LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Nearly three-quarters of Presbyterians believe that the “absolute truth for humankind is in Jesus Christ,” but fewer than half say that only Christians will be saved, according to a new church survey. The periodic poll of members of the Presbyterian Church (USA) found that 70 percent of members, 75 percent of elders, 71 percent of pastors and 55 percent of specialized clergy (such as chaplains) agreed that the “only absolute truth for humankind is in Jesus Christ.”
When asked if “only followers of Jesus Christ can be saved,” 43 percent of parishioners, 50 percent of elders, 39 percent of clergy and 24 percent of specialized clergy agreed.
In other findings, two-thirds of members and 80 percent of pastors and elders believe that “Jesus will return to earth some day,” and 86 percent of members and 96 percent of pastors believe in life after death. While 93 percent of parishioners believe in heaven, only 78 percent believe in hell.
The Presbyterian Panel survey of 3,500 people was conducted by mail between October 2002 and January 2003. The same respondents will be surveyed by the church through 2005.
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