CHARLESTON, S.C. - Sept. 1, 2020 - Christians are under societal pressure to accept non-Christian narratives often described as politically correct or 'woke.' The effects of these pressures have been poorly studied in young Christians.
Teleios surveyed young believers to determine their views on different topics currently emphasized by non-Christian society. Of the 440 participants the majority were: female (67%), <35 years old (79%), from the United States (52%) and evangelical (62%) or social Christians (28%).
Participants disagreed (59-81%) with terms often used to describe Christians, such as: racist, unscientific, homophobic, having too much privilege, not diverse enough or too trusting in the Bible. Similarly, most denied (62-96%) they personally displayed such characteristics. A majority denied (84%) they feel badly/guilty about their Christian beliefs and disagreed (74%) that such feelings caused them to be quiet about their faith.
Young Christians mostly understood they should confidently stand firm in their biblical beliefs (86%), believe the truth of scripture (73%) and share it with others (72%). A low percentage indicated they feel badly about their faith, should keep quiet or embrace communism/socialism (<6%).
A majority of young Christians were able to identify several important issues from the New Testament epistles that the church should exemplify, including: loving one another (82%), praying (79%), knowing God's word (77%), upholding and teaching others God's word (76%) and encouraging one another (73%).
Overall, participants had high wellbeing scores (4.6, scale of 0-6). When compared to each survey question, those who disagreed that Christians have too much privilege (p=0.016) and denied they were personally racist (p>0.001), unscientific (p=0.004) and not diverse enough (p=0.004) showed better wellbeing over those who accepted such labels.
Dr. William C. Stewart, co-founder of Teleios, Inc., noted that "This survey was quite positive, showing the vast majority of high school, college age and young adult Christians possess strong spiritual faith and values. Participants generally noted good wellbeing. However, those who rejected the negative image by which non-Christian society portrays Christians, possessed even greater wellbeing."
In summary, this research indicated that evangelical millennial and generation Xers generally have a positive view of their Christian identity, demonstrate orthodox knowledge of scripture and recognize the benefit of their belief system to society. Young Christians generally reject the negative views placed on them by non-Christian society and demonstrate better personal wellbeing than those who do not reject society's negative view of Christians.
Complete results can be found here and more findings from Teleios here.
WC Stewart, JA Stewart, LA Nelson
About Teleios – Teleios is a non-profit foundation that teaches the Bible and the gospel, giving confidence to its truth. Teleios' mission is to show the truth of the Bible through research and generate practical tools for scriptural understanding and confidence!
Contact
Lindsay Nelson - Teleios
lindsay.nelson@prnorb.com
