Christianity + Cultural Shifts = Charismatic Conversions

Or is is Christianity + Charismatic conversions = cultural shifts?  Or is it….   never mind.

The Barna Group has just released Is American Christianity turning Charismatic? and notes a movement toward charismatic Christianity that coincides with several cultural shifts, according to author George Barna, who directed the research project.  The fresh research (Jan '08) suggests growing numbers of Christians in America are embracing a charismatic or Pentecostal point of view. The study shows that more than 80 million adults can be classified as charismatics.  You can read the report in its entirety on their homepage.

Reflections on the Research

"The charismatic orientation is most popular among the non-white population - which is, of course, the sector of the population that is growing most rapidly. Also, the freedom of emotional and spiritual expression typical of charismatic assemblies parallels the cultural trend toward personal expression, accepting diverse emotions and allowing people to interpret their experiences in ways that make sense to them," Barna explained. "It is not surprising that the Pentecostal community in America has been growing - nor do we expect it to stop making headway."

"We are moving toward a future in which the charismatic-fundamentalist split will be an historical footnote rather than a dividing line within the body of believers. Young Christians, in particular, have little energy for the arguments that have traditionally separated charismatics and non-charismatics. Increasing numbers of people are recognizing that there are more significant arenas in which to invest their resources."

What is the Barna Group?

Through its five divisions, The Barna Group provides primary research (The Barna Research Group); communications tools (BarnaFilms); printed resources (BarnaBooks); leadership development for young people (The Josiah Corps); and church facilitation and enhancement (Transformation Church Network). The ultimate aim of the firm is to partner with Christian ministries and individuals to be a catalyst in moral and spiritual transformation in the United States. It accomplishes these outcomes by providing vision, information, evaluation and resources through a network of intimate partnerships.