Canadian evangelicals confused about core Christian doctrines, survey finds

A serious latest survey examining religious beliefs in Canada has found that many evangelicals hold views that deny historic Christian teaching, prompting renewed calls for stronger biblical discipleship and theological education inside churches.

The findings come from the 2026 State of Theology Canada survey, carried out by Ligonier Ministries Canada alongside Lifeway Research. 

The nationwide study explored how Canadians – each inside and out of doors the church – understand key Christian doctrines regarding God, salvation, sin, the Bible and morality.

Researchers surveyed 3,005 Canadian adults between October 16 and 30, 2025, and defined evangelicals as those that strongly agreed with 4 theological statements, including that the Bible is the foremost authority for belief, that Jesus Christ’s death is the one sacrifice for sin, and that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone.

Among essentially the most striking findings was widespread confusion amongst evangelicals regarding foundational Christian doctrines.

According to the survey, 73% of Canadian evangelicals affirmed the claim that “Everyone is born innocent within the eyes of God,” while 60% said that “Everyone sins a bit, but most persons are good by nature.”

The survey also found apparent contradictions in beliefs surrounding the doctrine of the Trinity. 

Although 93% of evangelicals reported belief in a single God existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, two thirds also agreed with the statement that “The Holy Spirit is a force but just isn’t a private being.”

Researchers further expressed concern that 45% of evangelicals believed that “Jesus was an awesome teacher, but he was not God,” despite nearly half concurrently affirming the authority of Scripture.

The study identified similar inconsistencies in attitudes toward the Bible itself. 

While many evangelicals described the Bible as the very best authority for his or her beliefs, 28% also affirmed that Scripture “comprises helpful accounts of ancient myths but just isn’t literally true.”

Ligonier Ministries Canada said the findings point to a major need for clearer doctrinal teaching inside churches.

“These usually are not minor details,” said Ligonier Ministries Canada chairman, Chris Larson. “They are fundamental truths. If we get these fallacious, we don’t have Christianity in any respect.”

Alongside its findings on evangelicals, the report also explored broader religious attitudes amongst Canadians as an entire.

It found that 54% of Canadians hold that the Bible comprises helpful moral stories but just isn’t factually accurate, while 48% affirmed belief within the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Researchers noted that responses often reflected a mix of secular and Christian beliefs fairly than outright rejection of faith.

The survey also highlighted regional and generational differences across the country. 

Canadians in Ontario and the Prairie provinces were generally more likely than those in Quebec, British Columbia and Atlantic Canada to affirm traditional Christian teachings on God and marriage.

Younger Canadians also appeared, in some areas, more open to biblical teaching than older generations. 

Adults aged 18 to 49 were more likely than older respondents to affirm the authority of the Bible and salvation through Jesus Christ alone, while Canadians aged 50 and above were more more likely to reject statements describing abortion as sinful and the concept every believer has an obligation to commit to an area church.

Researchers said a major variety of respondents chosen “undecided” when answering theological questions, particularly regarding the Resurrection, science and the Bible, and doctrines regarding salvation and the Holy Spirit.

The report suggested this uncertainty points each to theological confusion and to opportunities for Christian outreach and evangelism.

Ligonier said the survey was intended not simply to discover theological errors, but in addition to assist churches higher understand areas where discipleship and biblical teaching could also be needed most.

“As faithful biblical teaching goes out from local churches and believers share their faith, Canadians could be reached with the reality of God’s Word and the hope of the gospel as God draws many individuals to Himself,” the report concluded.