• Of those surveyed, only 46 percent said they have a "great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in church/organized religion - one percentage point of being the lowest in Gallup's history since 1973.

Less Americans embrace a traditional view of God and Bible reading is becoming less popular according to a survey by the Barna Group. In a national study of 1,006 adults, the Barna Group found that while two-thirds of the American population firmly embraces the idea that their most important purpose is to love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength, the public's beliefs have changed in the past year.

• In a national study of 1,006 adults, the Barna Group found that two-thirds of the American population firmly embraces the idea that their most important purpose is to love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength.  
• The study showed 66 percent of Americans believe that God is best described as the all-powerful, all-knowing perfect Creator of the universe who rules the world today.
  • The proportion is down from 71 percent a year ago and represents the lowest percentage in more than 20 years of similar surveys.