Survey Reveals Gaps in Evangelical Understanding of Core Christian Doctrines in Canada
As religious beliefs in Canada continue to evolve, a recent survey uncovers significant misunderstandings among evangelicals about essential Christian teachings. This has sparked a renewed emphasis on the importance of biblical education and discipleship in churches.
The 2026 State of Theology Canada survey, conducted by Ligonier Ministries Canada in collaboration with Lifeway Research, delved into Canadian perspectives on critical Christian doctrines, including those about God, salvation, sin, the Bible, and morality.
Conducted between October 16 and 30, 2025, the survey engaged 3,005 Canadian adults. Evangelicals were identified based on their agreement with key theological statements, such as the Bible being the ultimate authority, the uniqueness of Christ’s sacrifice, and salvation through faith in Christ alone.
The survey results reveal notable confusion among evangelicals regarding foundational doctrines. A striking 73% of evangelicals believe that “Everyone is born innocent in the eyes of God,” and 60% agree that “Everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.”
Furthermore, the study highlights contradictions in beliefs about the Trinity. While 93% of evangelicals acknowledge one God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), two-thirds also view the Holy Spirit as a force instead of a personal being.
Concerns were also raised by findings that 45% of evangelicals see Jesus as “a great teacher, but not God,” despite a substantial number affirming the authority of Scripture.
The survey also uncovered inconsistencies in attitudes towards the Bible. While many evangelicals uphold the Bible as their highest authority, 28% think it “contains helpful accounts of ancient myths but is not literally true.”
Chris Larson, Chairman of Ligonier Ministries Canada, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “These are not minor details. They are fundamental truths. If we get these wrong, we don’t have Christianity at all.”
Beyond evangelical beliefs, the survey examined the broader religious landscape in Canada. It found that 54% of Canadians view the Bible as containing helpful moral stories but not factual accuracy, whereas 48% believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The responses suggest a blend of secular and Christian beliefs rather than a straightforward rejection of religion. Regional and generational differences were also apparent, with Ontarians and residents of the Prairie provinces more likely to affirm traditional Christian teachings compared to those in Quebec, British Columbia, and Atlantic Canada.
Interestingly, younger Canadians, particularly those aged 18 to 49, showed greater openness to biblical teachings than older generations. They were more inclined to affirm the Bible’s authority and salvation through Jesus Christ alone, whereas those aged 50 and above tended to reject statements condemning abortion and the necessity of church commitment.
A significant portion of respondents expressed uncertainty on theological topics, especially concerning the Resurrection, science and the Bible, and doctrines of salvation and the Holy Spirit. This uncertainty signals both theological confusion and opportunities for Christian outreach and evangelism.
The survey aims to not only pinpoint theological misunderstandings but also assist churches in identifying areas needing strengthened discipleship and biblical teaching. Ligonier stated, “As faithful biblical teaching goes out from local churches and believers share their faith, Canadians can be reached with the truth of God’s Word and the hope of the gospel as God draws many people to Himself.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
