Survey Finds Evangelicals Strong in Belief but Hesitant to Act on Cultural and Political Issues
A recent survey commissioned by the Institute for Faith and Culture (IFC) reveals that while the vast majority of U.S. Evangelical Christians feel a strong responsibility to share Biblical truths, fewer are willing or prepared to put those beliefs into practice, especially when it comes to civic engagement.
The survey, conducted in partnership with Lifeway Research, gathered responses from 1,000 U.S. Evangelicals between July 18 and August 2, 2024. The findings highlight a stark contrast between beliefs and actions, particularly concerning voting and cultural involvement. 92% of respondents believe that Christians should share God’s truth, but only 35% say they are prepared to do so when faced with opportunities to discuss Biblical views on social and political issues.
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A Disconnect Between Beliefs and Action
Although 93% of Evangelicals in the survey agree that everything in the world should be viewed through the lens of scripture, and 87% believe that the Bible speaks to modern issues, many fail to carry those beliefs into action. A significant number of Christians remain hesitant to vote for candidates with a Biblical worldview, despite knowing the importance of their civic duty.
Dr. Rob Pacienza, President of IFC and CEO of Coral Ridge Ministries, expressed his concerns:
“The study showed it’s pretty easy to say you want a culture that has the Bible as its foundation. However, a truly thriving culture is one where its citizens actually take action to ensure it.”
This lack of engagement is evident in the reported statistic that 40 million Christians in the U.S. who are eligible to vote have not registered. The survey underscores the reality that while many Christians understand the importance of voting, they struggle to follow through.
Spiritual Battles at the Forefront
Lauren Cooley, Executive Director of IFC, emphasized that the cultural challenges Christians face are not only political but also deeply spiritual:
“The battles being fought today are predominantly spiritual. The leaders of today’s churches have a responsibility to provide a deeper understanding of scripture. Our society fails when all we do is expect fair-weather Christianity.”
Survey Insights on the Role of Scripture
The survey yielded additional insights into how Evangelicals approach societal problems and personal decisions. For half of the respondents, the Bible played a central role in shaping their opinions on societal solutions, while 17% admitted their perspectives were influenced more by personalities and influencers. Similarly, 52% cited scripture as the primary guide for personal decisions, with 19% following personalities and influencers instead.
When it comes to conversations on faith, 75% of Evangelicals feel compelled to speak up when someone’s statements conflict with scripture. However, 53% say they rarely have the opportunity to engage with people who disagree with Biblical views. Only 35% report feeling prepared for such discussions, and 38% actively seek chances to promote the Bible’s perspective.
