Christians in America are more likely than the general population to see the United States as a blessed nation and a world leader, although majorities in both categories affirm such a belief, according to a new Barna survey.
Christians also are more likely to say the U.S. is a Christian nation and was “chosen by God.”
The data from the survey of 2,889 U.S. adults was posted on Barna’s website Wednesday and is part of a new study undertaken with the Racial Justice and Unity Center and others.
“While the Fourth of July offers a time for the U.S. to celebrate the Declaration of Independence, it also provides space for us to look back on our country’s history – the good and the bad – to sharpen the lens with which we envision its future,” Barna said in the release.
According to the poll, 80 percent of practicing Christians but 58 percent of U.S. adults agree with the statement that “historically, the United States has been a Christian country.” Fifty-one percent of practicing Christians strongly agree with the statement, while 29 percent “somewhat” agree.
Barna defines “practicing Christians” as self-identified Christians “who have attended a worship service within the past month and agree strongly that their faith is very important in their life.”
Meanwhile, 87 percent of practicing Christians but 52 percent of U.S. adults agree that “historically, the United States has been blessed by God.” (Sixty-four percent of practicing Christians strongly agree.)
On other questions:
- 57 percent of practicing Christians but 32 percent of U.S. adults agree that “historically, the United States has been chosen by God.”
- 87 percent of practicing Christians and 75 percent of U.S. adults agree that “historically, the United States has been a leader to the rest of the world.” (Sixty-one percent of practicing Christians strongly agree.)
- 83 percent of practicing Christians and 75 percent of U.S. adults agree that “historically, the United States has been a nation of immigrants.”
Barna also asked adults if they believe that “historically, the United States has been oppressive to minorities.” By a 48-28 margin, practicing Christians say it has been oppressive (24 percent are neutral). Among U.S. adults, the margin is 50-21 percent who believe it has been oppressive (29 percent are neutral). Although the poll results were released Wednesday, the survey was conducted July 19-August 5, 2019, prior to the 2020 protests over racial injustice.
Related:
Evangelical Leaders Are Speaking up about Race — But Will This New Focus Last?
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Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, The Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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