2025 State of Theology report shows encouraging, concerning signs – Kentucky Today

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – What people believe matters – and Lifeway Research’s State of Theology Insights Report helps leaders understand those beliefs and take a step toward meaningful ministry.
The State of Theology is a biennial study from Lifeway Research sponsored by Ligonier Ministries, tracking Americans’ beliefs about God’s nature, sin, the Bible and more. The 2025 study surveyed more than 3,000 U.S. adults and follows previous studies in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022.
Many Americans affirm foundational doctrines of Christianity, but the State of Theology research reveals persistent misunderstandings and areas where biblical teaching is often overlooked.
“While many aspects of American society can accurately be described as secular, large numbers of Americans have theological beliefs that line up with the Bible’s teaching,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “A pandemic and debates around moral standards in political spaces appear to have some minor impact on some beliefs, but most Americans are not quick to change their views of matters related to God.”
Lifeway Research’s State of Theology Insights Report explores data and uncovers practical tips regarding the spiritual landscape in America, equipping churches to lead with wisdom and compassion.
Beliefs about God
When it comes to their beliefs about God, many Americans are a mixed bag, affirming some truths about God while also revealing misunderstandings.
Seven in 10 (71 percent) agree there is one true God in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, according to the 2025 State of Theology. However, many Americans struggle with the logical conclusions of that belief. Most (57 percent) say the Holy Spirit is a force, not a personal being. And nearly half (49 percent) agree Jesus was a great teacher but not God.
U.S. adults may feel complicated or even contradictory beliefs about God are OK because many don’t see religion as an area of clear right and wrong. Around 2 in 3 (65 percent) say God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Almost half (46 percent) agree religious belief is not about objective truth.
“When a clear majority of Americans think God is flexible when it comes to religion, it’s not surprising that agreement with some teachings in the Bible does not translate to accepting all biblical teaching. Americans want the same flexibility they think God has, even if that contradicts other beliefs they have and how God is revealed in Scripture,” McConnell said.
Beliefs about sin and punishment
Americans feel good about their own goodness and innocence. Two in 3 (66 percent) believe everyone sins a little but most people are good by nature. Also, 3 in 4 (74 percent) agree everyone is born innocent in the eyes of God.
Most Americans have no issues with the existence of hell and the return of Jesus to judge, but they might assume those don’t apply to most people.
More than 3 in 5 Americans (62 percent) believe there will be a time when Jesus Christ returns to judge all the people who have lived.
Almost 3 in 5 U.S. adults (57 percent) say hell is a real place where certain people will be punished forever. However, less than a quarter (23 percent) agree that even the smallest sin deserves eternal damnation.
Beliefs about the Bible and its authority
Americans’ perspectives on the Bible are divided. Around half (49 percent) believe the Bible is 100 percent accurate in all that it teaches. Similarly, however, 48 percent say the Bible, like all sacred writings, contains helpful accounts of ancient myths but is not literally true.
Today, more than a third (36 percent) believe modern science disproves the Bible, down from 40 percent in the last State of Theology.
“More Americans believe the Bible is a myth than believe it has been proven to be false,” McConnell. “While two-thirds of Americans believe key truths taught in the Bible, it is almost evenly split between those willing to trust and dismiss the entire message of the Bible.”
Half (50 percent) of Americans believe the Bible has the authority to tell us what we must do, while 44 percent disagree. And 16 percent believe the Holy Spirit can tell them to do something forbidden in the Bible.
Whatever else they may believe about God or the Bible, 2 in 3 Americans (65 percent) agree the biblical accounts of the physical or bodily resurrection of Jesus are completely accurate. They say this event actually occurred. Around a quarter (24 percent) disagree. Acceptance of Jesus’ resurrection has remained stable since 2016.
Beliefs about the church
One of the few areas of change in the State of Theology surrounds joining and attending a local church. In 2025, 63 percent of U.S. adults say their personal or family worship is a good church attendance substitute, down from a high of 66 percent in 2022 but up significantly from pre-pandemic levels.
Not only do most Americans say personal or family worship is a valid replacement for church attendance, but most also don’t believe Christians must become church members. Only a third of U.S. adults (33 percent) say every Christian has an obligation to join a local church.
“While the focus of this study is on Americans’ beliefs, an important part of those beliefs is what people think it means to practice a faith in God,” McConnell said. “There are many people inside the church and even more outside who think believing without attending in person or belonging is OK.”
Where do churches go from here?
The research paints a vivid picture of the beliefs, doubts and spiritual questions present in American culture today. Across every section – beliefs about God, sin, the Bible and the church – church leaders will likely find both encouraging signs and areas of concern. Many hold to foundational truths, yet misunderstandings and cultural influences continue to shape how faith is lived out – even among those in church.
In the latest Lifeway Research report, insights based on the last State of Theology data encourage pastors and church leaders to engage thoughtfully and compassionately with their congregations and communities. The report will challenge pastors and church leaders to move from information to transformation – whether it’s clarifying the nature of the Trinity, cultivating a culture of evangelism or guiding conversations about social issues.
To explore the complete findings, download The State of Theology Insights Report from Lifeway Research.
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