While the Fourth of July offers a time for the U.S. to celebrate the Declaration of Independence, it also provides space for us to look back on our country’s history—the good and the bad—to sharpen the lens with which we envision its future. Recent Barna data might deepen this crucial reflection during a season of disruption and change in the nation.

For instance, a Barna survey collected in late summer 2019 found stark racial divides on issues of race in America, even within the Church. Data show that only two in five white practicing Christians (38%) believe the U.S. has a race problem, a percentage that doubles among Black practicing Christians (78%). Similar contrasts are found when analyzing practicing Christians’ beliefs on what causes racism and their motivation to address racial injustice in our society.

The infographic below zooms out to offer a broader glimpse at how practicing Christians, as compared to all U.S. adults, view our nation’s identity, history and standing. Practicing Christians are pretty emphatic that the country is a Christian nation (80% agree), both blessed (87%) and chosen by God (57%), and a nation of immigrants (83%) that is seen as a leader to the world (87%). However, they—like the general population—are reluctant to acknowledge whether the U.S. has also been oppressive to minorities; just under half of practicing Christians (48%) agree this has been the case.

This data, part of a recent Barna study undertaken with the Racial Justice and Unity Center alongside Michael Emerson, Glenn Bracey and Chad Brennan, highlights key findings that we will continue to explore in coming months as we further the discussion on race and the Church.

For those who are interested in engaging their church in conversations of faith and race, Barna and our technology partner Gloo have created a free Faith & Race Check-In for pastors and congregations. These tools are available in Barna Access, alongside a curated channel dedicated to covering Race and the Church.

Read more from Barna president David Kinnaman about how we’ll be listening to and learning alongside the Church.