According to the State of Theology survey that was conducted by LifeWay Research for Ligonier Ministries, more than half (52%) of respondents believe that abortion is a sin, while only 38% agree that it is not. In 2016, only 49% said abortion is a sin.
Ultrasound images plainly show the humanity of the child in the womb, and they are provoking the consciences of Americans. Christians are playing a lead role in providing counsel and practical care for those in need. ~ Dr. Albert Mohler
The results of the survey, which involved 3,000 Americans, may surprise some people, but according to Dr. Albert Mohler, a teaching fellow at Ligonier Ministries and president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, pro-life beliefs have been gaining traction in the last few years. “Pastors and local churches have played a big part in this by teaching about the sanctity of human life. Ultrasound images plainly show the humanity of the child in the womb, and they are provoking the consciences of Americans. Christians are playing a lead role in providing counsel and practical care for those in need.”
Mohler said abortion had been an issue in America for almost 50 years, but based on the survey, it indicates that many want to bring back protection to the life of the unborn. “There would be considerable support for a Supreme Court decision reversing Roe v. Wade. There is clear support for protecting the life of the unborn, which explains overwhelming opposition to abortion on demand.”
The survey also tapped into extramarital affairs and gender identity. It was found that a little more than half (51%) of respondents believe that sex outside of traditional marriage is a sin, while 41% believe that it is not.
Chief academic officer of Ligonier Dr. Stephen Nichols, who is also president of Reformation Bible College, said 79% of regular churchgoers said abortion is a sin, while 76% said it is a sin to be in a sexual relationship before marriage.
The survey also tapped into extramarital affairs and gender identity. It was found that a little more than half (51%) of respondents believe that sex outside of traditional marriage is a sin, while 41% believe that it is not. Also, 44% said the Bible’s condemnation of same-sex relationships is outdated. On the other hand, 41% said it is still relevant.
The researchers likewise found that more than half (51%) of respondents did not agree to the statement that gender identity is a choice, contrary to 38% who believe that it is. For Dr. Nichols, our society is getting more confused when it comes to gender. Many see gender as a social construct or people can change their gender. “The opening pages of the Bible declare that God created human beings as male and female. There is no gender confusion in Scripture. Our biological gender is woven into our identity and is fundamental to who we are as created by God.”
