The main conclusion: 92% of Americans believe in God. At the same time, 63% do not believe that their own faith is the only path to salvation. This figure contradicts the established notion that deeply religious people are intolerant. 'Dogmatists and purists have never inspired trust among Americans,' comments Michael Lindsay, director of the Center for the Study of Religion at Rice University. Judging by the answers, the majority of Americans (70%) believe that a place in heaven is reserved not only for their co-religionists but also for members of minority groups, including Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and even atheists.
The survey confirmed data from previous studies that people who regularly attend worship services generally hold conservative views. For them, debates over abortion and gay rights play a major role in political preferences. 'So Democrats' attempts to take conservative votes away from Republicans by focusing on economic concerns are unlikely to bear fruit. Cultural and social aspects remain very important for the faithful,' says John Green, senior fellow at the Pew Forum.
Another notable aspect of the latest survey: more than a quarter of American adults have changed the faith in which they were raised, switching to another denomination or renouncing membership in any religious community. 'A careful analysis of the latter category shows that people who are not part of a community have mostly not become atheists; they have a negative attitude toward any organized religion,' Green continues.
Respondents were roughly evenly split on whether the church should speak out on politics. African American Protestants and white evangelicals are certain it should. Catholics, Jews, and Muslims hold the opposite opinion.
Two-thirds of survey participants favor expanding government assistance to the needy, even if it means increasing taxes or the national debt. More than 60% support 'stricter environmental legislation' and habitat protection measures.
The vast majority says the US should pay more attention to solving domestic problems. As for foreign policy, six out of 10 respondents advocate diplomacy rather than military intervention during crises.