Lifeway Research Survey Finds Increasing Skepticism Toward Biblical Truth Among Younger Churchgoers

A recent survey from Lifeway Research indicates that a growing number of U.S. Protestant churchgoers believe some biblical truths become obsolete as culture evolves. The study, which compared data from 2025 to 2019, found that 28% of respondents now agree that cultural shifts render certain biblical teachings outdated, an increase from 24% six years ago. Additionally, 34% of participants stated they accept some parts of the Bible while rejecting others that do not align with their personal beliefs.

Age appears to be a significant factor in these perspectives. Among churchgoers aged 18 to 29, 54% agreed that biblical truths can become obsolete, compared to only 13% of those aged 65 and older. Furthermore, 87% of younger adults expressed the view that the meaning of God’s Word is subjective. Despite these findings, 91% of all respondents reported that they can find personal relevance in the passages they read, even as 56% acknowledged difficulty in interpreting the text independently.