"Most Americans agree with the statement that many religions--not just their own--can lead to eternal life."
This is the unsurprising assessment of a recent Pew Forum study. What's surprising, however, is that 57 percent of evangelicals agree with this statement. It would seem that universalism is the most widely tolerated heresy in the evangelical world.
If a Christian with a public platform were to suggest that only people who refrained from smoking and dancing would make it to heaven, that person would be mocked as a legalistic charlatan, and the authenticity of his or her faith would be called into question.
"You can't get to heaven by good works," a well-pedigreed evangelical would respond (rightfully).
However, if a Christian leader suggests that we shouldn't judge the eternal destination of a person who loves Buddha, gives food to the homeless and tries to reduce his carbon footprint, that leader is considered a thoughtful innovator who understands the nuances of emerging global realities and the inclusivity of the biblical narrative.
This is the unsurprising assessment of a recent Pew Forum study. What's surprising, however, is that 57 percent of evangelicals agree with this statement. It would seem that universalism is the most widely tolerated heresy in the evangelical world.
If a Christian with a public platform were to suggest that only people who refrained from smoking and dancing would make it to heaven, that person would be mocked as a legalistic charlatan, and the authenticity of his or her faith would be called into question.
"You can't get to heaven by good works," a well-pedigreed evangelical would respond (rightfully).
However, if a Christian leader suggests that we shouldn't judge the eternal destination of a person who loves Buddha, gives food to the homeless and tries to reduce his carbon footprint, that leader is considered a thoughtful innovator who understands the nuances of emerging global realities and the inclusivity of the biblical narrative.
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