WASHINGTON, DC, USA, December 18, 2008: A majority of American Christians believe that at least some non-Christian faiths can lead to eternal life, according to a new survey released today by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
This inclusive belief is common even among evangelicals, a branch of Protestant Christianity whose doctrine specifically contradicts this more inclusive view. Even in this group, a full 47 percent said many religions can lead to “eternal life.”
An earlier, similar poll with similar results had been criticized by many Christians. It asked about “other religions” bringing salvation, and critics felt it implied other Christian religions. This time, the survey was more specific, naming Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam as well as “no religious faith.” Still, a majority of the respondents found them to be valid paths.
About one third of Americans say one’s beliefs determine who achieves eternal life, while an equal number say it depends on one’s actions. A tenth of the population say it is a combination of belief and action. The rest say something else determines salvation, they don’t believe in eternal life or they don’t know.