Most Americans Take Well-Known Bible Stories at Face Value

The Barna Group ^ | October 21, 2007 | George Barna

[Sopater]

(Ventura, CA) - Americans may be skeptical about the claims of politicians, but they remain confident that some of the most amazing stories in the Bible can be taken at face value. A new nationwide survey conducted by The Barna Group shows that six well-known Bible stories are accepted as literal truth by an average of two out of three adults.

How People Read the Stories

Survey respondents were asked if they thought a specific story in the Bible was “literally true, meaning it happened exactly as described in the Bible” or whether they thought the story was "meant to illustrate a principle but is not to be taken literally." Six renowned Bible stories were then offered to adults for their consideration.

Surprisingly, the most significant Bible story of all - "the story of Jesus Christ rising from the dead, after being crucified and buried" - was also the most widely embraced. Three out of four adults (75%) said they interpreted that narrative literally, while only one out of five (19%) said they did not take that story literally. The more highly educated respondents were, the less likely they were to take the story literally, although even two-thirds of college graduates (68%) believe the resurrection narrative is literally true. One of the most substantial differences of opinion occurred between mainline Protestants (83% of whom take the resurrection literally) and non-mainline Protestants (among whom 95% accept the resurrection as fact). Overall, 82% of Catholics embrace the resurrection narrative as being true. Black adults were much more likely than either whites (74%) or Hispanics (80%) to consider the resurrection to be true.

The account of the prophet Daniel surviving in the lion’s den was deemed to be literally true by two-thirds of adults (65%). There was a huge regional difference of perspective. About half of the residents of the Northeast (51%) and West (55%) adopted a literal view of the story, compared to about three-quarters of those living in the South (78%) and Midwest (71%). There was a huge gap between Protestants (81%) and Catholics (51%) taking a literal view of this event. The ethnic gap persisted, as well: 85% of blacks, 66% of whites and 56% of Hispanics adopted a literal view of Daniel’s experience.

Two out of three Americans (64%) believe that Moses literally parted the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to escape from the Egyptians. Regionally, almost four out of five southerners (78%) accept this story as literal truth, while less than three out of five adults from other regions hold the same view (59% in the Midwest and West, 57% in the Northeast). Similarly, four out of five Protestants (79%) and three out of five Catholics (60%) embrace a literal interpretation of the Red Sea story.

The Bible says that the young shepherd boy, David, killed the giant warrior, Goliath, with stones and a sling shot. Nearly two-thirds of Americans (63%) accept that story as accurate. However, only a minority of all Catholics (46%) embrace that incident as having happened just as described in the Bible. In contrast, 68% of mainline Protestant adults perceive the story to be literally true and a robust 86% of Protestants attending non-mainline churches concur. Blacks again emerged as the ethnic group most likely to interpret the story literally (81%, versus 64% among Hispanics and 61% among whites).

The story of the apostle Peter walking on water with Jesus was considered to be literally true by 60% of adults. People who did not graduate from college were more likely to view this story as literal truth than were those with a college degree (65% versus 50%), and people in the South (75%) were far more likely than adults from other regions (54%) to embrace this as literally accurate. There was a huge Catholic-Protestant split on this issue: just half of Catholics (53%) believe this story is literally true, compared to three-quarters of all Protestants (75%). Blacks (79%) were substantially more likely than either whites (58%) or Hispanics (62%) to see the event as something that actually happened.

The Bible opens with the description of God creating the universe in six days. That report is accepted as literally true by 60% of the adult population. This passage brought out major distinctions across people groups. For instance, while 73% of the adults who did not attend college believe this account to be literal, just half as many college graduates (38%) hold that view. About half of the residents of the Northeast (52%) and West (50%) hold a literal view of the creation account, compared to 62% of those in the Midwest and 72% of those in the South. Again, the Catholic-Protestant divide was sizeable: half of Catholics (52%) and three-fourths of Protestants (74%) have a literal interpretation of creation. More than four out of five blacks (83%) are literalists on this matter, versus 64% of Hispanics and 59% of whites.

There were very consistent patterns related to people’s political inclinations. Of the six stories examined, just one story (the resurrection of Christ) was considered to be literally true by at least half of all liberals. In contrast, among conservatives, only one of those stories was taken literally by less than 80% (the 76% who embraced the six day creation as absolute truth.) Similarly, the data showed that Republicans were more likely than either Democrats or Independents to accept each of the stories as literally accurate. For all six narratives, Independents were the voting group least likely to hold a literal interpretation, an average of twenty percentage points lower than the norm among Republicans.

Americans Continue to Wrestle with Truth

The survey findings suggest that Americans are continuing to wrestle with the concept of truth, the nature of God, and the value of the Bible in personal decision-making.

Many people who do not embrace a literal interpretation of the scriptures nevertheless accept some of the Bible’s more sensational stories. "Not only do most Americans believe in the existence of God, but they believe in His power and in the miracles He performs," commented researcher George Barna, who directed the study. "Holding back the seas, walking on water, rising from the dead, surviving in a lion cage, and killing a skilled and armed warrior with a sling shot are examples of God doing extraordinary things in the lives of ordinary people. These and other Bible stories inspire people to believe that their personal trust in that powerful God is warranted. Although some people may dismiss such writings as fairy tales for children, the data indicate that the typical American has adopted these accounts as the foundation of a valued faith in God."

But Barna also noted a significant disconnect between faith and practice. "While the level of literal acceptance of these Bible stories is nothing short of astonishing given our cultural context, the widespread embrace of these accounts raises questions about the unmistakable gap between belief and behavior. On the one hand we have tens of millions of people who view these narratives as reflections of the reality, the authority and the involvement of God in our lives. On the other hand, a majority of those same people harbor a stubborn indifference toward God and His desire to have intimacy with them. In fact, a minority of the people who believe these stories to be true consistently apply the principles imbedded in these stories within their own lives. It seems that millions of Americans believe the Bible content is true, but are not willing to translate those stories into action. Sadly, for many people, the Bible has become a respected but impersonal religious history lesson that stays removed from their life."

About the Research

This report is based upon a nationwide telephone survey conducted by The Barna Group in August 2007 among a random sample of 1000 adults, age 18 and older. The maximum margin of sampling error associated with the aggregate sample is ±3.2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Statistical weighting was used to calibrate the sample to known population percentages in relation to demographic variables.

"Mainline Protestant" churches were those associated with the American Baptist, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Presbyterian Church in the USA denominations.

The Barna Group, Ltd. (which includes its research division, The Barna Research Group) conducts primary research, produces media resources pertaining to spiritual development, and facilitates the healthy spiritual growth of leaders, children, families and Christian ministries. Located in Ventura, California, Barna has been conducting and analyzing primary research to understand cultural trends related to values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors since 1984. If you would like to receive free e-mail notification of the release of each new, bi-monthly update on the latest research findings from The Barna Group, you may subscribe to this free service at the Barna website (www.barna.org).

© www.barna.org.

[Sopater]

While the level of literal acceptance of these Bible stories is nothing short of astonishing given our cultural context, the widespread embrace of these accounts raises questions about the unmistakable gap between belief and behavior. On the one hand we have tens of millions of people who view these narratives as reflections of the reality, the authority and the involvement of God in our lives. On the other hand, a majority of those same people harbor a stubborn indifference toward God and His desire to have intimacy with them. In fact, a minority of the people who believe these stories to be true consistently apply the principles imbedded in these stories within their own lives. It seems that millions of Americans believe the Bible content is true, but are not willing to translate those stories into action. Sadly, for many people, the Bible has become a respected but impersonal religious history lesson that stays removed from their life.

I believe that the reason for this is that most people don't know anything else the Bible says apart from these stories, nor do they know how these stories relate to each other or to their lives.

I say this because it was true for me before I decided to become a student of the Bible. People who believe what the Bible says don't necessarily believe that God continues to work in the world today the same way that He did 2000 to 6000 years ago.

Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation." For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. (2Pe 3:3-7)

[frogjerk]

Surprisingly, the most significant Bible story of all - "the story of Jesus Christ rising from the dead, after being crucified and buried" - was also the most widely embraced. Three out of four adults (75%) said they interpreted that narrative literally, while only one out of five (19%) said they did not take that story literally. The more highly educated respondents were, the less likely they were to take the story literally, although even two-thirds of college graduates (68%) believe the resurrection narrative is literally true. One of the most substantial differences of opinion occurred between mainline Protestants (83% of whom take the resurrection literally) and non-mainline Protestants (among whom 95% accept the resurrection as fact). Overall, 82% of Catholics embrace the resurrection narrative as being true. Black adults were much more likely than either whites (74%) or Hispanics (80%) to consider the resurrection to be true.

Maybe it is because it actually happened.

[frogjerk]

I believe that the reason for this is that most people don't know anything else the Bible says apart from these stories, nor do they know how these stories relate to each other or to their lives.

I was watching a game show (Cash Cab) the other night and the couple in the cab couldn't name one of the 4 Gospels.

I couldn't believe it.

[HoosierHawk]

Surprisingly, the most significant Bible story of all - "the story of Jesus Christ rising from the dead, after being crucified and buried" - was also the most widely embraced. Three out of four adults (75%) said they interpreted that narrative literally...

"Surprisingly" to whom? These intelligencia write like there's something wrong with me.

**shakes head**

[JohnnyZ]

Surprisingly, the most significant Bible story of all - "the story of Jesus Christ rising from the dead, after being crucified and buried" - was also the most widely embraced.

I think they mean "unsurprisingly".

I wonder how they determined each responder's religion? I assume there are a good number of secular people among the 'Catholics'. Some Catholics treat it like some Jews do -- a cultural thing, not a religion.

[Resolute Conservative]

My question is if these numbers are true then why do the “people” allow things to happen like taking God out of school, gay marriage, et. al.

Sadly, I think these numbers are overblown or at least I hope they are for if that many people say they believe but continue to be apathetic our great country has little more than a prayer.

[ChocChipCookie]

Here's something related that I read in the most recent issue of a newsletter from Answers in Genesis.

We live in a world where the Bible is openly attacked. Secular scientists claim that science has disproved the Bible's historicity. The trouble is that most Sunday school materials only tell Bible stories to the young people. They may add some character-building principles but don't necessarily teach how to defend biblical accounts as real history.

Yes, in church our children and adults hear about Jonah and the big fish, etc., but when young people go out into the secular world, they find that the trustworthiness of the Bible is attacked. They hear claims such as: science has proved evolution to be true; Noah couldn't fit the animals on the Ark; "ape men" disprove the Bible; science shows the earth is old, and so on.

To effectively equip our young people (and adults) today, we can't just tell Bible stories. We need to teach Christians how to defend the Bible against secular attacks. In this way, they will believe these Bible stories to be real history.

[Tenacious 1]

I am troubled by the overtone of stupidity = gullibility. Maybe I am being over sensitive or skeptical of a journalist/scientist/researcher. The more educated you are, the more likely you are to believe in this stuff?

I believe, as all Christians should, Christ did rise from the dead and make himself seen by several. It is, the basis of our faith and the miracle which launched Christianity in its present form.

I also believe there are many things in the bible which can be explained but are miracles no less. Did Moses live to be 700 years old, or does 700 represent the number of generations he outlasted in the peoples original spoken text?

I believe the Old Testament to be more representative and symbolic than the New Testament.

[Squawk 8888]

A lot of research has shown these miracles are plausible- all of the events are theoretically possible but highly unlikely in that era, indicating the intervention of a higher power.

[verity]

"...they remain confident that some of the most amazing stories in the Bible can be taken at face value...."

Is this not true of any religion's adherents?

[elpadre]

“the story of Jesus Christ rising from the dead, after being crucified and buried” - was also the most widely embraced.....”

It is the Resurrection of Jesus on which all of Christianity is founded.

If we believe in an omnipotent God, a God who created all that is and will be, then why can’t He rise from the dead, and ascend unto heaven, why can't miracles happen. Humans can’t get their arms around such a God, that is, without faith.

no Resurrection = no Christianity.

[thepresidentsbestfriend]

It`s unfortunate that they do not believe what Jesus(THE WORD OF GOD) had to say about abortion/ homosexuality etc.

Very sad that many of these same people reject Jesus.

[martin_fierro]

I like that show.

But yeah, can’t believe some of the dunderhead contestants.

[Don Corleone]

"the story of Jesus Christ rising from the dead, after being crucified and buried" - was also the most widely embraced. Three out of four adults (75%) said they interpreted that narrative literally,

If that one didn't happen...all the rest are meaningless!!!

[Tenacious 1]

Amen!

[MrB]

Actually, an atheist researcher set out to disprove “the Christ story” and ended up declaring that

“there is more historical evidence that Jesus Christ was born, crucified, and was raised from the dead than that Napoleon ever existed.”

[Moonman62]

I believe that the reason for this is that most people don't know anything else the Bible says apart from these stories,

I sometimes get the feeling that Christians don't know anything but John 3:16.

[frogjerk]

Read the whole article again. At first I had the same reaction as you did but at the end of the article it basically asks the question "If most people believe in many of the stories as fact, then why are they so God-adverse in the personal and family lives?". It is a good question.

Believers need to live the Gospel, not just believe in it.

[taxcontrol]

The story of David and Goliath is told as the story of a stone and a sling.... what people fail to remember is that David cut off Goliath’s head with his sword.

Once people realize that it is quite possible that the stone knocked Goliath out and that he was killed by the sword ... the story becomes much more acceptable to many people. It also helps if they see what a sling can actually do with a stone. Slingers were so good that in anchient times, there were units that were organized as slingers.

The other reason people have problems with Goliath is due to the height of Goliath. But there are different translations and if you take the smallest of the translations, it works out to 6ft 6in .... about 2 meters. The current 9 foot is close to 3 meters. So if you split the difference, you end up with a 7 foot plus Giant. Anyone know of a 7foot plus Giant?

[MrB]

And most secular socialist know nothing but

“Judge not”