Apparently everybody. At least according to a survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. The survey found that 70 percent of Americans believed religions other than their own could lead to eternal life.
This sent Evangelicals into an a state of panic. The Bible is pretty clear that the vacancy sign in heaven says “no” to anyone not believing in Jesus. Evangelical leaders complained that people must have misunderstood the question. How else could they have answered this way?
So Pew did the survey again to verify the results. This time 65% of respondents said that other religions could lead to eternal life. To be even more specific, Pew asked the respondents to specify which religions.
This is where is gets really comical. 50% respondents stated that even Atheists could go to Heaven. So what’s the point of believing anything?
Add the 66% who answered that those with no religious faith were heaven bound. I always find it amusing that Atheism is looked at as some sort of religion. Atheism is “someone with no religious faith”. This statistic just proves the negative connotation associated with the word Atheist.
This study only further reaffirms my rejection of Christianity. Apparently most Christians don’t put value on what they believe anyway.
It’s good to know that on my deathbed I have at least a 50/50 chance to receive total consciousness. So I have that going for me. Which is nice.
Tags: Afterlife, Atheists, Eternal Life, Heaven, Religion
February 26, 2009 at 1:06 pm |
God made it really easy to get saved:
Romans 10:9, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
The salvation never goes away, so the “list” of people in this post — yeah, they could all get saved if they *once* believed. It’s true.
March 21, 2009 at 9:58 pm |
I have heard some say that God is so merciful, and Hell is so horrible, God never actually sends anyone there. Hell is occupied only by Satan himself, and those who willingly enter, because they chose to follow Satan.
December 25, 2009 at 6:56 pm |
Dude, I think you’re missing the point:
First off, wouldn’t you be dismissing religious people if they weren’t accepting of others, saying that they can get into heaven? So, you’re dismissing them for saying that they can? And I would disagree that the bible makes it pretty clear that those who don’t believe can’t get in. Is that your opinion, or actual fact? Anyway, Catholic Doctrine from Vatican II states that you can be saved by doing good works, and just being a good person, despite religion. Maybe people are religious because they like the whole idea of family, doing good works, and (gasp) actually believing in God. I don’t see how you can say “I reject Christianity” when it becomes pretty obvious that most people see Christianity in this sense, as the survey seems to suggest. So, are you anti-Christian for a valid reason, or just to be a whiny I’m so sophisticated look at me type of person? It’s pretty close-minded of you to decry a fraction of Christianity’s supposed “close-minded” types, while being so close-minded yourself. “Let he who is without sin throw the first stone,” right? The whole point that “If anybody can get in, so why bother” is kind of stupid. If one were to believe in God (which if you don’t, that’s fine if you honestly sought it), and say I’m not going to bother because no matter what I’ll do, I’ll get in, don’t you think that’s pretty stupid? Believe it or not, people do seek God for a reason.
June 2, 2010 at 1:06 pm |
There are other studies that say that approximately 90% of Christians do not fully understand what they believe. While this is greatly distressing to me (a strong believer), it would explain the lack of understanding of so many who were interviewed. So, those of us who know the truth are not doing a good enough job communicating it. Or, there is a just a general distaste for Christianity (which I believe is the case). It is really popular right now to bash on Christians, or faith in general.
Here is what the Bible says on the subject of getting into heaven.
To be saved, you must “repent and be baptized” and “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord”. Then God will take you to heaven. These are not merely acts, but a change of lifestyle, direction, and world view.
To Rich I would say – I too believe that there is a strong bond that is created when someone gets baptized. Unfortunately, god will not take people to heaven that refuse to go. even if we “believe” at one point, he is not going to force us to do what is best for ourselves.
To Caroline I would say – you are right, God would never send someone to hell unless they choose to follow the Devil. However, the Bible spends a bunch of time showing that we are choosing the Devil when we sin. So, those who sin, who are not living a life striving for God, are essentially choosing to go to hell. There is grace for those who accept and follow Christ, but those who remain outside of Him will not make it. Don’t get me wrong, I am not here to condemn anybody in particular, but to show the guidelines that God has set out. God will judge people in his own great wisdom, not by mine.
To Sean I would say – there are many Catholic doctrines that do not match up with scripture. Be very careful when accepting full doctrines without study. So I encourage you to find out why the Catholic church presents that. Also, read up on what I am talking about.
BEattitude – Though there are many people who do not accept faith with a passionate spirit, I would encourage you to find someone who knows scripture and to engage in honest dialog with them. Hopefully, they can answer some of your questions.
Hope you realize how much God loves you all.
Blessings.