Being a Christian has a profound impact on a person’s worldview, a new survey found.
Ninety-eight percent of American adults who choose socialism over capitalism oppose a biblical worldview, according to the American Worldview Inventory 2020 conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University and the Barna organization. By contrast, 83 percent of people who hold to a biblical worldview prefer capitalism instead of socialism, while 78 percent are “consistently conservative.”
Among people who uphold a biblical worldview:
- Eighty percent are fiscally conservative.
- Ninety-one percent support conservative social policies.
- Eighty-nine percent oppose abortion based on “clear biblical teaching.”
- Eighty-three percent endorse a “limited view of the size and scope of government.”
On the other hand, only 5 percent of Americans with a biblical worldview “are likely to adopt liberal views on physical, social and government issues.” The analysis also found that those without a biblical worldview are more likely to support liberal fiscal and social policies (26 percent and 40 percent, respectively).
READ: What’s the foundation of your worldview?
Regarding the Bible’s stance on abortion, 38 percent of Americans who reject a biblical worldview do not believe the Bible is unambiguous on the subject. Additionally, 26 percent prefer “a more liberal, expansive view of government.”
“The 2020 election is not about personalities, parties or even politics. It is an election to determine the dominant worldview in America,” survey author George Barna said. “Come November 3 we will know which worldview has won the hearts of Americans and will then determine the foundation for the nation’s values, lifestyles, and public policy for the near future.”
Len Munsil, president of Arizona Christian University,, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This study provides further evidence that we are in the midst of a war of worldviews. The biblical worldview that enabled our nation to achieve levels of peace, prosperity and justice unprecedented in human history is under assault by an ideology that devalues innocent life and threatens religious and economic liberty.”
Other findings of the survey include:
- People with a biblical worldview are significantly more likely to pay a lot or quite a bit of attention to political news (70% versus 57%). The survey also found that adults with a biblical worldview are more likely than are those without such a worldview to be registered to vote.
- A person’s worldview affects their view of law enforcement. Those with a biblical worldview prefer “law and order” policies such as police neutrally enforcing the rule of law equally, while those who believe in the innate goodness of humanity more likely support defunding police and the military.
- The practical significance of religious freedom, largely protected by the First Amendment, is evident among those with a biblical worldview. Nearly all of them (98%) say they are “deeply committed to practicing” their religious faith—a claim made by only 57% of other adults.
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice