America needs what Christians have to offer
The last couple of months have been chock-full of developments that one would think should make that group pretty optimistic – in particular, the promise of four to eight years of good news on the political horizon. But pollster George Barna (American Culture & Faith Institute) says his research taking the temperature of SAGE Cons* on 15 aspects of American society found only one issue that a majority of them have a positive view about – and that only by one percentage point: the "accessibility of financial opportunities to all people."
"In particular, they look at things like people's spiritual commitment, they look at the integrity of government officials, they look at the national respect for traditional values and the moral condition of the country – and there's huge dissatisfaction," Barna shares.
For example, 44 percent of SAGE Cons have a positive view of religious freedom in America; only a third was satisfied with the fairness of the nation's court system; and 28 percent approve of the Christian commitment of Americans. Values taught in public schools and the honesty and integrity of mainstream media scored in the single digits. (See survey details)
Barna
Nevertheless, Barna says there may be a "window of opportunity" to change some things on the cultural front – but he cautions there's a danger.
"When you have almost no trust in your core institutions, when you're not sure that there are many other people out there who are willing to fight the battle, the tendency is to move into your shell and to isolate yourself from the battle," he tells OneNewsNow.
That would be "a huge mistake" for Christians to do that, he adds. "It would be a big loss – not just for the church and for biblical values – it would be a big loss for the country."
He concludes by encouraging believers to be present in the cultural conversation and active in the cultural struggle:
"One of the great benefits of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that it gives us a reason to have hope. If Christians can place their trust in Christ, and allow Him to guide their choices and actions, the social elements that have been so discouraging to the Church can be turned around. More than any other people group, biblical Christians have a reason to have hope and to never give up." https://www.onenewsnow.com/culture/2017/01/12/barna-america-needs-what-christians-have-to-offer
"In particular, they look at things like people's spiritual commitment, they look at the integrity of government officials, they look at the national respect for traditional values and the moral condition of the country – and there's huge dissatisfaction," Barna shares.
For example, 44 percent of SAGE Cons have a positive view of religious freedom in America; only a third was satisfied with the fairness of the nation's court system; and 28 percent approve of the Christian commitment of Americans. Values taught in public schools and the honesty and integrity of mainstream media scored in the single digits. (See survey details)
Barna
Nevertheless, Barna says there may be a "window of opportunity" to change some things on the cultural front – but he cautions there's a danger.
"When you have almost no trust in your core institutions, when you're not sure that there are many other people out there who are willing to fight the battle, the tendency is to move into your shell and to isolate yourself from the battle," he tells OneNewsNow.
That would be "a huge mistake" for Christians to do that, he adds. "It would be a big loss – not just for the church and for biblical values – it would be a big loss for the country."
He concludes by encouraging believers to be present in the cultural conversation and active in the cultural struggle:
"One of the great benefits of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that it gives us a reason to have hope. If Christians can place their trust in Christ, and allow Him to guide their choices and actions, the social elements that have been so discouraging to the Church can be turned around. More than any other people group, biblical Christians have a reason to have hope and to never give up." https://www.onenewsnow.com/culture/2017/01/12/barna-america-needs-what-christians-have-to-offer
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