A new study from Lifeway Research and Ligonier Ministries found that two-thirds of US adults believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. The study conducted surveys amongst 3,001 US adults from January 6-15, 2025, asking them about beliefs in such theological concepts as the Trinity, the resurrection, Hell, and sin. Regarding beliefs about God, the highest percent (83%) agreed that “God loves all people the same way.” Seventy-one percent agreed with the Trinitarian definition of God as “There is one true God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.” Oddly enough, though, 49% also agreed that “Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God,” while 65% agreed that “biblical accounts of the physical (bodily) resurrection of Jesus are completely accurate.”

Aside from some confusing understandings about the person of God, there were a number of unbiblical positions that received majority support. 65% agreed that “God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam,” while 74% of Americans agreed “Everyone is born innocent in the eyes of God,” contrary to Romans 3:23, which stated, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, discussed the survey’s findings in light of a post COVID-19 world. “While many aspects of American society can accurately be described as secular, large numbers of Americans have theological beliefs that line up with the Bible’s teaching. A pandemic and debates around moral standards in political spaces appear to have some minor impact on some beliefs, but most Americans are not quick to change their views of matters related to God,” he said. McConnell noted the inconsistency of Americans believing God accepts worship from all forms of religion. “When a clear majority of Americans think God is flexible when it comes to religion, it’s not surprising that agreement with some teachings in the Bible does not translate to accepting all biblical teaching,” he said. “Americans want the same flexibility they think God has, even if that contradicts other beliefs they have and how God is revealed in Scripture.”

The 2025 American Worldview Survey at Arizona Christian University (ACU) found similarly conflicting views amongst Americans, particularly regarding sin. “Only 14 percent of self-described Christians hold a biblically consistent theology of sin. While most adults acknowledge that sin exists, many reject the truth that all have sinned and fall short before God. This misunderstanding strikes at the very heart of the Gospel message,” said George Barna of ASU. He said pastors have a responsibility to clarify these inconsistencies. “Taking refuge in the idea that other people have a sin problem, but they personally do not, or that sin is an outdated concept, are harmful strategies,” Barna said. “Parents, pastors, and religious influencers have a vital responsibility to keep basic biblical truths before the Christian body, including the reality of sin and its repercussions.”