Evangelical Beliefs and Confusion Among American Christians
A recent survey by Ligonier Ministries, along with Lifeway Research, has highlighted some concerning trends among American evangelicals in 2025. The report indicates a troubling level of biblical illiteracy and a tendency for those surveyed to embrace conflicting beliefs without recognizing the contradictions.
While a staggering 98% of Evangelicals affirm belief in the Trinity, 95% believe in an unchanging God, and again, 98% accept the physical resurrection of Christ. Yet, there’s something unsettling: 28% agree with the notion that Jesus is just a great teacher, not God. This, despite the clear Christian doctrine that emphasizes faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Additionally, half of the respondents seemed to reject the idea of personal spirits, which greatly contrasts with their professed beliefs.
The survey’s findings suggest that many evangelicals, defined in the study by the Bevington quadrilateral framework, struggle to understand the connection between God’s nature and the created world. This bewilderment extends to their beliefs, showing up as contradictions in their religious views.
Interestingly, about half of those surveyed also believe that people are inherently good and that God accepts non-Christian religions. These revelations echo findings from previous theological surveys, emphasizing a persistent tug-of-war between traditional beliefs and modern-day interpretations.
Theologians, despite their apprehensions regarding the findings, see this situation as an opportunity for churches to engage more deeply in discipleship. One theologian remarked that while simply analyzing the study might not provide much insight, understanding its implications is crucial for guiding future actions. This research potentially highlights a call to strengthen discipleship.
There appears to be a silver lining, though—an increasing interest in theology among evangelical students, which some observers hadn’t seen in quite a while. A growing recognition of the need for a solid foundation in Christian orthodoxy suggests that students are moving towards a more systematic understanding of their faith.
According to the Theological Schools Association (ATS), last year saw a notable increase in registration across seminaries—marking the first growth in a decade. Additionally, enrollment for doctoral programs in theology has risen by 13%, with non-registration peaks reaching 46% over five years.
