Archive

Guest Column: The Evangelical Identity Crisis

U.S. Adults See Evangelicals Through a Political Lens

While, according to Barna’s categorization, evangelicals only make up about 6 percent of the U.S. population, this religious group has assumed a unique place in national discourse. As the U.S. enters another heated election year, a new Barna report shows Americans seem to increasingly view evangelicals through a political lens, which leads to mixed feelings toward this religious group. Our research has developed a pronounced portrait of this Christian minority over the years, but for this study our aim was different. We set out to understand how the general public understands evangelicals.

What Is the Church’s Role in Racial Reconciliation?

This August, historians note, marks 400 years since slavery began in the United States. As our country nears this anniversary, many are taking time to reflect on the history of racial injustice in America and their responsibility in healing the wounds of inequality that have been inflicted on black Americans over the last four centuries. A new report, Where Do We Go from Here?, represents the first of several new Barna efforts to study race and the Church and assesses what practicing Christians feel should be done to repair the damage.

U.S. Adults Believe Hate Speech Has Increased—Mainly Online

Reported incidents of hate speech and hate crimes in the United States has risen dramatically in recent years. In light of this, Barna sought to explore personal opinions about or experiences with such interactions, attacks or crimes.

Half of Practicing Christians Say History of Slavery Still Impacts the U.S.

In recent years, there has been contentious debate about the injustices that black Americans still experience in their daily lives. In light of this, Barna set out to explore issues related to the treatment of black Americans and other ethnic minorities in this new study on race and equality in America.

Two-Thirds of Americans Have Multigenerational Friendships

Barna's research shows that, when it comes to friendship, Americans tend to surround themselves with people who look, think and act similarly. However, a new study shows that intergenerational friendships can take many forms, and a majority of Americans reports engaging in them.