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August 15, 2007
Barna discusses Americans and their identity
According to George Barna, who directed the study, the results are consistent with past findings from his research. "We have consistently found that Americans have a hierarchy of self-perceptions," he explained. "Although more than four out of five adults say they are Christian, they do not consider their faith to be their primary defining attribute. They are more likely to see themselves as Americans, consumers, spouse and parent, and even employee than to describe themselves primarily in terms of their faith commitment." [Emphasis mine.]From American Individualism Shines Through in People's Self-Image. (Image courtesy of BarnaFilms. Click here for more info.)
Barna always makes me think. I've never been a big advocate of statistics simply because I know how easily they can be twisted to support just about any position. Nonetheless, Barna does a great job at taking an honest look in the mirror of culture.
It's easy to see what we want to see. And it's just as easy to ignore anything else. But quantitative work (though flawed) offers us a means to measure "what is."
I'm not surprised by these findings. In fact, it seems to support why the issue of stewardship in inherently in conflict with a contemporary American identity that says, "It's all about me." A Biblical understanding of stewardship begins with the knowledge that Jesus is Lord and all that I have (e.g. time, talent, material possessions) is his.
I recently attended a church service different from my own tradition. As the offering was brought forward during the Worship service, the congregation said these words together:
"All things come from you, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee."
I'm not sure I could have said it better myself.
Posted by bstroup at August 15, 2007 8:23 AM
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