Question for AMERICANS, is this true?

Question

I live in Switzerland, my friend went to visit the States and told me that lots of Americans believe if you don't get "saved" trough Jesus you are destined to suffer an eternity in h**l.

I thought he was joking but he said he was being serious.

Is this true that lots of people there think this way?

Thank you.

Answer 1

sad but true. Most of Europe has the right idea. They are letting go of religion and superstition, and see as quite a few of us do, that religion no longer needed in a world governed by science.

Answer 2

This belief has nothing to do with JUST America. This is what CHRISTIANS believe. It doesn't matter if you're a European Christian, Chinese Christian, African, Australian, Israeli, Mexican, Brazilian, etc.

     Christians all accross the globe believe that you must follow Jesus to go to Heaven. This is not an American belief. But rather, this is what the Bible says.

Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except by me."

Jesus said that he is  THE WAY. Christians all accross the globe believe this, even Christians in Switzerland.

Answer 3

deffenetly not true, americans are not all the same religion, different religions believe different things like some people think that jesus came to earth already, and some people believe he hasnt, some people believe he never will because he doesnt exist,

"the road to heaven is paved with good intentions"

just because your not perfect doesnt mean you didnt mean well, you'll go to heaven  

Answer 4

America is very different to Europe.  It's like going back 50 years in time, as far as religion is concerned.

Recently, I read that 70% of republicans, go to church every Sunday.

Answer 5

Yeah and don't listen to atheists they are just trying to convert you into their own sufferings in the world.

Answer 6

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 3 v 3

3 Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God

3 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot be in God's kingdom."

If you can't believe what Jesus said who died and suffered on the cross for mankinds sins. Who are you going to believe?

When I asked Jesus to come into my heart and said the salvation prayer I felt peace,love and blessed assurance that when i pass from this realm i would be with Jesus in heaven forever

Answer 7

Some believe that.  Don't let that sully how you view the rest of us.

Answer 8

Yes there are christians here that feel and believe that way, but to be blunt, most American christians are "holiday" christians.  They only show up on Christmas and Easter, but are the first to proclaim their "strong beliefs" are better than everyone elses *rolls eyes*

Answer 9

Me... All serious christians believe this.. Yes.. I am surprised your friend was able to find a Christian here in the states.. It's getting as bad as the Uk here as far as finding a Christian. Although statistics show that the majority of Americans are Christians I believe when it gets right down to it that number is inaccurate... I believe many who profess to be Christians are actually agnostics and don't really know what they believe and that is sad... Hope this helped...God bless you !

Answer 10

Indeed.  Things are different over here and its very very sad.

The biggest difference of America to Switzerland, other than location, culture and language is the fact that there is a church on every corner of the American South. (right next to the gun store and the liquor bar).

There are a lot of Protestants that always think their way is the only way and if you think differently than them then you are not interpretting "God's Word" correctly.  It's really a sad thing.  I'm not sure of the denominations in Switzerland but here, there are 12 different denominations for each person and you have to fight a see and swarm of bible thumpers just to get to school or work.  They all think differently and all seem to have varying restrictions on everything from Soda Pop to murder.

Unfortunitly there are a number of blind followers that follow these "free thnkers" everywhere they go and stand behind them through thick and thin.  Talk about mob rule.  I can't wait for them to pull out their firey torches and go after the non beliuevers to burn them at the stake for "witchery"

Answer 11

He ran into fundies from the sound of it.  Yes a lot of people do believe that unfortunately.

BTW, listen to your priest, he knows what he is talking about  

Answer 12

I dont think the majority of americans actually believe that.  Just a strong vocal few and many others like to exxagerate how many people really believe like that to try to make all Christians look bad.

Answer 13

Your friend is correct, but he was not referring to Catholics who believe that it takes more than just believing in Jesus Christ to get to heaven. I am Catholic and believe that it takes good works and charity and kindness and "treating others as I would like to be treated" to get to heaven. Evangelical Christians as well as many other non-Catholic Christians believe that you must be saved, or reborn into Christ in order to get to heaven. To them, good deeds will not get you there, only a belief in Jesus Christ as the One True Savior will do that.

Answer 14

Yeah, the Christians over here in the US are f*cking crazy sometimes.

Have you heard of the Westboro Baptist Church? They're a perfect example.  

Answer 15

Primarily you'll hear about it from the mid-westerners.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_Belt

Answer 16

Unfortunately, people are clouded by others opinions, go a stray to blame god for misdeeds or taking someone a way from them- where do you turn, where do you go; if you have felt that or felt that he has given up on me..; some ppl need scientific proof that Jesus graced the Earth with his presence. And some don't believe what so ever.

Answer 17

Sadly, yes, it's true, but most of us aren't crazy enough to believe that nonsense.

Answer 18

It's true to a degree. You typically don't see folks walking around damning people to h**l (occasionally  maybe) but there's a large portion of the population that are stuck in the dark ages emotionally and spiritually. They believe everyone who doesn't think like them will pay for it in h**l. They're like the lunatic Muslims swarming all over your neck of the woods, just a bit less confrontational and a lot more passive aggressive.  

Answer 19

Pretty much , European living in Jesus land also called USA

Answer 20

hah yeah, a lot of americans are ignorant bible-thumpers. they run the country based on their personal beliefs. it's disgusting. there are thinking americans too, but the way our society is set up enables idiots to get into places of government and **** everything up. mind if i crash at your place while i find an apartment in your country?

Answer 21

I BELIEVE WHAT IS IN THE BIBLE....

Answer 22

All true Christians believe that if you don't repent and put your trust in Jesus you will go to h**l when you die, because you haven't admitted that you are a sinner and you need God's grace to save you from sin.

Only if confess with your mouth "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead you are saved.

When we use the word "saved" we mean saved from h**l.  

Answer 23

There are people in America that believe this notion of only being saved through Jesus Christ. But this is only a very small part of the population.

I'm guessing that your friend went to a huge city like Los Angeles or SF and saw some guy in a tourist spot yelling stupid obscenities like you must save yourself until marriage, and c**p like that. Your friend probably just came across some crazy extremist, which country doesn't have one of those?

Answer 24

Jesus Christ is the hapless saviour slaughtered by the western ''God'', his broken battered body hanging from church thresholds throughout america and the world, as a testimony to the power of the devil. Americans are currently causing world disorder and chaos, dividing nations and societies.

Have faith in the word or wisdom of the Christ remaining mindful he was murdered by they who take his name and gain great power, laud and glory through it.

Judge a nation by its actions and deeds not by its well intentioned bible bashers who invariably fall on patriotic vices than allegiance to The Almighty’s greater cause of unity and world peace.

Answer 25

Many Americans are cafeteria Christians just like those of you in Europe.  I would say approx 20% of Americans fundamentally believe Jesus to be the only source of salvation after death.

Answer 26

No, it's not. Most people here don't give a shxt. There are a few crazies.

Some above people are crazy too. You said "lots of Americans" believe this, when there really aren't that many. I live on the East Cost though, so it might be different. I've only ever met two fundies and that was in Indiana anyway.

Answer 27

Yes, sadly, it's true.

Religion is taken way too seriously... even though religion wasn't really serious to begin with (talking animals, giant floods, etc)

Answer 28

The USA was founded with the thinking of Christian foundations. It's "upstart" is different than any other country so there are many different 'variations', if you will, of this concept. Not sure what your priest said, or what most of them say, but Jesus said "I'm the only way to the Father (aka spending eternity in Heaven), you must go through me and no one else". And that to believe in Him is to love Him, and that we love him by keeping his commandments (found in the Bible).

It sounds like the ppl ur friend came in contact with were pretty preachy sounding and a little more "talk it" than "walk it".

Answer 29

Yes, it is true that many Americans believe that the only way to salvation is through Jesus. This belief is based wholly on what the bible says. Eph 2:8-9 For it is by grace that you are saved through faith and that (faith) not of yourself it is the gift of God not of works lest any should boast.