A new survey indicates that most Americans believe the biblical account of the empty tomb. According to this latest survey, 66 percent of Americans said, “Biblical accounts of the physical resurrection of Jesus are completely accurate,” a substantial proportion considering the increased secularization of American culture.

Lifeways “2022 State of Theology” study also found that an additional 23 percent disagreed with the biblical account, while 11 percent said they were unsure. Lifeway says the percentage that believes the biblical narrative hasn’t changed since 2018 and is accepted by majorities in numerous geographical areas of the country.

In the secular northeast, 60 percent believe the biblical narrative and even younger Americans between 18 and 34 are more susceptible than not to embrace it. For the first time, a majority, 51 percent, said the Bible is “100 percent accurate in all it teaches,” with 62 percent seeing it as the most authoritative source for what they hold dear.

Despite these reassuring numbers, other study statistics show an apathetic and confused population regarding truth and scripture. According to Lifeway, fifty-three percent said the Bible has “helpful accounts of ancient myths but is not literally true.”

Forty percent believe modern science disproves scripture, with 32 percent believing God doesn’t worry about their daily decisions. This combination of findings left apologist and author Rebecca McLaughlin seeing both positive and negative tendencies, a reality that left her heartbroken but hopeful.

McLaughlin said it was unfortunate to see so many people say they believe in the resurrection yet be so disconnected from the church and other faith activities in their daily lives. “This exposes the danger of ‘cultural Christianity,’  the vague assent to Christian beliefs without any evidence of actual faith in Christ,” she said.

McLaughlin added that these results might change how people consider reaching out to non-believers. She said, “Traditionally, one big focus of apologetics has been arguments for the bodily resurrection of Jesus. But the 66 percent of Americans who say they believe this doesn’t need those arguments.”

She continued, “Instead, they need to understand what difference it makes that Jesus rose from the dead. We need to show them that it makes all the difference in the world. And that if Jesus is risen, He is also Lord.” Jesus’ resurrection is one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith. While some may be unsure, we know that Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected on the third day. He sacrificed Himself so we could have eternal life.