatly transforming75% of the time andsomewhat transforming25% of the time.

79.2% of regular attending / non-members were greatly transformed and 18.9% where

somewhat transformed leaving 1.9% not much impact. The visitors had no showing in the

not much impact or no impact at all categories with 72.2% being greatly transformed by

their faith and 22.2% somewhat transformed.

The youngest of those surveyed (18-24) indicated that 79.5% of them were greatly

transformed and 18.2% somewhat transformed. The 25-43 age category shows that 80% of

those in this category have been greatly transformed, 16.9% somewhat transformed and 3.1%

finding their faith having very little impact. The 44-62 age bracket indicates that 98% were

greatly transformed and 2% somewhat transformed with the 63+ age group unanimously

choosing 100% in thegreatly transformedcategory.



Jun. 2009


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25

3.21- God or the Devil No Middle Ground

Statement: A person must either choose between God and the Devil; there is no in-between

position.

Barna shows 76% of all Christians believe one must either side with the Devil or

God; there is no middle ground. (61% strongly agreed 15% agreed somewhat). 10%

disagreed, while 11% strongly disagreed.15

Of all surveyed at the Rock of NEA, 80.6%

strongly agreed with the statement, 11.5% agreed, 6.1% disagreed, and .6% strongly

disagreed.

Regular attending members strongly agreed 85.6% with 11.1% agreeing. 2.2% of this

group disagreed that one has to choose between God and the devil and that there is no middle

ground. Those that regularly attend the Rock but are not members strongly agreed 73.6%

and agreed 11.3% with 15.1% either disagreed (13.2%) strongly disagreed (1.9%). Visitors

agreed (16.7%) or strongly agreed (72.2%) with the statement 88.8% of the time with 5.6%

registering in the disagree category.

Females strongly agreed 78.6% of the time while males strongly agreed 82.7% of the

time. Females agreed 13.1% of the time with 6.0% disagreeing. Males agreed 9.9% of the

time with 6.2% disagreeing and 1.2% strongly disagreeing.

Eight denominations had no entries disagreeing or strongly disagreeing with the

statement that there is no middle ground, one must choose God or the devil. These were those

from Assemblies of God, Christian, Church of Christ, Church of God, Coptic, Methodist,

Nazarene, UPC, and those that chose other as their denominational background.



Jun. 2009


34/96

26

Four backgrounds had all surveyed recording 100% in the strongly agree category. These

were Church of Christ, Coptic, Methodist, and Nazarene.

In the age categories, 84.1% of the 18-24 age group either agreed or strongly agreed

with 11.4% disagreeing. The next older age group, 25-44 year olds, 92.3% either strongly

agreed or agreed while 6.2% disagreed and 1.5% disagreed strongly. 100% of the 45 62

age group either choose strongly agreed or agreed and the 63+ disagreed 14.3% of the time

and the remaining 85.8% was split between agreeing and strongly agreeing.


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27

3.22- Opinion on Wicca

Statement:My opinion of Wicca, which is an organized form of witchcraft, could be

described overall as...

Barna shows only 5% of Christians have a positive view of Wicca. 55% of all

Christians have a negative opinion of Wicca. 40% had no opinion even after it was described

as being a form of Witchcraft.16

Of all surveyed, 89.1% had either a negative or strongly

negative opinion of Wicca with 5.6% being neutral and 2.4% being either positive or strongly

positive.

The non-regular attending members had 100% being strongly negative. The regular

attending non-members were negative or strongly negative 80% of the time with 11.3%

being neutral. 1.9% of this age group was strongly positive. Of the regular attending

membership 94.5% were either negative (6.7%) or strongly negative (87.8%) with 2.2%

being neutral and 2.2% positive. 77.8% of the visitors were either negative or strongly

negative with 5.6% being neutral. 5.6% of the visitors were positive in their outlook on

Wicca.

88.6% of the 18-24 year olds has either a negative (9.1%) or strongly negative

(79.5%) view of Wicca with the remaining 6.8% being neutral. 87.7% of the 25-44 year olds

either negative (7.7%) or strongly negative (80%). Those that were neutral in their view of

Wicca made up 6.2% of this age group and the remaining 3% was split between positive and

strongly positive.



Jun. 2009


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28

In the 45-62 age bracket, 95.9% has a negative or strongly negative view of Wicca

with the remaining 6.2% remaining neutral. Of those ages 63 or above, 57.1% were strongly

negative, 14.3% were neutral and 28.6% were positive in their view toward Wicca.

3.23- Opinion on MormonismStatement: Mormons are Christians just like any other denomination.

Barna shows 39% of all Christians believe Mormons are Christians; 18% strongly

agreeing and 21% agreeing somewhat. Only 17% disagreed strongly and 12% disagreed

somewhat. 10% had no opinion.17

The regular attending membership either disagreed or strongly disagreed 88.9% of the time.

However, 10% of this group agreed that Mormons are Christians just like any other

denomination. Visitors agree 22.2% of the time that Mormons are Christians with 5.6%

strongly agreeing.

The 18-24 year old group revealed that 47.7% strongly disagreed with 31.8%

disagreeing. None in this group strongly agreed however, 11.4% did agree that Mormons are

Christians. 10.7% of the 25-43 year age group either strongly agree (1.5%) or agreed (9.2%)

with the statement leaving 30.8% disagreeing and 55.4% strongly disagreeing.

17 The Barna Group, LTD. 6 Mar. 2009. Most American Christians Do Not Believe that Satan or the Holy


Jun. 2009

View on Mormonism-Church %

Church Affiliation Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Barna Results 18.0% 21.0% 12.0% 17.0%

Non-Regular Attending Member 0.0% 0.0% 25.0% 75.0%Reg. Attending / Non-Member 0.0% 7.5% 47.2% 37.7%Reg. Attending Member 0.0% 10.0% 23.3% 65.6%Visitor 5.6% 22.2% 38.9% 27.8%


37/96

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Among the 44-62 year olds, 55.1% strongly disagreed with 38.8% disagreeing. 6.1% agreed

and none strongly agreed. Within the oldest of those surveyed, 42.9% agreed that Mormons

are Christians. 14.3% disagreed while 42.9% strongly disagreed.

3.24- Views on the Bible, Koran, and Book of MormonStatement: The Bible, Koran, and Book of Mormon are all different expressions of the same

truth.

Barna shows 41% of all Christians believe the Bible, Koran, and Book of Mormon

are all different expressions of the same truths; 19% strongly agreeing and 22% agreeing

somewhat. Only 28% disagreed strongly and 12% disagreed somewhat. 19% had no

opinion.18

Overall, 87.3% of those surveyed either disagreed or strongly disagreed with the

above statement. 7.9% of all surveyed either agreed or strongly agreed.

Within the 90 regular attending members, 5.5% either agreed or strongly agreed with

the statement leaving 91.1% disagreeing or agreeing with the majority (80%) strongly

disagreeing. The most dispersed group was the visitors in which 38.9% strongly disagreed,

and 33.3% disagreed; 16.7% agreed leaving 5.6% strongly agreeing.

18 The Barna Group, LTD. 6 Mar. 2009. Most American Christians Do Not Believe that Satan or the Holy


Jun. 2009


38/96

30

3.25- Biblical Knowledge

Four categories of questions were asked. Each category contained five questions of

equal difficulty with each category increasing in difficulty. Over all surveyed, the average

score is indicated in the Graph 3.25-BK1 below.

When broken down by church affiliation or the individuals affiliation with The Rock of

NEA, the average score over all four parts are indicated in Graph 3.25BK2 Church

Affiliation table below. RAMs are regular attending members, NRAMs are non-regular

attending members, RANMs are regular attending non-members, and then the visitors

category.

BK by Church Affiliation- 3.25BK2

58.8%

56.4%57.0%

61.2%

54.0%

55.0%

56.0%

57.0%

58.0%

59.0%

60.0%

61.0%

62.0%

RAM NRAM RANM Vistors

Overall

Graph 3.25-BK1

59.3%

33.9%44.2%

68.1%

90.5%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Overall

All Surveyed


39/96

31

Reviewing the data based on age groupings revealed the following results as indicated

in Graph 3.25-BK3- BK by Age. The ages were broken down via the categories used in the

Barna research.

Graph 3.25-BK3- BK by Age

57.7%57.5%

49.3%

64.4%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

18-24 24-43 44-62 63+

Overall

Along denominational lines, the grasp of biblical knowledge across the four sections

averages out as indicated in Graph: 3.25-BK4: BK by Denomination.

Graph: 3.25-BK4: BK by Denomination

47.5

%

50.0

%

55.0

%

55.2

%

59.6

%

62.5

%

62.5

%

62.8

%

64.0

%

65.5

%

75.0

%

75.0

%

59.3

%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

Overall

Coptic

ChurchofChrist

OtherUPC AG

Nazarene

N

on-Denom

ChurchofGodBapt

Christian

MethodistCath

Overall


40/96

32

3.26- Basic Christian Doctrine

The last section of the survey consisted of eighteen multiple choice questions. Each

question dealt with a different aspect of crucial Christian doctrine. The first question asked,

How many Gods are there in the Universe? The choices were, A) To many to count, B) 1,

or C) 3. The answer is B) 1. There is only one God. The following graphs detail the

percentage of correct answers in each of two categories breakdowns: 1) Church Affiliation

and 2) Age

# of Gods -by Church Affiliation

97.8

%

100.0%

98.1

%

88.9

%

97.0

%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

95.0%

100.0%

RAM NRAM RANM Vistors Overall

% Correct:

Number of Gods - By Age

97.7%

96.9%

95.9%

100.0%

9

7.0%

93.0%94.0%

95.0%96.0%97.0%98.0%

99.0%100.0%101.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


41/96

33

Question B concerned the person of Jesus Christ. It read, Jesus is The choices

were, A) A prophet just like Mohammad, B) One of many Gods, C) God in flesh, or D) The

physical son of Joseph. The answer is C; God in flesh. Jesus was not a prophet like

Mohammad. Although he was the legal son of Joseph, he was not the physical son of Joseph.

The Person of Jesus.. - By Age

95.5

%

89.2

%9

5.9

%

85.7

% 92.7

%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

95.0%

100.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct

The Person of Jesus. -by Church Affiliation

92.2

%

100.0

%

92.5

%

94.4%

92.7

%

88.0%

90.0%92.0%

94.0%

96.0%

98.0%

100.0%

RAM NRAM RANM Vis tors Overall

% Correct:


42/96

34

Question C is dealing with an understanding of the Trinity which can be defined as

within the nature and essence of the one true God there are three persons; Father, Son, and

Holy Spirit. The individual was asked to complete the following sentence: The Trinity is

The answer choices were A) One God in three persons, B) Three separate Gods, or C) A

product of the 4th

century and not biblical.

The Trinity-by Church Affiliation

90.9

%

83.3

%

8

8.7

%100.0

%

93.3

%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

The Trinity - By Age

88.6

%

92.3

%

91.8

%

90.9

%

85.7

%

82.0%

84.0%

86.0%

88.0%

90.0%

92.0%

94.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


43/96

35

Question D measures the understanding of the Holy Spirit as being the third person

in the Holy Trinity. The statement read, The Holy Spirit is The choices were A) A

force like radar, B) a symbol of Gods presence, or C) The 3rd

person of the Trinity. Unlike

many cults, the Christian faith holds that Holy Spirit is a real person having the same nature,

substance and essence as the Father and the Son.

Holy Spirit -by Church Affiliation

74.5%

50.0%6

7.9%

100.0%

82.2%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

Holy Spirit - By Age

63.6%

72.3% 8

7.8%

74.5%

71.4%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


44/96

36

Question E deals with what sin is. The statement was, In essence SIN is The

choices were A) Breaking Gods law, B) Going against our own feelings, or C) Different for

every individual. Sin is disobedience to Gods law thus the entire reason Christ lived in total

obedience to the law so that He could be the perfect sacrifice for sinful men. Sin is not going

against our feelings because our feelings can deceive. Sin is also not relative to any situation

thus is constant for each individual.

Sin -by Church Affiliation

95.2%

88.9%

98.1%

100.0%

94.4%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

95.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

Sin - By Age

100.0%

89.2%

98.0%

95.2%

100.0%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

95.0%

100.0%

105.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


45/96

37

Question F concerns the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The statement the individuals

were asked to complete was, Jesus rose from the dead The choices to complete the

statement were; A) As a spirit, B) As Michael the Archangel, or C) In the same body he died

in. The answer is C. Thomas felt Jesus nail pierced side and the men on the road to

Emmaus saw the nail prints in Jesus hands. Jesus did not rise again in spirit form nor is He

Michael the Archangel.

Ressurection -by Church Affiliation

78.2%

66.7%

77.4%

75.0%

81.1%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

Ressurection - By Age

75.0%

81.5%

75.5%

78.2%

85.7%

65.0%

70.0%

75.0%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


46/96

38

Question G provides insight into the means and mechanisms of salvation. The

statement was, Salvation is by The options were A) Grace through faith and baptism, B)

Grace through faith alone, or C) Grace through faith after all we have done. The answer is

B; grace through faith alone.

Salvation -by Church Affiliation

65.5%

5

5.6%

6

0.4%

100.0%

68.9%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

Salvation - By Age

63.6%

60.0% 7

3.5%

65.5%7

1.4%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


47/96

39

Question H concerns an attribute of God in that He never changes. The statement

reads, God is The options for completing the sentence were, A) Different in the Old

Testament than in the New Testament, B) The same throughout history and does not change,

or C) A mythical means by which men can come to grips with their mortality. The answer is

B. God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

God Never Changes -by Church Affiliation

95.8%

88.9%

96.2%1

00.0%

96.7%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

95.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

God Never Changes - By Age

97.7%

92.3%

98.0%

95.8%

100.0%

88.0%

90.0%

92.0%

94.0%

96.0%

98.0%

100.0%

102.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


48/96

40

Question I measures views on Mary. The statement reads, Mary, the mother of

Jesus The options for completing the sentence were A) was not really a virgin but was a

young maiden, B) was a virgin when she conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit of God, or C) is

a Co-Redeemer with Christ. The answer is B. Mary was a virgin when the Holy Spirit

overshadowed her and she conceived Jesus.

Mary -by Church Affiliation

97.6%

94.4%

98.1%1

00.0%

97.8%

90.0%

92.0%

94.0%

96.0%

98.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

Mary - By Age

97.7%

95.4%

100.0%

97.6%1

00.0%

92.0%

94.0%

96.0%

98.0%

100.0%

102.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


49/96

41

Question J deals with the understanding of Heaven. The statement says, Heaven

is The choices are A) the dwelling place of God and all who are saved, B) A state of

mind, C) a symbol of God and not a real place. The answer is A) the dwelling place of God

and all who are saved.

Heaven -by Church Affiliation

98.8

%

94.4

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

98.9

%

90.0%

92.0%

94.0%

96.0%

98.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

Heaven - By Age

100.0

%

100.0

%

98.0

%

98.8

%

85.7

%

75.0%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

95.0%

100.0%

105.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


50/96

42

Question K examines thoughts on the ways or paths to Heaven or God. The

question is, How many paths are there to God? The answer choices were, A) 1: Through

Jesus alone, B) Many. Each must find their own way, or C) 3: Christianity, Islam, Judaism.

The answer is A) 1: Through Jesus alone.

Paths to God -by Church Affiliation

98.8%

94.4%

100.0%

100.0%

98.9%

90.0%

92.0%94.0%

96.0%

98.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

Paths to God - By Age

100.0%

100.0%

98.0%

98.8%

85.7%

75.0%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

95.0%

100.0%

105.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


51/96

43

Question L asks How many natures does Jesus have? The answer choices are A) 1-

Human, B) 1- Divine, or C) 2- God and Man. The answer is C: Both God and Man. Jesus

never stopped being God. He laid aside His right to act as Deity in order to identify fully

with mankind.

Jesus (God / Man) -by Church Affiliation

66.1

%

66.7

%

67.9

%

75.0

%

64.4

%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

Jesus (God / Man) - By Age

75.0

%

60.0

%

67.3

%

66.1

%

57.1

%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


52/96

44

Question M explores thoughts on the reality of Satan or the Devil. The statement

reads; The Devil is The choices for completing the sentence are A) A created angel that

rebelled against God, B) The evil opposite of God, C) Not a real being, but a symbol of evil.

The correct answer is A. Lucifer was a created angel that rebelled against God.

The Devil is... -by Church Affiliation

91.5%

72.2

%92.5%

100.0%

94.4%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

The Devil is... - By Age

93.2%

92.3%

93.9%

91.5%

57.1%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


53/96

45

Question N poses the statement The Bible is The choices were A) A

collection of ancient writings authored by men, B) The inspired Word of God, or C) A book

of truths like the Koran or book of Mormon. The answer is B: The inspired Word of God.

The Bible is... -by Church Affiliation

97.0%

83.3%

98.1%

100.0%

98.9%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

The Bible is... - By Age

97.7%

95.4%

100.0%

97.0%

85.7%

75.0%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

95.0%

100.0%

105.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


54/96

46

Question O puts forth the statement that The nature of man is inherently The three

choices for completing the sentence were A) Sinful, B) Good, but prone to mistakes, C)

Divine. The answer is A: man is inherently sinful.

Nature of Man... -by Church Affiliation

9

1.5%

94.4%

90.6%

100.0%

9

1.1%

84.0%

86.0%

88.0%

90.0%

92.0%

94.0%

96.0%

98.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

Nature of Man... - By Age

95.5%

84.6%

98.0%

91.5%

85.7%

75.0%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

95.0%

100.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


55/96

47

Question P deals with the reality of Hell. The statement says Hell is The options are

A) A state of mind, B) A symbol and not a real place, C) A place o eternal torment for all

unbelievers. The correct answer is C: Hell is a place of eternal torment for all who are not

saved.

Hell is ... -by Church Affiliation

97

.0%

88.9%

98.1%

100.0%

97.8%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

95.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

Hell is... - By Age

100.0%

95.4%

98.0%

97.0%

85.7%

75.0%

80.0%

85.0%

90.0%

95.0%

100.0%

105.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


56/96

48

Question Q concerns prayer. The statement is, Prayer is... The answer choices are A)

Only to be used in times of distress, B) The way that God communicates with us and we

communicate with God, or C) Only to be used to praise God. The answer is B. Prayer is a

way that we communicate with God and God with us.

Prayer is ... -by Church Affiliation

98.2%

94.4%

100.0%

100.0%

97.8%

90.0%

92.0%

94.0%

96.0%

98.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

Prayer is... - By Age

100.0

%

96.9

%98.0

%

98.2

%

100.0

%

95.0%

96.0%

97.0%

98.0%

99.0%

100.0%

101.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


57/96

49

The last question R deals with the nation and destiny of Israel. The statement is Israel

The answer choices are A) has been replaced with the Church of God, B) has its own destiny

apart from the Church, or C) has been rejected by God never to be reconciled to God. The

answer is B. The nation of Israel has its own destiny apart from the Church.

Israel ... -by Church Affiliation

63.6%

56.6%

62.3%

100.0%

64.4%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%


% Correct:

Israel... - By Age

54.5% 6

1.5%

75.5%

63.6%

57.1%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

18-24 25-43 44+62 63+ Overall

%Correct


58/96

50

4.0: OBSERVATIONS, RELATIONSHIPS, &DISCUSSION

4.1 Directly Proportional Relationship between Having a Biblical Worldview to

Biblical knowledge and Understanding of Christian Doctrine.

The first major pattern observed upholds the premise of this thesis that as biblical

knowledge and understanding of Christian doctrine increase, so will the biblical worldview

of the individual. Per the chart below, overall, those with a biblical worldview scored an

average of 60.24% on the biblical knowledge sections while those that do not hold a biblical

worldview scored 56.05%. Those with a biblical worldview scored an average of 89.88% on

basic Christian doctrine. Those that do not have a biblical worldview obtained an average

score of 82.42%.

60.24%56.05%

4.19%

82.42%

7.46%

89.88%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

90.00%

100.00%

Yes No Variance

Worldview

BK CD


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51

The chart below indicates a trend that as the number of answers increased on the

Worldview section, so did the scores on biblical knowledge and understanding of Church

doctrine.

The only groups that have a worldview as defined by Barna are those that answered

all six worldview questions correctly. An incorrect answer to any of the worldview questions

would put the individual in the secular worldview section. However, an interesting

correlation was drawn when the average score of both the biblical knowledge sections and

the Christian doctrine sections were categorized by the number of worldview questions

answered correctly.

In doing these calculations, the trend is easily established that in every instance, as the

number of worldview questions were answered correctly rose, so did the percentage of

correctly answered biblical knowledge questions and Christian doctrine questions.

WV- To BK-CD Progression

3

4

5

6

55.50%

77.20%

86.88%

89.88%

30.00%

52.30%

59.80%

60.24%

Avg BK Score

Avg CD Score

WV=NO #WV QuestionCorrect


60/96

52

Below is a graph that shows the individual variance between biblical knowledge

average scores (BK) and Christian doctrine average scores (CD) as the number of correctly

answered worldview questions increased.

The sharpest increase occurred between those that answered three worldview

questions correctly and those that answered four correctly showing variances in the 22%

range.

From answering four worldview questions correctly and five correctly, the variances

dropped significantly yet was still noteworthy. The variance in the Christian doctrine

category increased at a slightly higher rate (9.68%) than the increase variance in biblical

knowledge average score (7.50%).

The Biblical knowledge variance was almost flat (.44%) between five to six

worldview questions answered correctly yet an increase of almost % was acknowledged.

Understanding of Christian doctrine continued to rise in variance at a healthy rate of 3%.

Variance Chart

22.30%

21.70%

7.50%

9.68% 3.00%

0.44%

0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00%

Variance of BK

Avg. Score

Variance of CD

Avg. Score

3-4 4-5 5-6


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53

Overall, there was noted a variance increase of 34.39% in understanding of Christian

doctrine between those that answered three worldview questions correctly and those that

answered all six correctly. In the biblical knowledge area, the variance increase was 30.24%

between those that answered three worldview questions correctly and those that answered all

six. No one surveyed answered less than 3 worldview questions correctly.

Even though 44.2% of all surveyed were either dissatisfied or strongly dissatisfied

with their spiritual health, it seems as if the concern is not pressing enough for action.

Between the age groups of 18 - 25 and 26 - 43, the average score of the younger group is

2/10

th

of a percent lower than the older. It is also interesting that the age group that scored

the lowest in biblical knowledge (BK) and understanding of church doctrine (CD), 63+, was

also the group that was most satisfied with their spiritual maturity.

Spiritual Satisfaction - BK/CD

54.5

%

44.6

% 65.3

%8

5.7

%

59.3

%

64.4

57.7

%

57.5

82.49

1.1

%

86.2

%

88.6

%

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%

18-24 24-43 44-62 63+

% Spiritual Health (Satsified) Overall BK Score Overall Church Doctrine


62/96

54

4.2 Four of the six worldview questions show individual variances ranging from

21.1% to 55.3% between those with a biblical worldview and those that do not

have a biblical worldview.

True Christianity is called to be different. Ones worldview is the lens by which our

thoughts are formed, the machine by which are decisions are processed, and the standard by

which our moral decisions are made. It is how we view and process life. As the data

reveals, the extent to which ones worldview is biblical or secular is directly proportional to

the individuals understanding of church doctrine and biblical knowledge. This difference can

be seen in the four areas identified in the above chart.

The following sections will examine these four areas and expand on observations

noted within the research. Correlations will be made from results accounted in prior sections

of this document.

WV-Variance Chart

100.0

0%

100.0

0%

100.0

0%

100.0

0%

78.9

0%

78.9

0%

44.7

0%

60.5

0%

21.10%21.10%

55.30%

39.50%

0.00%

20.00%

40.00%

60.00%

80.00%

100.00%

120.00%

S1C- Moral Absolute

Truth

S1D- Salvation by

survey results- biblical literacy

Documents