Two issues of particular interest and concern to church bookstores are among six key “megathemes” in church life and society highlighted by Barna Group.

Reflecting on studies undertaken in 2010, the leading Christian organization notes that “the Christian Church is becoming less theologically literate,” and “growing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning pragmatic solutions for life.”

What used to be basic, universally known truths about Christianity are now “unknown mysteries to a large and growing share of Americans—especially young adults,” the organization says in an end-of-year review. Among the findings in 2010 were that while most people regard Easter as a religious holiday, only a minority of adults associate Easter with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Other examples included the finding that few adults believe that their faith is meant to be the focal point of their life or to be integrated into every aspect of their existence. Additionally, a growing majority believe the Holy Spirit is a symbol of God's presence or power, but not a living entity.

In regards to life lessons, most teenagers prioritize education, career development, friendships and travel. “Faith is significant to them, but it takes a back seat to life accomplishments and is not necessarily perceived to affect their ability to achieve their dreams,” the Barna review observed.

Among adults, the areas of growing importance are lifestyle comfort, success and personal achievements. “Those dimensions have risen at the expense of investment in both faith and family. The turbo-charged pace of society leaves people with little time for reflection. The deeper thinking that occurs typically relates to economic concerns or relational pressures. Spiritual practices like contemplation, solitude, silence and simplicity are rare.”

Source: Barna Group.

To read the report in full, go to http://www.barna.org/culture-articles/462-six-megathemes-emerge-from-2010