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     Religion  (p. 2)                  See also:  Education | Law/Civil Rights | Science and Nature | Values


 
 

Gallup Poll. Aug. 17, 2010. N=1,009 adults nationwide, interviewed via Gallup Daily tracking. MoE ± 4.

.

"How much have you heard or read about the plans to build a Muslim mosque in New York City near where the September 11 terrorist attacks occurred: a great deal, a fair amount, not much, or nothing at all?"

.

A great deal A fair amount Not much Nothing at all Unsure
% % % % %
8/17/10 34 32 17 16 1

.

"As you may know, President Obama recently made comments about the construction of this mosque. From what you have heard or read, do you approve or disapprove of what President Obama said, or don't you know enough to say?"

.

Approve Disapprove Don't know
enough to say
No answer  
% % % %  
8/17/10 20 37 41 2  

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Aug. 6-10, 2010. N=1,009 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"As you may know, a group of Muslims in the U.S. plan to build a mosque two blocks from the site in New York City where the World Trade Center used to stand. Do you favor or oppose this plan?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure    
% % %    
8/6-10/10 29 68 3    

 

Virginia Commonwealth University Life Sciences Survey. May 12-18, 2010. N=1,001 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.7.

.

"Which of these statements comes closest to describing your feelings about the Bible? The Bible is the actual Word of God. The Bible is the Word of God but not everything in it should be taken literally. OR, The Bible is a book written by men and is not the Word of God."

.

Actual Word
of God
Not all to be
taken literally
Written
by men
Unsure  
% % % %  
5/12-18/10 40 34 21 6  
11/24 - 12/7/08 42 33 18 7  
11/26 - 12/9/07 42 36 15 7  
9/3-26/03 42 37 14 6  
9/02 44 35 13 7  
8-9/01 42 36 14 7  

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. May 1-2, 2010. N=1,049 adults nationwide, interviewed via Gallup Daily tracking. MoE ± 4.

.

"Which comes closest to your view: there is a God who answers prayers, there is a God but God does not answer prayers, or there is no God?" Options rotated

.

God who
answers
prayers
God who does
not answer
prayers
No God Unsure  
% % % %  

5/1-2/10

83 9 5 3  

.

"Which comes closest to your view about prayer: praying is effective only if a person prays regularly, praying can be effective for those who do not pray regularly, or how often someone prays has no impact on how effective prayer is?" Options rotated

.

Effective
only if pray
regularly
Can be
effective if
do not pray
regularly
How often
someone
prays has
no impact
Unsure  
% % % %  

5/1-2/10

19 14 61 6  

.

"Which comes closer to your view about prayer: prayer only is effective for people who hold certain religious beliefs, or prayer can be effective no matter what a person believes in?" Options rotated

.

Only for people
who hold
certain beliefs
No matter
what a person
believes in
Unsure    
% % %    

5/1-2/10

15 80 5    

.

"As you may know, in 1952 Congress designated a National Day of Prayer, which will be held May 6th this year. Do you favor or oppose having a National Day of Prayer, or doesn't it matter to you either way?" N=497, MoE ± 5

.

Favor Oppose Doesn't
matter
Unsure  
% % % %  

5/1-2/10

57 5 38 1  

.

"As you may know, in 1952 Congress designated a National Day of Prayer, which will be held on May 6th this year. A private task force organizing national prayer day events says a major goal should be to publicize and promote Christian prayer. Do you think this should or should not be one of the major goals of the National Day of Prayer?" N=552, MoE ± 5

.

Should Should not Unsure    
% % %    

5/1-2/10

62 36 3    

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. April 9-11, 2010. N=1,008 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"We'd like to get your overall opinion of some people in the news. As I read each name, please say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of these people -- or if you have never heard of them. Pope Benedict the Sixteenth."

.

Favorable Unfavorable Never
heard of
Unsure  
% % % %  

.

ALL

4/9-11/10

35 39 6 20  

2/12-15/10

59 17 9 15  

.

Catholics  N=231, MoE ± 6.5

4/9-11/10

59 25 5 11  

2/12-15/10

78 9 6 7  

.

"Overall, do you think the Catholic Church has done a good job or a bad job in dealing with the problem of sexual abuse committed by its priests?"

.

Good job Bad job Unsure    
% % %    

.

ALL

4/9-11/10

11 84 6

.

.

Catholics  N=231, MoE ± 6.5

4/9-11/10

23 74 4

.

.

"And thinking specifically of Pope Benedict, do you think the Pope has done a good job or a bad job in dealing with the problem of sexual abuse committed by its priests?"

.

Good job Bad job Unsure    
% % %    

.

ALL

4/9-11/10

20 70 10

.

.

Catholics  N=231, MoE ± 6.5

4/9-11/10

36 56 8

.


 

Pew Research Center. April 1-5, 2010. N=1,001 adults nationwide. MoE ± 4.

.

"How much, if anything, have you heard about Pope Benedict the sixteenth who heads the Roman Catholic Church: a lot, a little, or nothing at all?"
4/08: "In 2005, Pope Benedict the sixteenth became head of the Roman Catholic Church. How much have you heard about Pope Benedict: a lot, a little, or nothing at all?"

.

A lot A little Nothing Unsure/
Refused
% % % %

4/1-5/10

29 45 25 1

4/08

29 55 15 1

.

If heard a lot or a little (N=785):
"
In your view, how good a job has the pope done in addressing the sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church? Has he done an excellent, good, only fair, or a poor job?"

.

Excellent Good Only fair Poor Unsure/
Refused
% % % % %

4/1-5/10

3 9 27 44 17

4/08

9 30 28 20 13

 

CBS News Poll. March 29-April 1, 2010. N=858 adults nationwide (MoE ± 3), including 204 Catholics.

.

"Is your opinion of Pope Benedict the Sixteenth favorable, not favorable, undecided, or haven't heard enough about Pope Benedict the Sixteenth yet to have an opinion?"

.

Favorable Not
favorable
Undecided Haven't
heard
enough
Refused
% % % % %

ALL

3/29 - 4/1/10

15 24 26 31 4

4/06

14 4 17 59 6

.

Catholics

3/29 - 4/1/10

27 11 36 19 7

4/06

40 1 15 39 5

.

"Do you think the Pope and the Vatican have done a good job or a poor job handling charges of sexual abuse of children and teenagers by priests?"

.

Good job Poor job Undecided

.

% % %

.

ALL

13 69 18

.

Catholics

20 55 25

.


 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. March 26-28, 2010. N=1,033 adults nationwide. MoE ± 4.

.

"Next, we'd like to get your overall opinion of some people in the news. As I read each name, please say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of these people -- or if you have never heard of them. How about Pope Benedict the 16th?"

.

Favorable Unfavorable Never
heard of
Unsure  
% % % %  

ALL

3/26-28/10

40 35 7 18  

4/18-20/08

63 15 4 18  

6/1-3/07

52 16 9 23  

12/16-18/05

50 11 9 30  

4/29 - 5/1/05

55 12 8 25  

.

Catholics  N=240, MoE ± 7

3/26-28/10

61 25 4 10  

4/18-20/08

81 12 1 7  

.

Non-Catholics  N=793, MoE ± 4

3/26-28/10

35 38 8 20  

4/18-20/08

58 16 5 21  

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Feb. 12-15, 2010. N=1,023 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"We'd like to get your overall opinion of some people in the news. As I read each name, please say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of these people -- or if you have never heard of them. . . ."

.

Favorable Unfavorable Never
heard of
Unsure  
% % % %  

.

"Billy Graham"

2/12-15/10

57 22 12 9  

.

"The Dalai Lama – the spiritual leader of Tibet"

2/12-15/10

56 18 13 14  

.

"Pat Robertson"

2/12-15/10

25 44 20 12  

 

Gallup Poll. Dec. 11-13, 2009. N=1,025 adults nationwide. MoE ± 4.

           

.

"How important would you say religion is in your own life: very important, fairly important, or not very important?"

 
    Very
important
Fairly
important
Not very
important
Unsure  
    % % % %  
  12/11-13/09 54 25 20 1  
  5/7-10/09 57 24 18 1  
  12/4-7/08 56 22 22 -  
  5/8-11/08 52 30 17 1  
  12/6-9/07 56 26 17 1  
  5/10-13/07 56 26 17 1  
  5/8-11/06 56 28 16 -  
  5/2-5/05 55 28 16 1  
  5/2-4/04 55 29 15 1  
  11/03 61 25 14 -  
  5/03 58 28 14 -  
  2/03 60 23 17 -  
  12/02 61 27 11 1  
  9/02 65 23 12 -  
  5/02 56 30 13 1  
  3/02 58 27 14 1  
  12/01 60 26 13 1  
  9/01 64 24 12 -  
  5/01 57 28 15 -  
  2/01 55 30 15 -  
  8/00 57 31 12 -  
  3/00 61 27 12 -  
  12/99 61 27 11 1  
  5/99 58 30 11 1  
  6/98 62 25 12 1  
  1/98 59 29 12 -  
  1993 59 32 9 -  
  1990 58 29 13 -  
  1985 55 31 13 1  
  1980 55 31 13 1  
  1978 52 32 14 2  
  1965 70 22 7 1  
           

.

"At the present time, do you think religion as a whole is increasing its influence on American life or losing its influence?"
 
    Increasing Losing Same (vol.) Unsure  
    % % % %  
  12/11-13/09 31 65 2 2  
  5/7-10/09 18 76 2 3  
  12/4-7/08 27 67 2 3  
  5/8-11/08 30 66 2 2  
  12/6-9/07 32 61 2 5  
  12/02 43 51 3 3  
  3/02 53 42 2 3  
  12/01 71 24 2 3  
  2/01 39 55 3 3  
  8/00 35 58 4 3  
  3/00 37 58 - 5  
  12/99 40 54 3 3  
  5/99 32 62 3 3  
  6/98 37 56 4 3  
  1/98 48 48 1 3  
  1990 33 48 8 11  
  1985 48 39 10 3  
  1980 35 46 11 8  
  1978 37 48 10 5  
  1970 14 75 7 4  
  1965 33 45 13 8  
  1957 69 14 10 6  
             
"Do you believe that religion can answer all or most of today's problems, or that religion is largely old-fashioned and out of date?"
 
    Can answer Out of date Other (vol.)/
Unsure
   
    % % %    
  12/11-13/09 57 29 15    
  5/7-10/09 60 26 13    
  12/4-7/08 53 28 19    
  5/8-11/08 61 26 13    
  12/6-9/07 55 25 19    
  12/02 59 24 17    
  3/02 66 20 14    
  12/01 61 21 18    
  2/01 63 22 15    
  8/00 63 17 20    
  3/00 66 21 13    
  12/99 68 19 13    
  5/99 66 21 11    
  6/98 63 20 17    
  1/98 67 20 13    
  1990 63 18 19    
  1985 58 24 18    
  1974 62 20 18    
  1957 82 7 11    

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. March 26-29, 2009. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you feel you do or do not have a good basic understanding of the teachings and beliefs of Islam, the Muslim religion?"

.

Do Do not Unsure    
% % %    

3/26-29/09

45 55 -    

9/5-7/06

40 58 2    
3/2-5/06 40 59 1    
9/03 33 64 3    

.

"Would you say you have a generally favorable or unfavorable opinion of Islam?"

.

Favorable Unfavorable Unsure    
% % %    

3/26-29/09

41 48 11    

9/5-7/06

41 45 14    
3/2-5/06 43 46 11    
9/03 39 38 23    

.

"Do you personally know anyone who is a Muslim, or not?"

.

Yes No Unsure    
% % %    

3/26-29/09

47 53 1    

10/1

41 58 1    

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. July 8-13, 2008. N=1,783 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 2.3.

.

"Do you support or oppose giving federal money to faith-based organizations, such as churches or synagogues, to help them run social programs?"

.

Support Oppose Unsure    
% % %    

7/8-13/08

53 41 5    

.

"Do you think that these faith-based organizations that receive federal money should be able to discriminate in favor of hiring people of their own faith?"

.

Yes No Unsure    
% % %    

7/8-13/08

16 77 7    

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. April 10-13, 2008. N=1,197 adults nationwide (MoE ± 3), including, with an oversample, 292 Catholics (MoE ± 5.5).

.

"Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of Pope Benedict the 16th?"

.

Favorable Unfavorable Unsure    
% % %    

ALL

48 24 28    

Catholics

74 13 14    

.

Asked of Catholics:
"Do you think Pope Benedict should maintain the traditional policies of the Church, or should he change Church policies to reflect the attitudes and lifestyles of Catholics today?" Options rotated

.

Maintain Change Unsure    
% % %    

4/10-13/08

50 45 5    

4/05

50 48 1    

.

Asked of Catholics:
"In general, do you think the Roman Catholic Church is in touch with the views of Catholics in America today, or is it out of touch?"

.

In Touch Out of
Touch
Unsure    
% % %    

4/10-13/08

34 62 4    

4/05

44 52 4    

10/03

34 62 3    

10/95

38 58 5    

.

Asked of Catholics:
"Currently, Roman Catholic priests cannot get married. Do you favor or oppose that policy?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure    
% % %    

4/10-13/08

36 60 4    

10/03

30 67 2    

10/95

37 61 1    

.

Asked of Catholics:
"Currently, women cannot become priests in the Roman Catholic Church. Do you favor or oppose that policy?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure    
% % %    

4/10-13/08

36 60 3    

10/03

32 64 4    

3/02

35 61 4    

10/95

33 65 2    

.

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way the Catholic Church has handled the issue of sexual abuse of children by priests?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure    
% % %    

ALL

17 74 9    

Catholics

24 73 3    

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Dec. 14-17, 2007. N=1,008 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

.

"When it comes to the role of religion in the presidential election, would you say that religion is talked about too much, too little, or about the right amount?"

.

Too much Too little About right Unsure  
% % % %  

12/14-17/07

45 22 30 3  

 

CBS News Poll. June 26-28, 2007. N=750 registered voters nationwide.

.

"Do you think it is appropriate for political candidates to talk about their religious beliefs as part of their political campaigns, or do you think this is not appropriate?"

.

Appropriate Not
appropriate
Unsure

%

%

%

ALL reg. voters

50

48

2

  Republicans

65

32

3

  Democrats

41

57

2

  Independents

48

51

1

.

5/20-23/04

50

47

3

.

"Do you think it is appropriate for religious leaders to urge people to vote for or against a political candidate, or is that not appropriate?"

.

Appropriate Not
appropriate
Unsure

%

%

%

ALL reg. voters

27

70

3

  Republicans

41

58

1

  Democrats

21

77

2

  Independents

22

72

6

.

5/20-23/04

33

63

4

.

"Thinking about your vote for president next year, how important is it that a candidate SHARES your religious beliefs? Is it very important, somewhat important, not very important, or not at all important?"

.

Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not very
important
Not at all
important
Unsure

%

%

%

%

%

ALL reg. voters

15

23

23

38

1

  Republicans

30

28

20

21

1

  Democrats

7

23

27

42

1

  Independents

12

18

21

48

1

.

"How important is it for a candidate to have STRONG religious beliefs, regardless of whether those beliefs are the same as yours? Is it very important, somewhat important, not very important, or not at all important?"

.

Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not very
important
Not at all
important
Unsure

%

%

%

%

%

ALL reg. voters

27

36

16

20

1

  Republicans

43

35

12

7

3

  Democrats

23

35

19

23

0

  Independents

20

36

17

27

0


 

Gallup Poll. May 10-13, 2007. N=1,003 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"For each of the following items I am going to read you, please tell me whether it is something you believe in, something you're not sure about, or something you don't believe in. . . ." N=500, MoE ± 5 (Form A)

.

  Believe in Not sure Don't
believe In
Unsure
  % % % %

God

   5/10-13/07

86 8 6 -

   5/2-4/04

90 5 4 1

.

Heaven

   5/10-13/07

81 8 11 -

   5/2-4/04

81 10 8 1

.

Angels

   5/10-13/07

75 11 14 -

   5/2-4/04

78 11 10 1

.

The Devil

   5/10-13/07

70 8 21 1

   5/2-4/04

70 10 19 1

.

Hell

   5/10-13/07

69 8 22 1

   5/2-4/04

70 12 17 1

.

"Which of the following statements comes closest to your belief about God: you believe in God, you don't believe in God but you do believe in a universal spirit or higher power, or you don't believe in either?" N=503, MoE ± 5 (Form B)

.

  God Universal
spirit/Higher
power
Neither Other (vol.) Unsure
  % % % % %
5/10-13/07 78 14 7 - 1
5/2-4/04 81 13 5 - 1
12/9-12/99 86 8 5 1 -

 

Gallup Poll. Jan. 15-18, 2007. N=1,018 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Next, I'm going to read some aspects of life in America today. For each one, please say whether you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied. How about the influence of organized religion?"

.

Very
satisfied
Somewhat
satisfied
Somewhat
dissatisfied
Very
dissatisfied
Unsure
% % % % %

1/15-18/07

22 34 23 16 5

1/10-14/01

17 47 21 11 4

.

"Would you like to see organized religion have more influence in this nation, less influence, or keep its influence as it is now?"

.

More Less As it is now Other (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %

1/15-18/07

27 32 39 - 2

1/10-14/01

30 22 45 1 2

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. July 28-30, 2006. N=1,007 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Now thinking specifically about Muslims, do you think each of the following applies or does not apply to Muslims living in the U.S.? How about, they are [see below]?"

.

Applies Does not
apply
Unsure    
% % %  

"Committed to their religious beliefs"

   7/28-30/06

87 7 7  

.

"Loyal to the United States"

   7/28-30/06

49 39 12  

.

"Respectful of other religions"

   7/28-30/06

47 40 13  

.

"Too extreme in their religious beliefs"

   7/28-30/06

44 46 10  

.

"Respectful of women"

   7/28-30/06

35 52 13  

.

"Sympathetic to the al-Qaeda terrorist organization"

   7/28-30/06

34 50 16  

.

"If you honestly assessed yourself, would you say that you have at least some feelings of prejudice against Muslims, or not?"

.

Yes, do No, do not Unsure    
% % %  

7/28-30/06

39 59 2  

 

CBS News Poll. April 6-9, 2006. N=899 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Which of the following statements comes closest to your belief about God: you believe in God; you don't believe in God, but you believe in some other universal spirit or higher power; or you don't believe in either?"

.

God Universal
Spirit
Neither Unsure  
% % % %  
4/6-9/06 82 9 8 1  

.

"How important is religion in your daily life? Is it extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not at all important?"

.

Extremely
Important
Very
Important
Somewhat
Important
Not at All
Important
Unsure
% % % % %
4/6-9/06 26 33 26 13 2

.

"Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: The Bible is the actual word of God and is to be taken literally, word for word."

.

Agree Disagree Unsure    
% % %    
4/6-9/06 43 54 3    

.

"Do you think people who have strong religious beliefs are discriminated against in this country?"

.

Yes No Depends
(vol.)
Unsure  
% % % %  
4/6-9/06 48 43 5 4  
11/18-21/04 36 55 4 5  

.

"In general, do you think that teaching the Bible in a public school does or does not violate the Constitution and the separation of church and state?"

.

Does Does Not Depends
(vol.)
Unsure  
% % % %  
4/6-9/06 46 46 2 6  

.

"Do you think public schools should or should not be allowed to teach the Bible as a piece of literature, in classes like English or Social Studies?"

.

Should Should Not Depends
(vol.)
Unsure  
% % % %  
4/6-9/06 64 29 4 3  

.

"Would you like to see religious and spiritual values have more influence in the schools than they do now, less influence, or about the same influence as they do now?"

.

More Less Same Unsure  
% % % %  
4/6-9/06 49 16 32 3  

.

"What is your impression of [see below]? As of today, is it very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, very unfavorable, of haven't you heard enough about that to say?"

.

Favorable Unfavorable Haven't Heard
Enough
Unsure  
% % % %  

.

"Christian fundamentalist religions"

   4/6-9/06 31 31 32 6  

.

"The Mormon religion"

   4/6-9/06 20 39 38 3  

.

"The Catholic religion"

   4/6-9/06 48 37 11 4  

.

"Other Christian religions, such as Protestantism"

   4/6-9/06 58 12 27 3  

.

"The Jewish religion"

   4/6-9/06 47 16 33 4  

.

"Scientology"

   4/6-9/06 8 52 37 3  

.

"The religion called Islam"
   4/6-9/06 19 45 31 5  
   2/22-26/06 23 36 32 9  
   2/02 30 33 31 6  

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. March 2-5, 2006. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Every religion has mainstream beliefs, and also fringe elements or extremists. Thinking of mainstream Islam, do you think mainstream Islam teaches respect for the beliefs of non-Muslims, or not?"

.

Does Does Not Unsure    
% % %    
3/2-5/06 41 45 14    

.

"Do you think mainstream Islam encourages violence against non-Muslims, or is it a peaceful religion?"

.

Encourages
Violence
Peaceful Unsure    
% % %    
3/2-5/06 33 54 13    
1/02 14 57 29    

.

"Compared to other religions, do you think there are more violent extremists within Islam, fewer, or about the same number as in other religions?"

.

More Same Fewer Unsure  
% % % %  
3/2-5/06 58 34 3 5  
1/02 38 41 5 17  

 

CBS News Poll. Feb. 22-26, 2006. N=1,018 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"As you may know, a Danish newspaper published some cartoons depicting Muhammad, which offended Muslims around the world and led to violent protests by Muslims in many countries. Based on what you've seen or read, do you think the reaction by Muslims was justified, or not justified, or don't you know enough about it to say?"

.

Justified Not Justified Unsure    
% % %    
2/22-26/06 9 56 35    

.

"Based on what you've seen or read, do you think the Danish newspaper was justified in publishing the cartoons, or not justified, or don't you know enough about it to say?"

.

Justified Not Justified Unsure    
% % %    
2/22-26/06 32 27 41    

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Feb. 9-12, 2006. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"As you may know, several newspapers in Europe recently printed cartoons showing Mohammed, the founder of Islam, in ways that offended the religious views of many Muslims. How closely have you been following the news about this: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not at all?"

.

Very
Closely
Somewhat
Closely
Not Too
Closely
Not at All Unsure
% % % % %

2/9-12/06

21 35 25 18 1

.

"Do you think the European newspapers that printed those cartoons acted responsibly or irresponsibly?"

.

Responsibly Irresponsibly Unsure    
% % %    

2/9-12/06

29 61 10    

.

"Overall, do you think this controversy is due more to Western nations' lack of respect for the Islamic religion, or due more to Muslims' intolerance of different points of view?" Options rotated

.

Western
Lack of
Respect
Muslim
Intolerance
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %

2/9-12/06

21 61 6 2 9

.

"Which comes closer to your view? The U.S. news media have an obligation to show controversial items that are newsworthy even if they may offend the religious views of some people. OR, The U.S. news media have an obligation to avoid offending the religious views of some people even if that prevents them from showing controversial items that are newsworthy." Options rotated

.

Obligation to
Show News-
worthy Items
Obligation to
Avoid
Offending
Unsure    
% % %    

2/9-12/06

57 33 10    

 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Nov. 29-30, 2005. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Which one of the following is closer to your view? Religion is under attack in America today. Religion has too much influence in America today. The current standing of religion in America is just about right."

.

Under
Attack
Too Much
Influence
About
Right
Unsure  
% % % %  
11/29-30/05 49 17 22 12  

.

"Do you feel like Christianity is under attack in the United States today?"

.

Yes No Unsure    
% % %    
11/29-30/05 59 37 4    

.

"Do you agree or disagree there is a war on Christmas in the United States today?"

.

Agree Disagree Unsure    
% % %    
11/29-30/05 42 48 10    

.

"Around this time of year, there is talk about whether holiday decorations on public property should include a nativity scene. Some say nativity scenes should not be on public property because this violates the separation of church and state. Others say it is acceptable for nativity scenes to be on public property because they are part of the historical celebration of Christmas. What is your view? Should nativity scenes be allowed on public property, or not?"

.

Allowed Not
Allowed
Unsure    
% % %    
11/29-30/05 83 12 5    

.

"Are you offended by stores that instruct employees not to say 'Merry Christmas' and make it a policy to specifically not use the words 'Merry Christmas' in advertising and promotions?"

.

Yes No Unsure    
% % %    
11/29-30/05 45 49 6    

.

"Do you believe the motto 'In God we trust' should remain on U.S. currency and coins or should it be removed?"

.

Remain Removed Unsure    
% % %    
11/29-30/05 93 4 3    
4/25-26/05 92 5 3    

.

"Do you believe the phrase 'under God' should remain in the Pledge of Allegiance or should it be removed?"

.

Should
Remain
Should Be
Removed
Unsure    
% % %    
11/29-30/05 90 7 3    

.

"Do you think it should be legal or illegal to display the Ten Commandments on government property?"

.

Legal Illegal Unsure  
  % % %  
11/29-30/05 76 15 8  
3/1-2/05 77 14 9  

.

"Do you agree or disagree that the courts have gone too far in taking religion out of public life?"

.

Agree Disagree Unsure  
  % % %  
11/29-30/05 77 17 6  

.

"Do you agree or disagree with the idea of removing all religious holidays from public school calendars?"

.

Agree Disagree Remove
Some (vol.)
Unsure  
  % % % %  
11/29-30/05 8 87 2 4  

.

"Do you think it is a good idea or a bad idea to post the Ten Commandments in public schools?"

.

Good Idea Bad Idea Unsure  
  % % %  
11/29-30/05 66 24 10  

.

"Do you favor or oppose allowing public schools to set aside time for a moment of silence?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure  
  % % %  
11/29-30/05 87 9 4  

.

"Do you favor or oppose allowing voluntary prayer in public schools?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure  
  % % %  
11/29-30/05 82 14 5  

.

"Do you favor or oppose allowing public schools to have a prayer during graduation ceremonies?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure  
  % % %  
11/29-30/05 82 11 6  

 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Sept. 27-28, 2005. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"As you may have heard, a federal district judge has ruled that the Pledge of Allegiance is an unconstitutional endorsement of religion and cannot be recited in public schools because it contains the phrase 'under God.' Do you agree or disagree with the judge's decision that the Pledge is an unconstitutional endorsement of religion?"

.

Agree Disagree Unsure    
% % %    
9/27-28/05 11 87 2    

.

"Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It feels like the country is becoming anti-religion."

.

Agree Disagree Already
Was (vol.)
Unsure  
% % % %  
ALL 54 39 1 6  
  Democrats 45 47 - 8  
  Republicans 68 26 1 4  
  Independents 47 47 2 5  

 

Gallup Poll. Aug. 8-11, 2005. N=1,001 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

           

.

"Please tell me whether you favor or oppose a constitutional amendment to allow voluntary prayer in public schools."

           

.

    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
  8/8-11/05 76 23 1    
  8/16-19/01 78 20 2    
  9/11-13/00 74 23 3    
           

.

"If you had a choice, which would you prefer in the local public schools: spoken prayer, or a moment of silence for contemplation or silent prayer?" Options rotated

           

.

    Spoken
Prayer
Silence/
Silent Prayer
Neither (vol.) Both (vol.)  
    % % % %  
  8/8-11/05 23 69 5 3  
           

.

"Thinking about the presence that religion currently has in public schools in this country, do you think religion has too much of a presence in public schools, about the right amount, or too little of a presence in public schools?" Options rotated

           

.

    Too Much About Right Too Little Unsure  
    % % % %  
  8/8-11/05 11 27 60 2  
  2/9-11/01 7 28 63 2  

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. June 24-26, 2005. N=1,009 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"As you may know, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide a case regarding whether a monument to the Ten Commandments can be displayed on the grounds of state government buildings in Texas and Kentucky. Do you think the U.S. Supreme Court should or should not allow the state governments to display that monument?"

.

Should Should
Not
Unsure    
% % %    
6/24-26/05 75 23 2    

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. April 1-2, 2005. Adults nationwide.

   

.

.

.

.

.

"Do you think the religious right has too much influence, too little influence, or the right amount of influence in the Bush Administration?" Form A (N=519, MoE ± 5)

   

.

Too Much Too Little Right
Amount
None (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %

4/1-2/05

39 18 39 1 3
   

.

.

.

.

.

"Do you think the religious right has too much influence, too little influence, or the right amount of influence over the Republicans in Congress?" Form B (N=521, MoE ± 5)

   

.

Too Much Too Little Right
Amount
Unsure  
% % % %  

4/1-2/05

39 23 33 5  

 

Associated Press/Ipsos poll conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs. April 1-3, 2005. N=1,001 adults nationwide (MoE ± 3.1), including 219 Catholics.

.

"How do you think Pope John Paul II will go down in history? Would you say he will be remembered as one of the greatest popes, above average, average, below average, or one of the worst popes?"

.

One of the
Greatest
Above
Average
Average Below
Average
One of
Worst
% % % % %
ALL adults 51 25 17 1 1
Catholics 72 20 6 2 -

.

"Should the next pope give lay people a greater say in how the church is governed, or not?"

.

Yes No Unsure    
% % %    
ALL adults 62 29 9    
Catholics 63 35 2    

.

"Do you think the next pope should do more to address the problem of sexual abuse of children and teenagers by priests or do you think the church has done enough?"

.

Should
Do More
Has Done
Enough
Unsure    
% % %    
ALL adults 86 12 2    
Catholics 82 17 1    

.

"Do you think the next pope should change church policies to allow priests to marry or maintain traditional policies requiring priests to be celibate?"

.

Allow
Marriage
Require
Celibacy
Unsure    
% % %    
ALL adults 69 25 6    
Catholics 60 36 4    

.

"Should the next pope allow women to be ordained as priests, or not?"

.

Should Should
Not
Unsure    
% % %    
ALL adults 64 32 4    
Catholics 60 38 2    

.

"Should the next pope be from one of the places where Catholicism is growing fastest -- like Africa or Latin America -- or from Europe, where popes traditionally have come from?"

.

Growth
Areas
Europe U.S. (vol.) Unsure  
% % % %  
ALL adults 37 36 1 26  
Catholics 41 43 1 15  

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. April 1-2, 2005. N=1,040 adults nationwide (MoE ± 3), including 254 Catholics (MoE ± 7).

.

"How much will it matter to you who the Catholic Church chooses as the next pope: a great deal, a moderate amount, not much, or not at all?"

.

Great
Deal
Moderate
Amount
Not
Much
Not
At All
Unsure
% % % % %
ALL adults 15 19 18 47 1
Catholics 36 29 16 19 -

.

"How do you think Pope John Paul II will go down in history -- as one of the greatest popes, great but not one of the greatest, good, average, or below average?"

.

One of the
Greatest
Great Good Average Below
Average
% % % % %
Catholics 67 21 7 2 1

.

"If you had to choose, do you think the College of Cardinals should select as the next pope someone who is more conservative than John Paul II, about the same, or more liberal than John Paul II?" Options rotated

.

More
Conservative
Same More
Liberal
Unsure  
% % % %  
Catholics 4 59 34 3  

.

"Would you find it acceptable or unacceptable if the College of Cardinals chose the next pope from one of the following areas? How about . . . ?"

.

Acceptable Unaccep-
table
Unsure    
Among Catholics: % % %    

.

Latin America 85 12 3    
Africa 80 17 3    
Asia 78 19 3    

.

"Do you think the next pope should or should not . . . ?"

.

    Should Should Not Unsure
Among Catholics:     % % %

.

"Allow Catholics to use birth control"

78 21 1

.

"Allow priests to marry"

63 36 1

.

"Make church doctrine on stem cell research less strict"

59 36 5

.

"Allow women to become priests"

55 44 1

.

"Allow Catholics to divorce and re-marry without getting an annulment"

49 48 3

.

"Make church doctrine on abortion less strict" 37 59 4

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. March 10-13, 2005. N=1,001 adults nationwide (MoE ± 3), including 222 Catholics (MoE ± 6.5).

.

"Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of Pope John Paul the Second?"

.

Favorable Unfavorable Unsure
  % % %
3/05 -- ALL 67 16 17
3/05 -- Catholics 87 8 5

.

10/95 -- ALL 64 20 16
10/95 -- Catholics 83 10 7

.

8/87 -- ALL 51 8 41
8/87 -- Catholics 76 4 20

.

"Do you think the next pope should maintain the traditional policies of the Church, or should he change Church policies to reflect the attitudes and lifestyles of Catholics today?" Options rotated

.

Maintain Change Unsure
  % % %
3/05 -- Catholics 41 57 1

.

"Would you personally prefer to have the next pope come from a country in the developed world, especially Europe, where almost all previous popes have come from, or from a country in the developing world, especially South America or Africa, where the church is growing the fastest?" Options rotated

.

Developed Developing No Differ-
ence (vol.)
Unsure
  % % % %
3/05 -- Catholics 39 22 37 3

 

Associated Press/Ipsos poll conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs. Feb. 22-24, 2005. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

.

"The Supreme Court is considering whether the Ten Commandments may be displayed on government property, such as in courthouses. Do you believe the display of the Ten Commandments ought to be allowed on government property, such as courthouses, or not?"

.

Allowed Not
Allowed
Unsure    
% % %    
2/22-24/05 76 23 1    

 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Feb. 8-9, 2005. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"In general, do you approve or disapprove of elected officials making references to God and religion at public events?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure    
% % %    
2/8-9/05 63 28 8    

.

"In your opinion, does George W. Bush talk about God and religion too often or not often enough?"

.

Too Often Not Often
Enough
About Right
(vol.)
Unsure  
% % % %  
2/8-9/05 28 30 30 12  

 

Newsweek Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Dec. 2-3, 2004. N=1,009 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Now, regardless of your own religious beliefs, we'd like your views on Jesus. Do you think Jesus Christ ever actually lived, or not?"

.

Did Did Not Unsure

%

%

%

ALL

93

3

4

  Christians

96

1

3

  Non-Christians

76

12

12

.

Trend:

12/98

90

2

8

.

"Do you think Jesus Christ was God or the Son of God, or another religious leader like Mohammed or Buddha?"

.

God or
Son of God
Religious
Leader
Neither/
Other (vol.)
Unsure Don't Believe
Jesus
Ever Lived

%

%

%

%

%

ALL

82

6

2

7

3

  Christians

91

3

1

4

1

  Non-Christians

35

22

12

19

12

.

"Now I have a few questions about the Bible. Do you believe that every word of the Bible is literally accurate -- that the events it describes actually happened, or not?"

.

  Yes,
Believe
No, Do Not
Believe
Unsure

 

%

%

%

ALL

55

38

7

  Evangelical Protestants

83

12

5

  Non-Evangelical Protestants

47

48

5

  Catholics

45

46

9

.

"Do you believe the story of Christmas -- that is, the Virgin birth, the angelic proclamation to the shepherds, the Star of Bethlehem, and the Wise Men from the East -- is historically accurate, OR is a theological story written to affirm faith in Jesus Christ?"

.

Historically
Accurate
Theological
Story
Unsure

%

%

%

ALL

67

24

9

  Christians

75

17

8

  Non-Christians

24

59

17


 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Nov. 18-21, 2004. N=885 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Do you think evangelical Christians have too much influence, too little influence, or the right amount of influence on George W. Bush's decisions?"

.

Too Much Too Little Right
Amount
Have No
Influence (vol.)
Unsure

%

%

%

%

%

ALL

31

12

35

3

19

  Republicans

11

10

62

4

13

  Democrats

47

16

15

3

19

  Independents

33

9

32

3

23

.

"In the next four years, do you think evangelical Christians will have more influence, less influence, or about the same amount of influence on George W. Bush's decisions as they did during his first term?"

.

More Less Same Unsure  

%

%

%

%

 

ALL

21

7

59

13

 

  Republicans

11

7

73

9

 

  Democrats

30

6

49

15

 

  Independents

19

8

58

15

 

.

"What worries you more: public officials who don't pay enough attention to religion and religious leaders, or public officials who are too close to religion and religious leaders?"

.

Don't Pay
Enough
Attention
Too Close Depends (vol.) Unsure

%

%

%

%

ALL

35

51

3

11

  Republicans

53

30

4

13

  Democrats

25

65

2

8

  Independents

29

53

4

14

.

Trend:

11/03

50

34

3

13

.

"Do you think government officials and political appointees who have strong religious beliefs should try to use the political system to turn their religious beliefs into law, or shouldn't they do this?"

.

Should Should Not Depends (vol.) Unsure  

%

%

%

%

 

ALL

8

85

3

4

 

  Republicans

16

75

2

7

 

  Democrats

5

90

3

2

 

  Independents

4

89

2

5

 


 

Pew Research Center/Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Aug. 5-10, 2004. Nationwide.

.

"In your opinion, should churches and other houses of worship keep out of political matters, or should they express their views on day-to-day social and political questions?" Form 1 (N=739 adults, MoE ± 4)

.

Keep Out

Express
Views

Unsure
% % %
8/5-10/04 44 51 5
7/03 44 52 4
3/01 43 51 6

.

"During political elections, should churches and other houses of worship come out in favor of one candidate over another, or shouldn't they do this?" Form 2 (N=773 adults, MoE ± 4)

.

Should Should
Not
Unsure
% % %
8/5-10/04 25 65 10
3/02 22 70 8

.

"Do you think there has been too much, too little or the right amount of expressions of religious faith and prayer by political leaders?" Form 1 (N=739 adults, MoE ± 4)

.

Too Much Too Little Right
Amount
Unsure
% % % %
8/5-10/04 27 31 32 10
7/03 21 41 29 9

.

"Do you believe that it is proper or improper for political parties to ask church members for lists of people who attend their church so the parties can encourage them to register and vote?" N=1,512 adults, MoE ± 3

.

Proper Improper Unsure
% % %
8/5-10/04 26 69 5

.

"Do you believe that it is proper or improper for Catholic church leaders to deny communion to Catholic politicians whose views on abortion and other life issues go against church teachings?" N=1,512 adults, MoE ± 3

.

Proper Improper Unsure
% % %
8/5-10/04 22 64 14

.

"Do you believe that it is proper or improper for the Ten Commandments to be displayed in a government building?" N=1,512 adults, MoE ± 3

.

Proper Improper Unsure
% % %
8/5-10/04 72 23 5

.

"Thinking again about candidates and elections -- How do you feel about this statement: It's important to me that a president have strong religious beliefs. Do you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly DISagree, or completely DISagree with it?" Form 2 (N=773 adults, MoE ± 4)

.

Completely
Agree
Mostly
Agree
Mostly
Disagree
Completely
Disagree
Unsure
% % % % %
8/5-10/04 29 41 15 11 4

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. May 20-23, 2004. N=1,005 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Would you support or oppose the Catholic Church denying communion to Catholic politicians who are in favor of legal abortion?"

.

Support Oppose Unsure

%

%

%

ALL

22

68

11

  Catholics

22

72

6

.

"In general, do you think religious leaders should or should not try to influence politicians in their positions on the issues?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure

%

%

%

ALL

35

64

1

  Democrats

28

71

1

  Independents

32

67

1

  Republicans

48

50

2


Earlier polling on religion


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