By BRAD OLSEN

A Baylor University survey found some interesting results, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. If the opinions of today’s Americans are any indication, people from more cultural groups will gain access to Heaven than 40 years ago. In the study, the percentage of people who thought “half or more” of the following will get into heaven:

• Average Americans: 54 percent.
• Christians: 72 percent.
• Jews: 46 percent.
• Buddhists: 37 percent.
• Muslims: 34 percent.
• Nonreligious people: 29 percent.

Compared to the same study done in the 1960s, Americans are much more inclusive about who will walk through the “Pearly Gates”, one Baylor researcher said.

What has caused this drastic change in numbers? Are Americans becoming morally confused or spiritually enlightened? Some may cite increased globalization as reason for the more encompassing religious understanding than what our parents held.

Regardless of the reason, the religious dialogue is changing. For example, another part of the study gives the percentage of people who said they had these experiences:

“I was protected from harm by a guardian angel”: 55 percent.
“I felt called by God to do something”: 44 percent.
“I witnessed a miraculous physical healing”: 23 percent.
“I heard the voice of God speaking to me”: 20 percent.
“I prayed or spoke in tongues”: 8 percent.

The average American seems to be more awake to or at least more articulate about the spiritual world they are experiencing. Again, I wonder why and how this change came about…

The study has had substantial media coverage, which can be found at http://www.baylor.edu/pr/bitn/index.php?id=40906. Check it out and let us know what you think.