Igniting a Moral and Spiritual Revolution

By George Barna

More than 300,000 Christian churches dot the American landscape, and more than four out of five American adults describe themselves as Christians. But what kind of Christian body do we really have in America? How significant is the faith of Christians? And what difference does that faith make within our society? Do you realize that: Fewer than one out of every 10 born-again Christians possesses a biblical worldview that impacts his/ her decisions and behaviors?
Only 7% of our adult population has made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, believes that eternal life is only possible through faith in Christ, asserts that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God, agrees that Satan is a real force that can affect people's lives and accepts the God described in the Bible as the only true God?

The people who believe Christianity is losing its influence in our society outnumber those who say it is gaining influence by more than a three-to-one margin?

Among the people who regularly attend worship services at Christian churches, half have not experienced God's presencein their lives at any time during the past 12 monthsand one-third of all regular churchgoers have never experienced His presence at all?

A majority of the individuals who made a first-time decision for Christ in the past year were no longer connected to a Christian church within eight weeks oftheirdecisionprimarily because churches have separated evangelism from discipleship, resulting in our spiritually abandoning people who express an interest in becoming devoted believers?
Although more than four out of five churches claim that evangelism is one of their primary reasons for existence, during the past 18 years there has been no statistically significant increase in the proportion of adults who are born again-even though churches have spent more than $500 billion on domestic ministry during that period?

The Quest for Distinction
If we were to be truly honest, we might admit that the problem with Christianity in America is not the content of the faith butthe failure of its adherents to integrate the principles of the faith into their lifestyles. For example, a recent study we conducted showed that born-again Christians substantially differed from non-Christians on just nine of the 66 variables on which we compared the two groups. Even more significant was the finding that Christians were virtually indistinguishable from nonbelievers on all 65 of the nonreligious variables we examined-matters of core values, defin ing attitudes and central behavioral tendencies. Until Christ's followers think and act differently, motivated by faith principles, the world has little reason to take our evangelistic exhortations seriously.

Time is of the essence in this quest for distinction. We are presently in an uncommon window of opportunity when major societal transitions have caused an unprecedented number of Americans to be spiritually sensitive and open. However, that window will remain open for only another three or four years. During this period, if the church does not engage the culture in a more relevant, practical and substantive way, we will abdicate the ability to influence American society for several decades to come.

One of Two by 2003
By 2003, one of two outcomes is likely to best describe America. One possibility is AMERICA THE SPIRITUAL. Today, people are desperately seeking meaning and purpose in life. They have tried materialism, sexual promiscuity, careerism, drugs, pop psychology and hyperleisure, but none ofthose pursuits havefilledtheirinnervoid. Now, millions are exploring spirituality to see if perhaps the faith realm holds the key to satisfying their needs. Many people could find the direction they are seeking through a vibrant, life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.

But the other possibility is the emergence of AMERICA THE MORALLY BANKRUPT. In this scenario, anything and everything would be permissible-morally, ethically, spiritually and relationally. America would be defined by moral anarchy. All that we do, say and think would be based solely upon its perceived immediate, personal benefit. America would devolve into a society in which people refuse to recognize or live in obedience to any laws, rules, regulations, customs, traditions, courtesies or norms unless they feel like doing so. This lifestyle choice will result in widespread disappointment and discouragement because people will have no sense of belonging to a larger entity, no sense of the common good or of community. America will lose its position as a world leader because we will be so selfish and so self-focused that societal progress will be negligible. The American Dream will turn into the American Nightmare. As a committed Christian, I am urgently praying for revival. As a rational social scientist confronted with a warehouse of behavioral and attitudinal data, I am expecting moral anarchy.

The Power of Christ
Can anything prevent moral anarchy from consuming America? Absolutely! The power of Christ in each of us can literally transform a culture by completely changing who we are and how we live. This implies that the church is the only real hope of a national moral resurrection.

But for the church in America to play such a role, we must rekindle our passion for God, recapture a sense of urgency about impacting the culture for Christ and respond strategically to the challenges before us. If the church does not rapidly realign its heart, mind and soul, and consequently redirect its efforts, we will lose our waning platform of influence in American society, leaving little to stop people from consistently pursuing the moral path of least resistance.
Christ has called us to be a loving, authoritative, healing and compelling influence upon the world, To be that church, we must tirelessly pursue holistic spiritual renewal. But that renewal will not be accomplished through massive initiatives and large institutions. It will be accomplished through hearts being changed and refocused, one at a time. For this moral and spiritual revolution to begin, your life must be the first to change.

The Real Difference
Christian/Non Christian
53% - 66% The main purpose in life is enjoyment and personal fulfillment
51% - 54% No mattter how you feel about money, it is still the main symbol of success in life There is no such thing as absolute truth; two people could define truth in totally conflicting ways, but both could still be correct.
67% - 76% No mattter how you feel about money, it is still the main symbol of success in life There is no such thing as absolute truth; two people could define truth in totally conflicting ways, but both could still be correct.
41% - 58% When you come right down to it, your first responsibility is to yourself.
91% - 86% You personally have a responsibility to share what you have with others who are poor or struggling.
61% - 64% Nothing can be known for certain except the things you experience in your own life.
80% - 83% God helps those who help themselves.
27% - 33% It's almost impossible to be a moral person today.
70% - 81% When it comes to morals, or what is right and wrong, there are no absolute standards that apply to everybody in all situations.
79% - 89% People are basically good.

A short sample from the questions in the Barna Report which formed the basis of the accompanying article, "Igniting a Moral and Spiritual Revolution."