{"id":32942,"date":"2022-09-10T16:29:16","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T21:29:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/americans-optimistic-about-nations-future-most-say-u-s-has-special-bond-with-god\/"},"modified":"2022-09-10T16:29:16","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T21:29:16","slug":"americans-optimistic-about-nations-future-most-say-u-s-has-special-bond-with-god","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/americans-optimistic-about-nations-future-most-say-u-s-has-special-bond-with-god\/","title":{"rendered":"Americans Optimistic About Nation’s Future; Most Say U.S. Has Special Bond With God"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

By Lisa Cannon Green<\/em><\/p>\n

NASHVILLE\u2014In a nation founded on religious liberty, most Americans believe God has a special relationship with the United States, and they\u2019re optimistic the best is yet to come.<\/p>\n

Despite headlines lamenting the global decline of the United States since the Cold War, 54 percent of Americans believe the nation is on the upswing, according to a September survey by Lifeway Research. Only 4 in 10 think \u201cAmerica\u2019s best days are behind us.\u201d<\/p>\n

And though the U.S. Constitution makes no mention of God, 53 percent of Americans say they believe God and the nation have a special relationship, a concept stretching back to Pilgrim days. Even a third of atheists, agnostics, and those with no religious preference believe America has a special relationship with God.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018God Bless America\u2019 is more than a song or a prayer for many Americans,\u201d said Ed Stetzer, executive director of Lifeway Research. \u201cIt is a belief that God has blessed America beyond what is typical for nations throughout history. I am sure that would spawn many theological conversations, but it\u2019s important to note most Americans think God has a special relationship with their country.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Exceptionalism <\/strong><\/p>\n

Both ends of the political spectrum\u2014from President Obama to the Republican Party platform\u2014have touted American exceptionalism, the belief that the United States plays a unique role in human history. For some, the concept includes the idea of a special relationship with God, although beliefs about the nature of the relationship vary.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome Christians view America as an archetype of biblical Israel, chosen and uniquely blessed by God,\u201d Stetzer said. \u201cThat\u2019s why Christians sometimes speak of God \u2018healing our land,\u2019 when most theologians say this American \u2018land\u2019 is not in the same category as the \u2018land\u2019 of biblical Israel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Americans have emphatic opinions on the matter, with 35 percent strongly agreeing God has a special relationship with the United States and 25 percent strongly disagreeing. Smaller segments say they somewhat agree (19 percent) or somewhat disagree (13 percent).<\/p>\n

Americans also have a firm belief in the nation\u2019s bright future. In recent years the nation has faced an economic downturn and reports of dwindling political power, academic skills, and moral fiber. Nevertheless, 35 percent strongly disagree with the statement \u201cAmerica\u2019s best days are behind us,\u201d and 20 percent somewhat disagree. In contrast, just 21 percent strongly agree and 19 percent somewhat agree.<\/p>\n

Optimism is highest among the most highly educated Americans. Only one-quarter of those with a graduate degree believe America\u2019s best days are gone, compared to 38 percent of those with some college and 46 percent of those with a high school degree or less.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
See also  Men Play Significant Role in Decisions Surrounding Unplanned Pregnancies<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Protestants are more pessimistic about the nation\u2019s future than Catholics, with 43 percent of Protestants agreeing America is past its prime, compared to 34 percent of Catholics.<\/p>\n

Gender divide<\/strong><\/p>\n

Women are significantly more likely than men to believe God has a special relationship with the United States. While 49 percent of men have that view, the number rises to 58 percent for women.<\/p>\n

Lifeway Research also found differences by age, race, geography, education, and religious preference.<\/p>\n

Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of Americans 45-54 years old think God has a special relationship with the United States, a belief shared by 48 percent of those 18-44.<\/p>\n

Belief in a special relationship is also high among:<\/p>\n