Is America Really a Christian Nation? Examining the Truth Behind the Statistics
65% of Americans identify as Christian, but what does that really mean? The numbers may surprise you.
The Myth of America's Christian Majority
Many politicians and cultural commentators frequently refer to America as a "Christian nation," citing that approximately 65% of Americans identify as Christian. But when we examine these statistics more carefully, a different picture emerges.
Let's break down what these numbers actually represent:
- 65% identify as Christian
- 25% of those are Roman Catholics (who teach a grace-plus-works theology)
- 2% are Mormons (who don't accept the fact of the triunity of God)
- 1% are Jehovah's Witnesses (who reject the deity of Christ)
- 0.5% are Seventh-Day Adventists (who teach grace-plus-law salvation)
- 10% belong to the New Apostolic Reformation (another unbiblical movement)
When we subtract these groups that hold beliefs significantly different from traditional evangelical Christianity, we're left with approximately 26.5% of Americans who might be considered born-again Christians.
What is the New Apostolic Reformation?
One of the fastest-growing religious movements in America today is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Despite representing approximately 10% of self-identified Christians, many people have never heard of this movement.
The Three Core Beliefs of NAR
- Spiritual warfare, political control, and the power of their apostles - NAR believes in modern-day apostles who have special authority over the church.
- Seven Mountain Mandate - NAR teaches that Christians must take dominion over seven spheres of culture: religion, family, education, media, arts, finances, and government.
- Manifest Sons of God doctrine - They believe the church must take dominion over the earth before Christ returns, positioning themselves as God's elite forces (sometimes called "Joel's Army").
Biblical Problems with NAR Teachings
Modern Apostleship Claims
The Bible sets clear qualifications for apostleship that cannot be met today:
- Must have personally seen Jesus (1 Corinthians 9:1)
- Must have been specifically chosen by Jesus (Luke 6:13)
- Must have been given power by Jesus himself (Matthew 10:1)
Political Dominionism vs. Jesus' Kingdom
Jesus explicitly stated in John 18:36, "My kingdom is not of this world." The NAR's focus on political dominion contradicts Christ's clear teaching about the nature of His kingdom.
False Prophecy Test
Deuteronomy 18:22 provides a clear test for prophets: "When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken." Many NAR prophets make predictions that fail to materialize.
The Power of True Christianity
Despite these concerning trends, there's hope in returning to biblical Christianity. As 1 Corinthians 1:18 reminds us, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
Real spiritual power doesn't come through political dominion or claims of special apostolic authority. It comes through the simple yet profound message of the gospel: that Christ died for our sins and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.
Taking Action in a Post-Christian America
When only about a quarter of Americans hold to traditional Christian beliefs, how should believers respond?
- Pray consistently for your family, community, and nation
- Study Scripture deeply to recognize false teachings
- Teach biblical truth to the next generation
- Share the gospel - the true power of God for salvation
- Evaluate any church or ministry by their alignment with Scripture, not by emotional experiences
Remember, Christianity isn't about cultural identification, but about transformed lives. As Jesus said, "By their fruits you will know them."
Dive Deeper: Listen to the Full Sermon
Want to explore this critical topic in greater depth? Click here to listen to the complete sermon that inspired this blog post. It's a scripture-based examination of what it truly means to be a Christian in today's America, and provides biblical insights on discerning true faith from cultural Christianity.
This eye-opening message will equip you with the scriptural knowledge to recognize false teachings and strengthen your walk with Christ. Don't miss this essential teaching for every believer concerned about the future of Christianity in our nation!
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