Most Canadian Evangelicals hold unbiblical beliefs, poll suggests
A majority of Evangelicals in Canada hold religious beliefs that contradict key Christian teachings, according to a Lifeway Research report.
Ligonier Ministries Canada, an Ary, Ontario-based Christian organization, released the findings of a survey it conducted in partnership with Lifeway Research on Wednesday.
Known as "The State of Theology" survey, the report found that 73% of Canadian Evangelical respondents agreed with the statement that "Everyone is born innocent in the eyes of God," while 60% agreed that "Everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature."
“These results display a profound misunderstanding regarding the foundational biblical teaching about original sin and the implications of Adam's sin for all mankind (Rom. 5:18–19; Eph. 2:1–3),” explained Ligonier.
The survey also found that 66% of Evangelical respondents agreed with the statement, "The Holy Spirit is a force but is not a personal being," even though, according to the same survey, 93% affirmed the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
"These are not minor details," stated Chris Larson, chairman of the board for Ligonier Ministries Canada, in the announcement. "They are fundamental truths. If we get these wrong, we don't have Christianity at all."
“Many Christians live with what our founder, Dr. R.C. Sproul, called 'happy inconsistencies'; they affirm certain biblical truths while unknowingly holding contradictory beliefs. Everyone is a theologian, R.C. said, but the question is whether they are a good one or a poor one. And poor theology — no matter how sincerely held — can lead to confusion, compromise, and even spiritual harm.”
According to the State of Theology website, the report drew from a survey conducted Oct. 16-30 last year, with a sample size of 3,005 and a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9% at the 95% confidence level.
The report defined an Evangelical as someone who agrees that “The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe,” “It is very important for me personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour,” “Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of my sin” and “Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Saviour receive God’s free gift of eternal salvation.”
Ligonier Ministries Canada was launched in 2019 as the Canadian chapter of the Sanford, Florida-based Ligonier Ministries, itself created in 1971 by the late R.C Sproul.
