Most Americans Believe They Are Going to Heaven;

[I Am Blessed 24]

Americans Describe Their Views About Life After Death

October 21, 2003

(Ventura, CA) Despite the constant flux in many dimensions of Americans’ lives, a new study from the Barna Research Group of Ventura, California, shows that most people have retained surprisingly traditional views about life after death. Although the lifestyles, values, and self-perceptions of most adults have undergone significant change – and millions of Americans have embraced many elements of a postmodern worldview – the vast majority continues to believe that there is life after death, that everyone has a soul, and that Heaven and Hell exist. However, more than 50 million adults are uncertain regarding their personal eternal fate.

The Afterlife
Belief in life after death, like the existence of God, is widely embraced: 8 out of 10 Americans (81%) believe in an afterlife of some sort. Another 9% said life after death may exist, but they were not certain. Just one out of every ten adults (10%) contend that there is no form of life after one dies on earth.

Moreover, a large majority of Americans (79%) agreed with the statement “every person has a soul that will live forever, either in God’s presence or absence.”

THE REST OF THE STORY

 

[ScottEmerson]

I think when there will be two groups of people in heaven. Those surprised that there are so many people in heaven, and those surprised that there are much fewer people in heaven than they originally thought.

From listening to some people on the board and all the restrictions they place on who God will allow into heaven based upon non-essential doctrine, such as people who don't believe in a six-day creation, it seems that they imagine that heaven will be populated by around the ten or twelve individuals who are the only ones in history with a theology exactly like them. Quite sad.

 

[Artimaeus]

Originally posted by ScottEmerson:
I think when there will be two groups of people in heaven.

That reminds me of a mini-sermon. When you get to heaven, there will be a lot of people there that you will be surprised to see. The question is, Will they be surprised to see you?

 

[ScottEmerson]

Originally posted by Artimaeus:
That reminds me of a mini-sermon. When you get to heaven, there will be a lot of people there that you will be surprised to see. The question is, Will they be surprised to see you?

Mark O. will be.

 

[donnA]

Ever see those candy displays in the store, all those different flavors of suckers, some exotic flavors too? Some people believe in the after life and God, but which God and what version of the after life is like, choosing one of those suckers. You just pick what looks good to you.

 

[Trotter]

People believe in A afterlife, but as far as to what that is, be ready for some surspises.

Problem is, though, the vast majority of Americans have no idea as to how one gets to go to heaven, or think that they will "squeeze by" on their good deeds. I'm afraid a lot of people will be surprised when they open their eyes in hell.

In Christ,
Trotter