A recent study by the Cultural Research Center has revealed a significant decline in the number of Americans who believe in God’s existence and influence in their lives, with only 40% affirming this belief.
Despite two-thirds of American adults identifying as “Christian”, only 16% consider God to be the most important part of their life. The study highlights a growing trend of nominal Christianity, where faith is often detached from a personal relationship with God.
For those who believe in God, a significant number struggle to develop intimacy with Him or allow their faith to shape their daily choices. The research found that 30 million people who believe in God do not see Him as actively involved in their lives, while more than 80 million admit they lack an intimate, interactive relationship with Him.
However, when asked what God provides in their lives, most believers associated Him with qualities such as hope (72%), comfort (71%), love (70%), peace (65%), guidance (64%), compassion (60%), joy (60%), and mercy (58%).
The study also examined how believers prioritize God in their lives:
- 38% said God is the most important aspect of their life.
- 14% described Him as somewhat important.
- 5% said God is “not too” or “not at all” important.
- 3% felt God’s relevance depends on their circumstances.
Notably, three out of four believers affirmed that God is actively involved in their daily lives.
Dr. George Barna, author and research director of the Cultural Research Center, expressed concern over the findings, stating that the survey reflects a distorted view of Christianity.
“When you put all of these insights together, we understand we have fashioned the God of the Bible to be a deity reconfigured into our own image in order to fit within our personal comfort zone,” he noted.
Barna further suggested that this shift in faith may contribute to the nation’s broader struggles, emphasizing the need for a return to biblical Christianity—one that centers on a genuine relationship with God rather than cultural identity.
The study’s findings raise questions about the future of Christianity in America, urging believers to reflect on the depth of their faith and the role of God in their daily lives.
