By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — More than half of Americans say religious beliefs are a matter of personal opinion, not objective facts. And that’s made clear by examining the varying, and sometimes contradictory, theological doctrines they hold. The biennial State of Theology study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research explores the religious and cultural beliefs of … [Read more...]
Pastors split over ministry return time frame for pastors who commit adultery
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- When a pastor commits adultery, most of their fellow pastors believe they should withdraw from public ministry for at least some time. A new survey of U.S. Protestant pastors by Nashville-based LifeWay Research finds 2% of pastors believe a fellow pastor who has an affair does not need to take any time away. “Scripture doesn’t mince … [Read more...]
Churchgoers express confidence and confusion over the Bible
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Most churchgoers say they can address doubts others have about the Bible, but half admit they have problems understanding Scripture on their own. Despite repeatedly affirming confidence in their own abilities to explain and understand the Bible, a recent LifeWay Research study in partnership with Explore the Bible curriculum found 57% of … [Read more...]
Most churches cautiously holding services again
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Churches are gathering again, but services and programs remain drastically different from the beginning of the year. At the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to previous surveys from Nashville-based LifeWay Research, Protestant churches across the U.S. stopped gathering in-person in a matter of weeks. The latest LifeWay … [Read more...]
Churchgoers express hope, sadness over leaders who leave the faith
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In recent months and years, several high-profile Christian pastors and musicians announced they no longer identify as Christian or believe in core doctrines of the faith. These public pronouncements are met with a mix of emotions from churchgoers, according to a new survey. Nashville-based LifeWay Research asked more than 1,000 … [Read more...]
