"We are in a national slump," says author George Barna. We’ve heard this line before. In fact, this harsh truth seems to be stuck on replay—not only in the headlines, but also in our self-consciousness.
George Barna’s The Seven Faith Tribes: Who They Are, What They Believe, and Why They Matter identifies, describes and analyzes America’s seven major "faith tribes."
It’s no secret that our country tis of thee is a land of differences—ethnically, politically and religiously. But when the bells and whistles are stripped away, Barna’s research reveals a notable common ground that just so happens to provide the ideal foundation for national improvement.
So, who are these seven faith tribes? First and foremost is the only true megatribe, the Casual Christians. About two-thirds of the American adult population don this label—professing to be Christian but failing to prioritize their spirituality and forgetting to integrate their religious beliefs into everyday life.
Next up, the Captive Christians. These Christians live by the Bible and daily commit to following Christ. The "captive" term stems from the fact they are voluntary slaves to Jesus Christ. Their hearts are so arrested by the love and grace of Christ that they are fully captive to the heart of God. Barna claims to be a part of this tribe.
The Mormon tribe, hailing from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, considers itself to be part of the Christian community too; however, Barna calls this faith tribe the "Rodney Dangerfield of the Christian world: they don’t get no respect from the orthodox Christian community."
The American Jews make up another faith tribe. Followed by the Muslims, the Spiritual Skeptics—a blend of atheists and agnostics—and the Pantheists, a combination of New Age, Eastern religion believers.
The description of the tribes is merely a mild introduction to the American religious complex. Barna not only compares their theologies, but also their diets, social concerns, political preferences and the influences they have on society.
Barna concludes that at the root of each tribe there are 20 shared values that, if put into action, could ultimately revive our nation. Representing the truth (whatever it may be) and promoting peace, purity, self-restraint, respect, good citizenship, generosity and civility are just a few of these values. The faith tribes also share the general priority and purpose of guiding people toward excellence.
He calls the tribes to step up and do something government officials and policy can’t: deliver a higher standard of character and morality to which we all relate and voluntarily surrender.
Barna believes restoring America’s stability requires targeted leadership, family participation and media cooperation.
Every chapter leaves the reader thinking: Could this really work? What if the media capitalized on the similarities of our diverse population instead driving wedges between religious groups? What would the country look like if each member of every tribe actually abided by its respective moral codes, social standards or commandments?
This book would be most effective if ordered in bulk and distributed to the masses. The facts and figures probably aren’t anything new to religious studies students or avid Pew Research Center junkies, but Barna does a good job of adding passion and hope to the world of research.
For Christians (Captive or Casual), this book will give you a new perspective on the role of your faith. As for Americans, this book calls you to place national-preservation above self-preservation.
If you think you already know everything about religion in America, read this book. If you don’t know anything about religion in America, read this book.
The bottom line: George Barna’s The Seven Faith Tribes: Who They Are, What They Believe, and Why They Matter is a self-help book written specifically for our nation. All faiths can make a difference ... it’s just a matter of abandoning covert evangelistic agendas and unyielding moral superiority to see the underlying unity in our country.
