Bob, I am a professional church consultant and researcher who resides in Central Ohio. For some time I have questioned George Barna’s agenda and research. For one thing, his research is based solely on opinion and perception, thus prompting one to wonder about the true behaviors of those surveyed. All statisticians and researchers know that survey data must be corroborated with behavioral analysis. Secondly, his research of late seems to be designed to sell his books and push his own unique theological agenda. Now, these comments come from someone who used Barna as a source and reference when I wrote my doctoral dissertation. After reading your blog, I went to Barna’s website to verify your critique…I thought you were making a mountain out of the proverbial mole hill. However, your critique is kind. Barna’s message is totally off the mark and a dangerous attack on the Christianity. Granted, some modern day church practices may have secular and possibly pagan origins (though these points can be debated); but much of what we do in the church today does not have a strict first century origin. I hate using this word for obvious reasons, but the church has evolved over time. We use radio, internet, television and blogs to convey the message of Christ. If we follow his train of thought to the logical conclusion, we could ascribe the term pagan to his ministry of analyzing data and conducting surveys. Did the Apostle conduct polls? Instead of dancing on the grave of the church, Barna should put his energy into revitalizing the church (as he did formerly). I don’t know what’s going on in his head. Maybe the negative numbers from his own research has caused Barna to give up on the church. I thank God that you have not given up Bob. Keep fighting the good fight. Thanks for alerting us to this new attack on the church from one of our own. Your Brother, Dr. Tom
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I am a professional church consultant and researcher who resides in Central Ohio. For some time I have questioned George Barna’s agenda and research. For one thing, his research is based solely on opinion and perception, thus prompting one to wonder about the true behaviors of those surveyed. All statisticians and researchers know that survey data must be corroborated with behavioral analysis. Secondly, his research of late seems to be designed to sell his books and push his own unique theological agenda. Now, these comments come from someone who used Barna as a source and reference when I wrote my doctoral dissertation.
After reading your blog, I went to Barna’s website to verify your critique…I thought you were making a mountain out of the proverbial mole hill. However, your critique is kind. Barna’s message is totally off the mark and a dangerous attack on the Christianity.
Granted, some modern day church practices may have secular and possibly pagan origins (though these points can be debated); but much of what we do in the church today does not have a strict first century origin. I hate using this word for obvious reasons, but the church has evolved over time. We use radio, internet, television and blogs to convey the message of Christ. If we follow his train of thought to the logical conclusion, we could ascribe the term pagan to his ministry of analyzing data and conducting surveys. Did the Apostle conduct polls?
Instead of dancing on the grave of the church, Barna should put his energy into revitalizing the church (as he did formerly). I don’t know what’s going on in his head. Maybe the negative numbers from his own research has caused Barna to give up on the church.
I thank God that you have not given up Bob. Keep fighting the good fight. Thanks for alerting us to this new attack on the church from one of our own.
Your Brother,
Dr. Tom