Ligonier Ministries and Lifeway Research published the results of their State of Theology survey taken in 2025. The full results can be found at https://thestateoftheology.com. Answers In Genesis gave a synopsis and it isn’t good!
“The answers were an inconsistent mess highlighting US Evangelicals’ lack of knowledge regarding what the Word of God teaches regarding doctrine and theology. Biblical illiteracy is an epidemic.
“Evangelicals were defined by Lifeway Research as people who strongly agreed with the following four statements:
- The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe.
- It is very important for me personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior.
- Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of my sin.
- Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior receive God’s free gift of eternal salvation.
“So what do these Evangelicals believe beyond those four basic beliefs?
“Well,
- 64% believe that “Everyone is born innocent in the eyes of God.”
- 53% agree that “Everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.”
- 53% think that “The Holy Spirit is a force but is not a personal being”—compare this with the fact that 98% agreed with the statement: “There is one true God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.” Talk about inconsistent!
- 47% agree that “God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.”
- 28% say that “Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God.”
- 17% believe that “The Bible, like all sacred writings, contains helpful accounts of ancient myths but is not literally true.”
- 19% affirm that “Modern science disproves the Bible.”
- 16% likewise say that “The Bible’s condemnation of homosexual behavior doesn’t apply today.”
- 28% think that “Religious belief is not about objective truth”—and another 19% aren’t sure how to answer this question.
“Whew, what a shocking mess! To be considered an Evangelical on the survey, each respondent had to answer that they “strongly agree” that “The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe,” and yet 19% think science has disproven it, a similar percentage likewise don’t think what the Bible says about homosexuality applies to us today, and nearly half are confused about objective truth and Christianity!
“Similarly, 98% affirm the doctrine of the Trinity, but over half think the Holy Spirit is just a force, and 28% think Jesus was just some great teacher. That doesn’t make sense!
“They also affirmed it’s important for them to tell others about Jesus and that Jesus’ death is the only way to be forgiven, and yet nearly half think God accepts the worship of other religions. Again, such inconsistency in beliefs!”1
How did we get here? How does a “Christian nation” become so un-Christian? The answer was foretold in 2 Timothy 4:2-4. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” There has definitely been a failure of Bible preachers and teachers to exegetically teach the Word. Doctrine has been replaced with stories and pep talks.
“(3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” Churches have turned into entertainment venues complete with bands, light shows, and a casual, comforting atmosphere to make everyone feel at home except God – the God who demands holiness, righteousness, and a non-compromising standard.
Churches that will fluff the pillow of the sleeping church member are a dime a dozen these days. And even though we know this was predicted, it doesn’t make it easier to swallow.
I’m thankful to be a part of a church that wants to hear the Bible preached and for the privilege to stand in a pulpit three times a week to proclaim the truths of God’s Word. I’m thankful for the people that come specifically to hear it and would settle for nothing less than the Word of God.
I believe Paul was thankful for churches like this and Colosse was one example. Think about how this applies to our church services today. “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (26) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Colossians 1:25-28)
1https://answersingenesis.org/christianity/2025/10/02/abysmal-state-theology-2025/?utm_term=20251004&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-90RuDJUsIG1AMRxKhXxVm_yN0oIe8hi7hU2Trbo90xK_3o72u5X-_tugXwFZNC2d136j1UwvaF-hGN7NRXSieMNRV0Cw&_hsmi=383552660&utm_content=1-banner-cta&utm_source=articlesmedia
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