"In fact, on the question in the Pew survey about what it would take to achieve eternal life, only 1 percent of Christians said living life in accordance with the Bible. "
Did that get your attention?
The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released a survey in June which they reissued in August with more specific questions- even naming various religions.
"Nearly as many Christians said you could achieve eternal life by just being a good person as said that you had to believe in Jesus."
But wait, there's more...
The stranger stat shows that 42% felt atheism would lead to eternal life. I'd love to know the reasoning behind the green light vote for those who don't even believe in heaven!! The report says "One very plausible explanation is that Americans just want good things to come to good people, regardless of their faith." Which gets opinion editor Charles Blow to posit a view that sounds like heaven as an extension of the good ol' U.S. of A.
And that's NOT all!
There are some other VERY interesting views that you may want to check out. This is worth consideration by the church, not to get into arguments, but to think about where people honestly are in life and their thinking. Postmodern? You betcha! Totally Americanized worldview? Oh yeah! But it's the reality of our times. And the church needs to figure out how to be true to our calling while engaging relationships with people (the masses) outside the church.
For more of Charles M. Blow's insightful op-ed piece see
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/27/opinion/27blow.html?_r=1&em
For the full report (which I'd advise) see http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=380
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