What do young evangelicals believe about the future?

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. - April 24, 2018 - PRLog -- Teleios conducted a survey regarding biblical knowledge of end times on an Instagram account frequented by Christian adolescents and millennials. There were 678 responses. The majority of responders were: female (67%), 34 years old (73%), from the United States (60%) and evangelical (74%).

A plurality of respondents (38%) believed that prophetic literature in the Bible should be interpreted in a normal literal way; otherwise, how the original author intended it, whether a letter, poetry or symbols related to an actual event.

Regarding specific questions on the end times, when a response was marked, participants mostly answered in a biblically consistent way. For example, for the rapture the majority identified that it will occur at a time only known by God (78%), when believers will be taken to meet Christ (58%). For the tribulation, 51% noted that it was a seven-year time period and 42% knew it will happen just before Christ's return to the earth. Respondents indicated clearly 'eternity' is a believer's lasting presence with God (71%).

For the Kingdom of Christ, 36% thought it is a time of peace and prosperity on the earth. However, 57% believed the Kingdom is heaven which may not be the case as these locations are described differently in scripture (Danial 7:27)

Nonetheless, the total percent of correct biblical answers were relatively low (30-55%) even though the percent of wrong answers were generally even lower (<30%).  Those marking unsure' typically were between 10-20%.

These levels of responses may indicate that when Bible instruction is given on end times passages it is generally correct. However, additional focused biblical teaching may provide greater confidence to these young believers to understand what the Bible says about the future and their confidence of salvation that is to come.

Wellbeing scores were generally good (4.5 on a scale of 0-6 with 6 being best) and consistent with our past research. However, those who demonstrated a greater knowledge of eternity as represented in book of Revelation reported on average better wellbeing (P=0.029).  Interestingly, this finding is consistent with the book of Revelation (1:3) itself in that it promises to those who read it persistently will be blessed (happy).

All the findings of the survey can be found here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-LF9CJDG58/) as well as other findings from Teleios Research are on our website (http://www.teleiosresearch.com/).

About Teleios - Teleios is a non-profit foundation, seeks to demonstrate the truth of Scripture and the Christian faith through the scientific method by providing evidence for the positive results of a biblically-based lifestyle. Prior studies conducted by Teleios have shown that the practice of the Christian faith (praise, prayer, fellowship, service and Bible study) and security of salvation increases well-being while reducing guilt.