Ligonier State of Theology 2022

Commissioned by Ligonier Ministries

TheStateofTheology.com

Methodology● A demographically balanced online panel was used for interviewing
American adults● 3,011 surveys were completed January 5-January 23, 2022
● The sample provides 95% confidence that the sampling error from theonline panel does not exceed +1.9%● Margins of error are higher in sub-groups● Slight weights were used to balance gender, age, ethnicity, income,region, and religion

2

Definitions● Evangelical Beliefs are defined using the NAE Lifeway Research
Evangelical Beliefs Research Definition based on respondent beliefs● Respondents are asked their level of agreement with four
separate statements using a four-point, forced choice scale (strongly
agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, strongly disagree).
Those who strongly agree with all four statements are categorized
as having Evangelical Beliefs• The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe• It is very important for me personally to encourage non-Christians
to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior• Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could
remove the penalty of my sin• Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior receive
God’s free gift of eternal salvation

3

God is a perfect being and cannot makea mistake.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

51%

50%
40%
30%
20%

14%

10%

10%

15%
9%

0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q21_1: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. God is a perfect being and cannot make a mistake.”

4

There is one true God in three persons:
God the Father, God the Son, and God
the Holy Spirit.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

54%

50%
40%
30%
16%

20%

14%

11%

Strongly
DisagreeNot Sure

5%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeQ21_2: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. There is one true God in three persons: God the Father,
God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.”5God accepts the worship of all
religions, including Christianity,
Judaism and Islam.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%

45%

40%
30%

22%
16%

20%
6%

10%

11%

0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q21_3: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. God accepts the worship of all religions, including
Christianity, Judaism and Islam.”6

God learns and adapts to different
circumstances.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

32%

30%

23%

20%

20%

17%
8%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q21_4: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. God learns and adapts to different circumstances”

7

Biblical accounts of the physical (bodily)resurrection of Jesus are completely
accurate. This event actually occurred.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%

47%

40%
30%
19%

20%

15%
8%

10%

11%

0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q22_1: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Biblical accounts of the physical (bodily) resurrection ofJesus are completely accurate. This event actually occurred.”8

Jesus is the first and greatest being
created by God.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

40%

30%

24%
15%

20%

12%

8%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot SureQ22_2: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Jesus is the first and greatest being created by God.”9

Jesus was a great teacher, but he was
not God.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

31%

30%

27%

22%

20%

11%

9%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot SureQ22_3: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God.”

10

God created male and female.

100%
90%

80%
70%

64%

60%

50%
40%
30%
20%

13%

10%

12%
3%

7%

0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeQ22_4: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. God created male and female.”

Not Sure

11

The Holy Spirit is a force but is not a
personal being.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

33%
26%

30%

19%

20%

15%

7%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot SureQ23_1: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. The Holy Spirit is a force but is not a personal being.”

12

The Holy Spirit gives a spiritual new
birth or new life before a person has
faith in Jesus Christ.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%
30%

27%

23%

20%

20%

21%

Strongly
DisagreeNot Sure

9%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeQ23_2: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. The Holy Spirit gives a spiritual new birth or new life
before a person has faith in Jesus Christ.”

13

The Holy Spirit can tell me to dosomething which is forbidden in the
Bible.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

51%

50%
40%
30%
20%

11%

10%

11%

Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
Disagree

10%

16%

0%
Strongly
DisagreeNot SureQ23_3: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. The Holy Spirit can tell me to do something which isforbidden in the Bible.”

14

Everyone sins a little, but most people
are good by nature.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
39%

40%
30%

27%

20%

14%

14%
6%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q24_1: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Everyone sins a little, but most people are good by
nature.”15

Even the smallest sin deserves eternal
damnation.
100%
90%

80%
70%
58%

60%

50%
40%
30%
20%

15%

10%

10%

11%

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
Disagree

6%0%Strongly
Agree

Strongly
DisagreeNot SureQ24_2: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Even the smallest sin deserves eternal damnation.”

16

God counts a person as righteous not
because of one’s works but only
because of one’s faith in Jesus Christ.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

34%

30%

23%

20%

20%
13%

10%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot SureQ24_3: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. God counts a person as righteous not because of one’s
works but only because of one’s faith in Jesus Christ.”

17

Everyone is born innocent in the eyesof God.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

53%

50%
40%
30%
17%

20%

16%
8%

5%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot SureQ24_4: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Everyone is born innocent in the eyes of God.”

18

The Bible, like all sacred writings,
contains helpful accounts of ancient
myths but is not literally true.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%
30%

25%

28%

20%

27%
14%
6%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q25_1: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. The Bible, like all sacred writings, contains helpful
accounts of ancient myths but is not literally true.”

19

The Bible is 100% accurate in all that itteaches.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

33%

28%

30%
18%

20%

15%
5%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot SureQ25_2: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. The Bible is 100% accurate in all that it teaches.”20Modern science disproves the Bible.

100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

31%

30%
20%

19%

21%

17%

12%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot SureQ25_3: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Modern science disproves the Bible.”21

God chose the people he would save
before he created the world.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
39%

40%
30%
20%

17%

14%

13%

Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
Disagree

18%

10%
0%
Strongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q26_1: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. God chose the people he would save before he createdthe world.”

22

Hell is a real place where certain people
will be punished forever.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

39%

30%

21%

20%

20%

12%

8%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot SureQ26_2: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Hell is a real place where certain people will bepunished forever.”23

There will be a time when Jesus Christ
returns to judge all the people whohave lived.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%

45%

40%
30%
19%

20%

18%
10%

8%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q26_3: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. There will be a time when Jesus Christ returns to judge
all the people who have lived.”24

Worshiping alone or with one’s family
is a valid replacement for regularly
attending church.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

35%

31%

30%
20%

14%

10%

10%

9%

Strongly
DisagreeNot Sure

0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeQ27_1: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Worshiping alone or with one’s family is a valid
replacement for regularly attending church.”

25

Christians should be silent on issues ofpolitics.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%

40%

40%
30%
20%

17%

21%
13%

9%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q27_2: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Christians should be silent on issues of politics.”

26

Every Christian has an obligation tojoin a local church.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
36%

40%
30%
20%

18%

19%

19%
8%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q27_3: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Every Christian has an obligation to join a local church.”27

Sex outside of traditional marriage is a
sin.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

33%

30%

29%
20%

20%

13%
5%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q28_1: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Sex outside of traditional marriage is a sin.”28

Abortion is a sin.

100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

34%
27%

30%
19%

20%

12%

8%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeQ28_2: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Abortion is a sin.”

Not Sure29

Gender identity is a matter of choice.

100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
38%

40%
30%

24%
18%

20%

13%
7%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q28_3: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Gender identity is a matter of choice.”

30

The Bible’s condemnation ofhomosexual behavior doesn’t apply
today.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%
30%

30%

30%
16%

20%

13%

12%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q28_4: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. The Bible’s condemnation of homosexual behavior
doesn’t apply today.”

31

God is unconcerned with my day-today decisions.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%

40%

40%
30%
20%

18%

14%

18%
10%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot Sure

Q29_1: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. God is unconcerned with my day-to-day decisions.”

32

The Bible has the authority to tell us
what we must do.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%
30%

29%

29%
23%

20%

14%
5%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot SureQ29_2: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. The Bible has the authority to tell us what we must do.”33

Religious belief is a matter of personal
opinion; it is not about objective truth.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

31%

30%

28%
19%

20%

13%

8%

10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeNot SureQ29_3: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Religious belief is a matter of personal opinion; it is notabout objective truth.”34

The Bible is the highest authority forwhat I believe.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

38%

30%

24%

23%
15%

20%
10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeQ30_1: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe.”35

It is very important for me personally to
encourage non-Christians to trust
Jesus Christ as their Savior.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

32%

30%

28%

24%
17%

20%
10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeQ30_2: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. It is very important for me personally to encourage nonChristians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior.”

36

Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the
only sacrifice that could remove thepenalty of my sin.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%

42%

40%
30%

22%

21%
15%

20%
10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeQ30_3: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the only sacrificethat could remove the penalty of my sin.”37

Only those who trust in Jesus Christ
alone as their Savior receive God’s free
gift of eternal salvation.
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%

50%
40%

37%

30%

24%

23%
16%

20%
10%
0%
Strongly
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Somewhat
DisagreeStrongly
DisagreeQ30_4: “For each of the following statements, please indicate your level of agreement. Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their
Savior receive God’s free gift of eternal salvation.”38

Significant Differences
RegionAge
Gender
Education Level
Household Income
Location
Religious Service Attendance
Christian Religious Traditions
Evangelical Beliefs

39

Significant Differences
Comparisons were made to determine if there are any significant
statistical differences among region of the country, age, gender,
education level, and household income.

RegionAge

Gender

Education

HH Income

Northeast

18-34

Male

High School
graduate or lessLess than$25,000

Midwest35-49

FemaleSome college$25- $49,999

South

50-64

Bachelor’s Degree$50- $74,999

West

65+

Graduate Degree$75- $99,99$100,000 or
more

Note: Region is defined by the US Census locations

40

Significant Statistical Differences
Comparisons were made to determine if there are any significant
statistical differences among locations, religious service
attendance, Christian religious traditions, and Evangelical beliefs.

Location

Religious
Service
Attendance

Christian
Religious
Traditions

EvangelicalBeliefs

Large city (100,000
or more)At least once or
twice a month

Evangelical

Yes

Small city (lessthan 100,000)

Less than oncea monthBlack
ProtestantNo

SuburbMainline

Rural Area

Catholic

41

“God is a perfect being and cannot make a mistake.”• Americans in the Midwest (68%) and South (72%) are more likely to Agreethan those in the Northeast (58%) and West (60%)• Americans age 65+ are the most likely to Agree (74%)• Americans age 18-34 are the least likely to Agree (59%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 (75%) and$25,000-$49,999 (76%) are more likely to Agree than those with income of$50,000-$74,999 (60%), $75,000-$99,999 (59%), and $100,000 or more
(62%)

• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (90% v. 48%)
• Evangelicals (89%) and Black Protestants (87%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (72%) and Catholics (78%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (98% v. 57%)

42

“There is one true God in three persons: God the Father, God
the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.”• Americans in the Midwest (76%) and South (75%) are more likely to Agreethan those in the Northeast (64%) and West (63%)• Americans age 65+ are the most likely to Agree (81%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 (81%) and$25,000-$49,999 (83%) are more likely to Agree than those with income of$50,000-$74,999 (63%), $75,000-$99,999 (64%), and $100,000 or more
(65%)
• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (93% v. 54%)
• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (97% v. 64%)43

“God accepts the worship of all religions, including
Christianity, Judaism and Islam.”• Catholics are the most likely to Agree (86%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Disagree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (38% v. 18%)

44

“God learns and adapts to different circumstances.”• Americans age 18-34 (57%) and 35-49 (54%) are more likely to Agree thanthose 50-64 (48%) and 65+ (46%)• Americans who are High School Graduates or less (57%) or a Graduate
degree (53%) are more likely to Agree than those with some college (47%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 (56%) and$25,000-$49,999 (55%) are more likely to Agree than those with income of$75,000-$99,999 (46%)• Americans in a large city are the most likely to Agree (58%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (59% v. 46%)
• Black Protestants (58%), Mainlines (61%) and Catholics (67%) are more
likely to Agree than Evangelicals (47%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Disagree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (43% v. 29%)45

“Biblical accounts of the physical (bodily) resurrection of Jesus
are completely accurate. This even actually occurred.”• Americans in the Midwest (70%) and South (70%) are more likely to Agreethan those in the Northeast (60%) and West (62%)• Americans age 18-34 are the least likely to Agree (58%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 (79%) and$25,000-$49,999 (77%) are more likely to Agree than those with income of$50,000-$74,999 (58%), $75,000-$99,999 (58%), and $100,000 or more
(62%)
• Americans in a rural area (72%) are more likely to Agree than those in asmall city (64%) or a suburb (62%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (90% v. 48%)
• Evangelicals (90%) and Black Protestants (89%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (74%) and Catholics (79%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (98% v. 58%)

46

“Jesus is the first and greatest being created by God.”• Americans who are High School Graduates or less are the most likely toAgree (66%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 (69%) and$25,000-$49,999 (64%) are more likely to Agree than those with income of$50,000-$74,999 (49%), $75,000-$99,999 (48%), and $100,000 or more
(50%)
• Americans in a large city (61%) are more likely to Agree than those in asmall city (55%) or a suburb (50%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (69% v. 44%)
• Black Protestants (78%) and Catholics (71%) are more likely to Agree than
Evangelicals (61%) and Mainlines (62%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (73% v. 50%)

47

“Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God.”• Americans age 35-49 are the most likely to Agree (64%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Disagree than those who do not (47% v. 27%)

• Black Protestants (57%) and Catholics (52%) are more likely to Agree than
Evangelicals (44%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Disagree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (54% v. 31%)48

“God created male and female.”• Americans age 65+ are the most likely to Agree (87%)• Americans who are High School Graduates or less are the most likely toAgree (84%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 (89%) and$25,000-$49,999 (88%) are more likely to Agree than those with income of$50,000-$74,999 (72%), $75,000-$99,999 (70%), and $100,000 or more(73%)
• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (96% v. 64%)
• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (99% v. 72%)

49

“The Holy Spirit is a force but is not a personal being.”• Evangelicals are the mostly likely to Disagree (34%)

50

“The Holy Spirit gives a spiritual new birth or new life before aperson has faith in Jesus Christ.”• Americans age 18-34 (53%) and 35-49 (58%) are more likely to Agree thanthose 50-64 (47%) and 65+ (44%)• Americans who are High School Graduates or less are the most likely toAgree (58%)• Americans in a large city (57%) are more likely to Agree than those in a
suburb (44%) or a rural area (50%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (66% v. 39%)

• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (63% v. 47%)

51

“The Holy Spirit can tell me to do something which is forbiddenin the Bible.”• Americans age 18-34 (30%) and 35-49 (30%) are more likely to Agree thanthose 50-64 (14%) and 65+ (10%)• Americans with a Graduate degree are the most likely to Agree (28%)• Americans with some college are the most likely to Disagree (68%)• Americans with household income of $100,000 or more are the most likely
to Agree (28%)• Americans in a large city (32%) are more likely to Agree than those in asmall city (22%), a suburb (15%), or a rural area (14%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (32% v. 14%)
• Evangelicals (73%) are more likely to Disagree than Catholics (62%)

52

“Everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.”• Americans age 65+ (72%) are more likely to Agree than those 18-34 (66%)
and 50-64 (61%)• Americans in a large city (70%) are more likely to Agree than those in a
suburb (65%) or a rural area (60%)• Catholics (83%) are more likely to Agree than Evangelicals (55%) andMainlines (74%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Disagree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (39% v. 25%)53

“Even the smallest sin deserves eternal damnation.”• Americans age 35-49 are the most likely to Agree (33%)• Males are more likely to Agree than females (31% v. 20%)
• Americans with some college are the least likely to Agree (17%)• Americans with household income of $100,000 or more are the most likely
to Agree (31%)• Americans in a large city are the most likely to Agree (36%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (42% v. 13%)
• Evangelicals (40%) and Black Protestants (37%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (17%) and Catholics (20%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (55% v. 17%)54

“God counts a person as righteous not because of one’s works
but only because of one’s faith in Jesus Christ.”• Americans in the South are the most likely to Agree (62%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 are the most likely
to Agree (71%)• Americans in a suburb are the least likely to Agree (50%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (77% v. 42%)
• Evangelicals (80%) and Black Protestants (83%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (60%) and Catholics (60%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (93% v. 48%)

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“Everyone is born innocent in the eyes of God.”• Americans with household income of $25,000-$49,999 are the most likely
to Agree (76%)• Evangelicals are the least likely to Agree (66%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Disagree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (32% v. 18%)

56

“The Bible, like all sacred writings, contains helpful accounts ofancient myths but is not literally true.”• Americans in the Northeast (60%) and West (57%) are more likely to Agreethan those in the Midwest (50%) and South (49%)• Americans age 18-34 (58%) and 35-49 (59%) are more likely to Agree thanthose 50-64 (46%) and 65+ (46%)• Males are more likely to Agree than females (58% v. 48%)
• Americans with a Graduate degree are the most likely to Agree (64%)• Americans with household income of $100,000 or more are the most likely
to Agree (62%)• Americans in a large city (59%) are more likely to Agree than those in asmall city (51%), a suburb (53%), or a rural area (41%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Disagree than those who do not (56% v. 30%)
• Evangelicals are the least likely to Agree (27%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Disagree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (71% v. 33%)

57

“The Bible is 100% accurate in all that it teaches.”• Americans in the Midwest (52%) and South (57%) are more likely to Agreethan those in the Northeast (43%)• Americans who are High School Graduates or less (60%) or with a
Graduate degree (55%) are more likely to Agree than those with somecollege (49%) or a Bachelor’s degree (46%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 are the most likely
to Agree (65%)• Americans in a suburb are the least likely to Agree (44%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (78% v. 32%)
• Evangelicals (76%) and Black Protestants (72%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (50%) and Catholics (55%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (95% v. 40%)58

“Modern science disproves the Bible.”• Americans age 18-34 (51%) and 35-49 (52%) are more likely toAgree than those 50-64 (29%) and 65+ (21%)• Americans with a Bachelor’s degree (42%) or a Graduate degree (46%) are
more likely to Agree than those who are High School Graduates or less(36%) or with some college (35%)• Americans with household income of $50,000-$74,999 (41%), $75,000$99,999 (46%), and $100,000 or more (46%) are more likely to Agree thanthose with income of less than $25,000 (33%) and $25,000-$49,999 (28%)• Americans in a rural area are the least likely to Agree (29%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Disagree than those who do not (60% v. 39%)
• Black Protestants (39%) and Catholics (30%) are more likely to Agree than
Evangelicals (20%) and Mainlines (22%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Disagree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (63% v. 44%)59

“God chose the people he would save before he created theworld.”• Americans age 65+ are the most likely to Disagree (61%)• Americans who are High School Graduates or less (36%) or with a
Graduate degree (37%) are more likely to Agree than those with somecollege (24%) or a Bachelor’s degree (28%)• Americans with household income of $50,000-$74,999 are the least likely toAgree (22%)• Americans in a large city are the most likely to Agree (42%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (46% v. 19%)
• Mainlines are the least likely to Agree (23%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (51% v. 25%)

60

“Hell is a real place where certain people will be punishedforever.”• Americans in the South are the most likely to Agree (66%)• Americans who are High School Graduates or less (66%) are more likely toAgree than those with some college (54%) or with a Bachelor’s degree(57%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 (64%) and$25,000-$49,999 (68%) are more likely to Agree than those with income of$50,000-$74,999 (51%), $75,000-$99,999 (55%), and $100,000 or more
(56%)
• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (83% v. 41%)
• Evangelicals (82%) and Black Protestants (80%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (56%) and Catholics (68%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (94% v. 49%)

61

“There will be a time when Jesus Christ returns to judge all thepeople who have lived.”• Americans in the Midwest (67%) and South (69%) are more likely to Agreethan those in the Northeast (55%) and West (60%)• Americans age 18-34 are the least likely to Agree (58%)• Americans who are High School Graduates or less are the most likely toAgree (71%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 (76%) and$25,000-$49,999 (74%) are more likely to Agree than those with income of$50,000-$74,999 (56%), $75,000-$99,999 (57%), and $100,000 or more
(60%)
• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (89% v. 45%)
• Evangelicals (88%) and Black Protestants (84%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (70%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (98% v. 55%)

62

“Worshiping alone or with one’s family is a valid replacement
for regularly attending church”• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Disagree than those who do not (37% v. 15%)• Mainlines (73%) are more likely to Agree than Evangelicals (56%) andBlack Protestants (62%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Disagree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (41% v. 20%)

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“Christians should be silent on issues of politics.”• Americans age 65+ are the least likely to Agree (17%)• Males are more likely to Agree than females (35% v. 25%)
• Americans with household income of $100,000 or more are the most likely
to Agree (36%)• Americans in a large city are the most likely to Agree (39%)

64

“Every Christian has an obligation to join a local church.”• Americans age 35-49 are the most likely to Agree (44%)• Americans age 65+ are the least likely to Agree (27%)• Americans with a Graduate degree are the most likely to Agree (47%)• Americans with household income of $100,000 or more (42%) are more
likely to Agree than those with income of $25,000-$49,999 (34%), $50,000$74,999 (29%), and $75,000-$99,999 (34%)• Americans in a large city are the most likely to Agree (46%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (62% v. 18%)
• Evangelicals (51%) and Black Protestants (54%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (35%) and Catholics (42%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (68% v. 28%)

65

“Sex outside of traditional marriage is a sin.”• Americans in the Northeast are the least likely to Agree (41%)• Americans age 18-34 are the least likely to Agree (47%)• Americans who are High School Graduates or less are the most likely toAgree (61%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 (61%) and$25,000-$49,999 (57%) are more likely to Agree than those with income of$50,000-$74,999 (45%), $75,000-$99,999 (50%), and $100,000 or more
(51%)

• Americans in a large city (58%) or a rural area (57%) are more likely toAgree than those in a suburb (47%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (76% v. 36%)
• Evangelicals (77%) and Black Protestants (79%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (47%) and Catholics (54%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (94% v. 42%)66

“Abortion is a sin.”• Americans in the Midwest (55%) and South (59%) are more likely to Agreethan those in the Northeast (43%) and West (49%)• Americans age 18-34 are the least likely to Agree (48%)• Americans who are High School Graduates or less (60%) or with a
Graduate degree (57%) are more likely to Agree than those with somecollege (50%) or a Bachelor’s degree (49%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 (61%) and$25,000-$49,999 (57%) are more likely to Agree than those with income of$50,000-$74,999 (46%) and $75,000-$99,999 (48%)• Americans in a suburb are the least likely to Agree (46%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (76% v. 36%)
• Mainlines are the least likely to Agree (44%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (91% v. 43%)

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“Gender identity is a choice.”• Americans age 65+ are the least likely to Agree (29%)• Americans with household income of $100,000 or more are the most likely
to Agree (48%)• Americans in a large city are the most likely to Agree (53%)• Catholics (42%) are more likely to Agree than Evangelicals (33%) andMainlines (32%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Disagree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (59% v. 49%)

68

“The Bible’s condemnation of homosexual behavior doesn’t
apply today.”• Americans in the Northeast (53%) and West (52%) are more likely to Agreethan those in the Midwest (44%) and South (40%)• Americans age 18-34 (56%) and 35-49 (54%) are more likely to Agree thanthose 50-64 (37%) and 65+ (32%)• Americans with a Bachelor's degree (51%) or Graduate degree (59%) are
more likely to Agree than those who are High School Graduates or less(36%) or some college (36%)• Americans with household income of $100,000 or more are the most likely
to Agree (56%)• Americans in a rural area are the least likely to Agree (31%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Disagree than those who do not (55% v. 32%)
• Evangelicals (65%) and Black Protestants (56%) are more likely to
Disagree than Mainlines (39%) and Catholics (43%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Disagree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (67% v. 35%)

69

“God is unconcerned with my day-to-day decisions.”• Americans age 18-34 (41%) and 35-49 (41%) are more likely
to Agree than those 50-64 (26%) and 65+ (17%)• Americans with a Graduate degree are the most likely to Agree (43%)• Americans with household income of $100,000 or more are the most likely
to Agree (43%)• Americans in a large city (41%) are more likely to Agree than thosein a small city (29%), a suburb (29%), or a rural area (21%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Disagree than those who do not (69% v. 49%)
• Evangelicals (80%) are more likely to Disagree than Mainlines (69%) andCatholics (66%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Disagree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (76% v. 53%)

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“The Bible has the authority to tell us what we must do.”• Americans in the South are the most likely to Agree (59%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 are the most likely
to Agree (62%)• Americans in a suburb are the least likely to Agree (44%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (79% v. 32%)
• Evangelicals (80%) and Black Protestants (79%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (59%) and Catholics (50%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Agree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (94% v. 41%)

71

“Religious belief is a matter of personal opinion; it is not about
objective truth.”• Americans in the Northeast (67%) and West (63%) are more likely to Agreethan those in the Midwest (57%) and South (56%)• Americans age 18-34 (67%) and 35-49 (66%) are more likely to Agree thanthose 50-64 (53%) and 65+ (51%)• Americans with a Graduate degree are the most likely to Agree (67%)• Americans with household income of $50,000-$74,999 (62%), $75,000$99,999 (64%), and $100,000 or more (66%) are more likely to Agree thanthose with income of less than $25,000 (52%) and $25,000-$49,999 (51%)• Americans in a large city (67%) are more likely to Agree than those in asmall city (56%), a suburb (59%), or a rural area (49%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Disagree than those who do not (45% v. 22%)
• Evangelicals are the most likely to Disagree (54%)• Americans with Evangelical Beliefs are more likely to Disagree than those
without Evangelical Beliefs (56% v. 26%)

72

“The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe.”• Americans in the Midwest (62%) and South (68%) are more likely to Agreethan those in the Northeast (52%) and West (58%)• Americans age 18-34 (%) are the least likely to Agree (56%)• Americans who are High School Graduates or less are the most likely toAgree (69%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 are the most likely
to Agree (75%)• Americans in a suburb are the least likely to Agree (55%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (87% v. 43%)
• Evangelicals (87%) and Black Protestants (92%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (68%) and Catholics (70%)

73“It is very important for me personally to encourage nonChristians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior.”• Americans in the South are the most likely to Agree (62%)• Americans who are High School Graduates or less are the most likely toAgree (64%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 are the most likely
to Agree (69%)• Americans in a suburb are the least likely to Agree (48%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (83% v. 35%)

• Evangelicals (82%) and Black Protestants (79%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (58%) and Catholics (58%)

74

“Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the only sacrifice that
could remove the penalty of my sin.”• Americans in the Northeast are the least likely to Agree (53%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 (76%) and$25,000-$49,999 (73%) are more likely to Agree than those with income of$50,000-$74,999 (56%), $75,000-$99,999 (58%), and $100,000 or more
(60%)
• Americans in a suburb are the least likely to Agree (58%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (87% v. 47%)

• Evangelicals (88%) and Black Protestants (86%) are more likely to Agreethan Mainlines (72%) and Catholics (72%)

75

“Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior
receive God’s free gift of eternal salvation.”• Americans in the Northeast are the least likely to Agree (49%)• Americans who are High School Graduates or less are the most likely toAgree (69%)• Americans with household income of less than $25,000 are the most likely
to Agree (74%)• Americans in a suburb are the least likely to Agree (53%)• Americans who attend a religious service at least once or twice a month are
more likely to Agree than those who do not (84% v. 43%)

• Catholics are the least likely to Agree (58%)

76