A new report from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University reveals a stunning doctrinal shift among American Christians: a majority now believe that doing “good things” is enough to secure a place in Heaven. The American Worldview Inventory 2025 survey of 2,000 adults found that 53% of self-identified Christians agree that personal goodness earns salvation. Among Catholics, that number rises sharply to 73%. Even within Evangelical, Pentecostal, and born-again groups, more than four in ten affirmed a works-based path to Heaven. At the same time, large portions of Christians also believe there are “many paths” to eternal life, further highlighting growing theological confusion.

CRC Director of Research George Barna warned that these beliefs represent a serious departure from biblical Christianity. “Millions of people who regularly attend Christian churches believe that eternal salvation does not depend on the sacrifice of Christ because of our sins,” he said. Barna added that many are now “hedging their eternal bets” by blending faith in Christ with human effort. This trend reflects a broader doctrinal erosion inside the modern church—one that replaces repentance, the cross, and the exclusive gospel of grace with moralism and spiritual relativism. As Scripture warns, a form of godliness without true power is a hallmark of the last days.

SOURCE: Christian Post