Barna Research Group

The Barna Research Group (BRG) is a marketing research company that analyzes Christianity in the context of cultural trends. In the following viewpoint, the BRG argues that the importance of Christian faith has diminished in the lives of today’s youth. The organization claims that faith-related goals are not as important to youths as are goals related to strong relationships and lifestyle comforts. Furthermore, although more youths than adults are active in the church, the BRG concludes that teens who become involved in church activities are more interested in fostering friendships than developing spiritually.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How do religious goals rank among the national sample of youths studied by the BRG"
2. In George Barna’s view, why is youths’ desire to be portrayed as religious...