Throckmorton describes an odd conflict of research in a recent book by George Barna and David Barton, U-Turn: Restoring America to the Strength of its Roots. “U-Turn examines current cultural trends and historical patterns,” the publisher states, “to reveal that America cannot sustain its strength if it remains on its current path. Combining current research with the authors’ trademark insight and analysis, the book gives readers a unique view of the moral and spiritual condition of Americans and provides specific insights into how we can turn our nation around.”
Apparently the research isn’t current enough, because the group that still bears Barna’s name refutes some of it. “Barna in 2011 rebuts the Barna of 2014 (which is really an amplification of Barna of 2006),” Throckmorton explains. “The 2014 Barna says ’61 percent of Christian youth who attend college abandon their faith as a result.’ The 2011 Barna said that statement contains two myths.” Read on to learn about those myths.