Shocking Poll: Americans Want More Religion in Politics

Dustin Siggins : Oct 1, 2014
LifeSiteNews

"There should be no partisan divide over free speech and freedom from government censorship and coercion. Every American who understands the basis upon which this country was founded should support even greater freedom and more participation by citizens in public life." -Greg Scott, ADF.

As part of a backlash against what some have called “the devaluing of America,” more Americans support churches having a greater role in political and cultural issues. (Photo: Chris Christie at prayer service/Mitsu Yasukawa/ Staff Photographer/via NorthJersey.com)

In a new survey published on Monday, Pew Research found that 49 percent of Americans "say churches and other houses of worship should express their views on social and political issues.” This is an increase from 43 percent in 2010. Nearly three-quarters of Americans (72 percent) think religion has less influence on society, an increase of five percent since 2010.

Pew found that 54 percent of religiously affiliated Americans are supportive of churches expressing views on politics and public policy, an increase from 45 percent in 2010. Likewise, 48 percent of religiously affiliated Americans believe there is "too little" religious talk in the nation, compared with 41 percent four years ago. And 35 percent believe churches should endorse candidates – up by more than one-third since 2010.

The opinions of religiously unaffiliated were unchanged on the idea of churches expressing viewpoints and virtually the same when it comes to whether there is "too little" talk of religion in the nation.

Surprisingly, 23 percent of unaffiliated Americans felt that churches should endorse candidates, a rise of eight percent from 2010.

While the opinions of Democrats and the "religiously unaffiliated" were consistent with its 2010 survey results related to the role of religion in public life, Americans with religious affiliations are far more likely to support active participation in public life by pastors and other religious leaders.

Read the rest of this report by LifeSite, by clicking here.