Is America Still a Nation Under God?

A Biblical Look at the Spiritual Condition of the United States

As promised in my first monthly update, I want to share short articles on topics that help us grow in our faith. These essays, originally written for my church Lake Mead Baptist, will be sent monthly (sometimes twice a month) and will cover theology, biographies, and contemporary issues from a Christian perspective.

This first article focuses on our nation, the United States of America. It aims to help us understand the spiritual climate of our time and our role as believers in Christ. For those who wish to dive deeper, I’ve included a “Further Reading” section at the end.

Is the United States a Christian Nation?

Has the United States ever truly been a Christian nation? The first question is easier to answer with modern data; the second is often debated among Christian historians. While the historical question is interesting and controversial, let us first address the present reality.

According to Pew Research, 62% of adults in the U.S. in 2023–24 identify as Christian. Gallup found in 2023 that 68% of American adults identify as Christian—33% Protestant, 22% Catholic, and 13% other Christian denominations.

However, the numbers tell only part of the story. Gallup also reports that only 45% of Americans consider religion “very important,” and church attendance and membership have declined steadily over the last 20 years.

A Closer Look at Christian Commitment

George Barna of Arizona Christian University found that:

Only 30% of churchgoing, born-again believers are “deeply committed” to practicing Christianity.

Many Christians do not believe in absolute moral truth, but instead rely on individual interpretation.

Less than half of all born-again adults believe Jesus was sinless.

Many claim abortion is morally acceptable.

Only 45% read or study the Bible in a typical week.

The 2022 State of Theology survey revealed more troubling trends:

Most evangelicals in the U.S. believe humans are born innocent (a form of Pelagianism).

Over 50% believe God accepts all religions as a way to Him.

43% believe Jesus was not God.

These numbers reflect a serious spiritual challenge—even among those who identify as Christians.

The Verdict: Is the U.S. a Nation Under God?

Given these statistics and trends, the sobering conclusion is clear: the U.S. is not a Christian nation in the sense of widespread biblical belief and practice. While America may have once reflected biblical values more broadly, today the reality is different.

Churches must lead in prayer, discipleship, and evangelism. The responsibility falls on believers to uphold the truth of Scripture, live faithfully, and help guide our nation back to God.

Further Reading

For those who wish to explore this topic more deeply, consider the following resources: