The latest news release from George Barna's organization is an annual tracking of Americans' spiritual views that shows how the public's theological perspectives are shifting away from traditional, biblical views.

Currently, only two-thirds of the public (66 percent) believe that God is best described as the all-powerful, all-knowing, perfect creator of the universe. That is five percent less than a year ago and the lowest percentage in more than 20 years of similar surveys.

Nor do many adults possess orthodox views about Jesus and the devil. Just over one-third (37 percent) agree that Christ lived a sinless life. Only one-quarter (24 percent) believe that Satan exists as a spiritual being.

Each belief is lower than last year and among the lowest points of Barna tracking those views. Fortunately, the number of people who believe the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches remained the same. The bad news is only 45 percent subscribe to that idea.

Reaping what we sow

There are so many factors involved in this decline that it is difficult to point to one indicator behind the diminishing levels of biblical knowledge and application.

One could mention broken or dysfunctional homes, the proliferation of entertainment options and electronic gadgetry, self-centered church hopping or rampant materialism, and be partly right in each instance.

Still, I think it's safe to say that we are now reaping a lack of instruction in the lives of young people two and three decades ago. Without a solid foundation in early life, adults tend to cobble together whatever philosophy suits them. Barna's survey suggest that's exactly what they are doing.

Despite this bleak news, it suggests that one area where church leaders can resolve the problem is with children. In a magazine column released a few weeks before the survey, Barna Group President David Kinnaman wrote about the necessity of preparing teens for life after high school.

The need for mentoring

On average, Kinnaman says that nearly three-fourths of churched teens will go through an extended, and sometimes permanent, disengagement from the Christian community. To address the issue, he recommends intentional, one-on-one opportunities for spiritual training.

Among his suggestions for teaching teens:

* Having the right standards for success, which he says doesn't mean large numbers, sophisticated events or a "cool" youth group. Instead, it's whether teens have the commitment, passion and resources to intentionally pursue Christ.

* Facilitating life-on-life mentoring, connecting teens with adults (not just the youth pastor) in areas of career interests.

* Exposing students to worship, community service and healthy relationships so they grasp the meaning and texture of God's kingdom.

I'm sure you can think of others. Whatever steps the Church takes, it will affect the results of a Barna poll 20 or 30 years from now.