More than half of PCUSA Presbyterians reject Jesus as sole savior
[Ed. Note: To see the report on this survey, go to http://www.pcusa.org/research/panel/index.htm. The Presbyterian Church, USA split into the PCUSA and Presbyterian Church in America - the orthodox branch - in the late 1930's. As you can tell from this survey, the downward slide away from orthodoxy of the PCUSA, much like the Lutherans and Episcopalians, now provides a significant majority of clergy and laity that feel that Jesus is "one but not the only" way to the Father and salvation. Cheryl M. Wetzel]
http://www.layman.org/news.aspx?article=26639
The (Presbyterian) Layman, Posted Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A recently-released survey by Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Research Services shows that more than half of Presbyterians surveyed reject Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation.
According to the report entitled “Religious and Demographic Profile of Presbyterians,” nearly half of PCUSA pastors (45 percent) and a majority of “specialized clergy” (60 percent) surveyed disagree that “only followers of Jesus Christ can be saved.” Approximately 1 in 5 in both categories answered “neutral” or “not sure,” making the totals that do not “agree” with the statement as 65 percent for pastors and 78 percent for specialized clergy.
More than half of “members” and “elders” surveyed answered similarly. Approximately 1 in 3 members (36 percent) and elders (31 percent) either disagree or strongly disagree that “only followers of Jesus can be saved.” In both categories, approximately 1 in 5 is “neutral” or “not sure.”
Those who “strongly agree” or “agree” with the statement, according to the survey, are: 39 percent of members; 45 percent of elders; 35 percent of pastors and 22 percent of specialized clergy.
The report defines “specialized clergy” as ministers serving full-time in a school or seminary, as a hospital or military chaplain, as PCUSA middle governing body staff, in an ecumenical agency or any other job or position. The category also includes part-time and temporary ministries.
One of several questions posed in the “piety and belief” section, the report also features data on topics such as church activities/involvement, calls/careers and social/demographic characteristics.
The initial questionnaire, from which the above findings were reported, was sent to more than 5,000 Presbyterians in late 2008, with response rates ranging from 59 to 70 percent from the various groups. The stated average margin of error is around 3 to 5 percent, according to the report, but in some cases can go as high as 7 to 10 percent.
The first Presbyterian Panel was created in 1973 to inform leaders of the opinions and activities of the denomination’s rank and file. The panel is re-established every three years. The current survey group will provide data from the 2009 to 2011 class of panelists. To view the complete report, and others, go to the Research Services Web site. http://www.pcusa.org/research/panel/index.htm
Watch for more Presbyterian Panel survey analyses in future editions of The Layman Online.
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