Barna Research Reveals Four “Mega-Themes” in U.S. Culture (#1)
A Barna report from over 20 years ago (December 2007) identified four significant “mega-themes” in contemporary U.S. culture: high self-acceptance or self-satisfaction, new definitions of Christianity, increased challenges and concerns in parenting and family dynamics, and individualized “designer faith” with rootless values. The report noted that each of these posed a challenge to biblical Christianity and suggested matters in which the church must take positive action. This blog seeks to update the report and suggest adjustments.
Barna reported that Americans generally have a high opinion of themselves. That tendency has only intensified. In the 2020s, individualism is ubiquitous. Rights and wants take precedence over responsibilities. While Americans acknowledge the need to grow and change, most also see themselves in a positive light. A sense of uncertainty exists because growth is difficult and unpredictable. More and more, desirable changes are defined on the basis of feelings more than facts. Most Americans are willing to change as long as the result is personal benefit and enjoyment which avoids pain, conflict and sacrifice. Individualism and selfishness have a strong hold on the personal lives and values of most adults. A social famine has come, only accelerated by the pandemic. Most adults want more social connections. A nagging sense of loneliness and isolation permeates much of society. Connections are mostly impersonal (think Internet, texting, social media and platforms) and do not fulfill the felt need.
Let me focus the challenge for the church in several questions.
- How can the church address the frustration which results when people with lofty goals and high self-regard come face to face with their inability to reach those goals?
- How can the church effectively communicate that the lasting goals in life are not physical and financial, but spiritual?
- Does the church have an answer to the uncertainty that arises from rampant individualism and selfishness rooted in feelings?
- Can the church demonstrate effective and meaningful fellowship and brotherhood in a world thirsting and hungering for meaningful connections?
The challenge inherent in these questions is that no impotent, mediocre version of Christianity will suffice.
We say, “It’s not about us; it’s about God.” Do we believe it? The clarion call echoes forth: the church must reach up to God so it can reach out to others. Where is the authentic church that lives out the spiritual reality of Christ’s presence so that life is fulfilling in its challenges and failures, so that we are not at the mercy of our feelings, and so that the ultimate values of life are not rooted in self? Where is the church that connects with others through its continuing connection with God? Will we be that church?