A recent survey by Angus Reid Group in partnership with Alpha Canada and The Message Canada, shows a significant difference in how Canadians view Jesus and Christianity.

According to the Seeds of Openness: How Canadians View Faith Conversations, the Church and Jesus survey, Canadians describe Jesus as loving (76%), selfless (73%), powerful (56%), revolutionay (49%) and life-changing (47%).

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However, they see Christianity as judgmental (64%), a source of arguments (62%), controlling (57%), divisive (55%) and missunderstood (33%).

“Spiritual, but in their own way”

When asked about their spirituality and beliefs, almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents said they consider themselves “spiritual, but in their own way”, while 56% stated they are open to spiritual or transcendent experiences.

Data also show that about 7 in 10 adults “actively seek understanding and conversations about meaning, purpose, beliefs and spirituality”.

The issues that matter most to Canadians are whether everything would turn out all right (52%), what would bring them genuine happiness (51%) and what happens after death (43%).

“The Church has an opportunity to show that Jesus and the King Jesus story offer a credible and life-giving answer to the meaning Canadians already know they need”, pointed out Bill Hogg, president of The Message Canada.

Open conversations about faith

The research reveals that 61% of Canadians said they would be likely to have a respectful and open conversation about the Christian faith, with someone they trust.

Nearly half of non-Christian respondents who had that conversation in the last year, described it as “respectful”, while approximately one third considered it “preachy”.

Despite the openness of non-Christians, the study states that almost 70% of practicing Christians do not feel well equipped to share their faith, and 31% feel at ease doing so.

“By focusing on relational proximity, honest conversation, humble storytelling, and prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit, Christians in Canada can share Jesus in ways that resonate deeply with the longings of their neighbours”, stressed Hogg.

Religious expression

The Director of the World Evangelical Alliance Office to the UN in Geneva, Janet Epp Buckingham, rencetly warned about the Bill 9, An Act respecting the reinforcement of laicity in Quebec, which restricts “collective religious practice” in public spaces, except under specific circumstances.

Although the government explained that the law aimed at curbing the spread of hatred, faith leaders have raised concerns about how these laws might limit religious expression.