71 percent of American adults more likely to develop own set of religious beliefs...

[cynatnite]

American individualism has made its imprint on Christianity.

A sizable majority of the country's faithful no longer hew closely to orthodox teachings, and look more to themselves than to churches or denominations to define their religious convictions, according to two recent surveys. More than half of all Christians also believe that some non-Christians can get into heaven.

snip:
Christians expressed a variety of unorthodox beliefs in the poll. Nearly half of those interviewed do not believe in the existence of Satan, one-third believe Jesus sinned while on earth, and two-fifths say they don't have a responsibility to share their faith with others.

snip:
Forty-two percent of religious Americans also say atheists are able to find eternal life.

While some people hail these findings as heartening for American pluralism, others see them as a wake-up call. R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary writes on his blog about biblical Christianity's role in countering such inclusive views and helping people find the true Christian way. Others point to the power of egalitarian American culture.

"It's just part of a 200-year working out of ideas about personal autonomy and equality that are sort of built into the American experience," says Alan Wolfe, director of the Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life at Boston College. "The notion that someone is going to burn in hell because they have their own beliefs is just not resonant within our larger political ideals."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20090114/ts_csm/atheology_1

More proof that the religious right in this country is losing it's hold.

[Political_Junkie]

1. I'll drink to that!

:beer:

[juno jones]

2. Good on them for not believing in satan

because 'satan' is not really part of the original package.

99.9% of the legendary 'devil' comes from accounts long after the fact including Milton and Dante.

[slutticus]

3. I believe in satan but not god, is that weird?

:evilgrin:

[juno jones]

8. Being a multitheist

I believe the more the merrier.

[Bigmack]

4. I find no comfort in this.

Most of the religious shit is just made up anyway. Just because Murikans are making up shit about the made-up shit gives me no comfort. It just adds another layer of irrational thinking to the layer cake of religious superstition.

[cynatnite]

5. As an atheist heathen, I find this rather hopeful...

The religious right crap that we're going to burn and all that isn't taking hold. Dobson and his ilk are slowly losing their influence. America is slowly, but surely changing for the better, IMO.

[Bucky]

6. its

And actually, no, it proves no such thing. It proves either (1) people aren't doctrinaire or (2) they aren't well versed in religious doctrine. I suspect the latter is more likely the case. Ignorance will always be a fertile breeding ground for reactionary politics.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. Countering inclusive views?

I prefer inclusive views! Glad others do too!

[Mari333]

9. thats refreshing to hear. thanks. n/t