I regularly receive updates and enewsletters from the George Barna Group. This is the latest. The Barna Group is the most reliable polling/survey organization that exists.

The overwhelming majority of people, the unsaved, unbelieving, along with those professing to be believers in the LORD Jesus Christ, are deluded. Dazed. Lost. Confused. In denial. Refusing to be objective, to critically think, to reason, to know and understand the inerrant, infallible, unchangeable, eternal living and active word of God.

How can I write this? Am I being judgmental?

No.

Facts. The truth. Reality. As discovered by the George Barna Group’s research:

“Only 14% of self-described Christians hold a biblically consistent theology of sin.”

“…among born-again Christians, one in four refuses the “sinner” label, and 70% say people are “basically good at heart.”

The full American Worldview Inventory 2025: Report 8: “Millions of Americans Deny Their Sinfulness” is available here.

Read On…

Ken Pullen, Monday, September 8th, 2025

Millions of Christians Deny Their Own Sinfulness

American Worldview Inventory 2025 – Report #8

September 4, 2025

By Barna Group

From Cultural Research Center, Arizona Christian University

Dear ___________,

My latest report from the American Worldview Inventory 2025 reveals a sobering reality: Only 14% of self-described Christians hold a biblically consistent theology of sin. While most adults acknowledge that sin exists, many reject the truth that all have sinned and fall short before God. This misunderstanding strikes at the very heart of the Gospel message.

If we no longer see sin, how can we understand our need for a Savior?

Here are some of the most troubling findings from today’s report:

• 84% of Americans believe sin exists, yet nearly half deny that everyone sins.
• Only 52% of adults say they themselves are sinners—including just two-thirds of professing Christians.
• One-third of adults (33%) say everyone else sins—but they personally do not.
• Even among born-again Christians, one in four refuses the “sinner” label, and 70% say people are “basically good at heart.”

Generational differences are especially concerning. Among Gen Z adults (ages 18–22), only 41% believe everyone sins—significantly lower than Millennials (49%), Gen X (53%), or Baby Boomers (57%). These numbers suggest that young adults, in particular, are growing up with a distorted understanding of one of Christianity’s most basic truths.

Much of the problem flows from the lack of clear teaching on the foundational topic of sin. In fact, a 2019 Pew study found that across America, only 3% of sermons even mention sin. Today’s research shows the effects of this failure to consistently reinforce biblical teaching on sin.

When such a central doctrine is rarely addressed, believers will likely lack a clear understanding of their condition before God and the redemptive work of Christ. Over time, this absence contributes to confusion about truth, morality, and the nature of salvation.

Ultimately, this glaring omission from the pulpit is leaving believers uninformed and unequipped when it comes to understanding the issue of sin.

And we’re clearly seeing that confusion in today’s report.

At the same time, I see reason for hope. Sin is neither an abstract concept nor one that is difficult to explain. With renewed commitment from parents, pastors, and Christian leaders, biblical teaching on sin, forgiveness, and redemption can once again shape hearts and minds.

As we begin a new fall semester at Arizona Christian University, our team at the Cultural Research Center remains committed to providing insights that serve both the Church and the next generation of leaders. Restoring a biblical understanding of foundational doctrines such as sin has the potential to strengthen discipleship, revitalize the Church, and deepen the spiritual foundation of our nation.

Together, we can help Christians around us recover biblical clarity and equip the next generation to stand firm.

Blessings,

George Barna

Dr. George Barna
Director of Research, Cultural Research Center
Professor, Arizona Christian University

P.S. The full American Worldview Inventory 2025: Report 8: “Millions of Americans Deny Their Sinfulness” is available here.