Barna Group: Researching the Intersection of Faith and Culture
The Barna Group is a specialized evangelical Christian polling firm headquartered in Ventura, California. By applying rigorous data collection and analysis to the realm of faith, the organization provides insights into the beliefs, behaviors, and perceptions of the Christian community and the general public.
History and Evolution
The organization was founded in 1984 by George Barna, a media research specialist with graduate degrees in political science and urban planning. His primary objective was to offer professional research and marketing expertise as a dedicated service to Christian ministries.
In its early years, the firm maintained a diverse client base to ensure financial stability. For the first seven years, the Barna Group provided research services for the Disney Channel, which generated the necessary cash flow to expand its reach into the Evangelical Christian community. Other notable clients during this period included Visa, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), and the military. However, in 1991, the company severed ties with Disney to focus its resources entirely on a campaign aimed at transforming the church.
Originally established as the Barna Research Group, the organization was restructured in 2004 to become the Barna Group, before eventually being sold in September 2009.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Organizational Structure
To address the multifaceted needs of its audience, the Barna Group operates through five distinct divisions:
- The Barna Research Group: Focuses on primary research and data collection.
- Barna Films: Develops communications tools.
- Barna Books: Produces printed resources and publications.
- The Josiah Corps: Dedicated to leadership development for young people.
- Transformation Church Network: Focuses on church facilitation and enhancement.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1984 by George Barna.
- Location: Ventura, California.
- Specialization: Evangelical Christian polling and ministry research.
- Publications: Over 400 books released.
- Key Concept: Developed the term "Notional Christian" for statistical categorization.
Research Contributions and Publications
The Barna Group has contributed significantly to religious sociology through the publication of over 400 books. Among its more recent and influential titles are De-evolution (2006), which examines the shift of Christians from traditional churches to non-traditional or Jewish faith communities, and unChristian (2007). The latter explores how non-believers perceive the church, featuring contributions from authors such as Rick Warren, Brian McLaren, Mike Foster, Sarah Cunningham, Margaret Feinberg, and Rick McKinley.
Defining the "Notional Christian"
One of the Barna Group's most distinct contributions to faith statistics is the creation of the term Notional Christian. The group defines this category as individuals who describe themselves as Christians but do not believe their eternal life depends on the grace extended through a relationship with Jesus Christ, specifically relying on His death and resurrection. While many Notional Christians believe they will achieve eternal life, they do not attribute it to a grace-based relationship with Christ.
| Division | Primary Focus |
|---|---|
| Barna Research Group | Primary Research |
| Barna Films | Communications Tools |
| Barna Books | Printed Resources |
| The Josiah Corps | Youth Leadership Development |
| Transformation Church Network | Church Facilitation |
Academic and Theological Criticism
Despite its influence, the Barna Group has faced criticism from within the "born again" movement. Some critics argue that the group's empirical approach devalues the spiritual meaning of the "new birth."
Pastor John Piper of Bethlehem Baptist Church, in his book Finally Alive, criticized a Barna report suggesting that born-again Christians are as likely to divorce as non-Christians. Piper argued that Barna used the terms "evangelical" and "born again" interchangeably, which he believes misrepresents the transforming power of a true spiritual rebirth. Piper contends that while Barna's data may accurately reflect the worldliness of many who profess faith, the New Testament suggests that those who are truly born again are radically changed, implying that those who remain worldly were not actually born again to begin with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Barna Group?
The Barna Group was founded in 1984 by George Barna, a specialist in media research with graduate degrees in political science and urban planning.
What is a "Notional Christian"?
A Notional Christian is a term used by the Barna Group to describe people who identify as Christians but do not believe that eternal life is achieved through a grace-based relationship with Jesus Christ and His resurrection.
Did the Barna Group work with non-religious organizations?
Yes. In its early years, the firm provided research services for the Disney Channel, Visa, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), and the military before focusing exclusively on church transformation in 1991.
How many books has the Barna Group published?
The Barna Group has released more than 400 books, including titles such as De-evolution and unChristian.
Why has John Piper criticized the Barna Group?
John Piper argued that the Barna Group's research fails to distinguish between a mere profession of faith and the radical spiritual transformation associated with being "born again," potentially misrepresenting the nature of Christian rebirth.