GroshLink

One of our CMU alum would like to know your reaction to Survey: Two-Thirds of Evangelicals Doubt Jesus' Words Regarding Salvation Thru Him Alone which concludes:

Americans have become so focused on a very personal style of worship -- that is, forging a direct relationship with God -- that spiritual experience has begun to supplant dogma, or teaching based on the authority of the Bible.

Any thoughts? I guess my initial reaction is (i.e., not very well thought out, just trying to get this posted) . . .

that surveys such as those associated with Newsweek's In the Search of the Spiritual are difficult to take. I don't answer these type of yes/no, specific category questions well. Particularly as one questions the direction of questions seeking to distinguish between the spiritual and the religious.

Yes, all are saved through Christ. Do all need to hear the message of the Gospel in their lifetime to draw close to God? Does God's grace extend to those who have not heard, yet responded to the truth which was revealed to them through creation, relationships, and the restlessness deep within their hearts? Are these questions for us to answer conclusively?

Whether or not they are answered to our satisfaction, the love of Christ compels us to extend the Gospel in witness through our lives, words, and decision making. So that all may see the light, receive the joy of salvation, and walk by faith, not by sight in the here and now. Would love to hear from you. I'll think about it more and share some Scripture passages that inform my thinking.