Gallup: 2/3 See Religion’s Influence on the Decline.
Finally some good news!
Two-thirds of U.S. adults today perceive that the influence of religion in American life is waning, while just 27% believe it is rising. This represents a sharp decline in the image of religion compared with only three years ago, when 50% thought its influence was on an upswing, and marks one of the weakest readings on the influence of religion in Gallup’s five-decade history of asking the question.
“At the present time, do you think religion as a whole is increasing its influence on American life or losing its influence?”
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Religion rose even higher in perceived prominence in the 1980s during the presidency of Ronald Reagan, when religious conservatism — also known as the “religious right” was in ascendance as a potent political force. From 1983 to 1986, Gallup consistently recorded more Americans perceiving religion to be on the rise than in decline.Given this historical context, it is possible that the recent decline in perceptions that religion is increasing in influence is partially a result of the decline of Republican political strength throughout President George W. Bush’s second term, a trend that was punctuated by the election of Democrat Barack Obama last month.
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Of course the theocrats see Obama’s election as a “sign” that their iron grip on America is waning. But he’s proven repeatedly through his association with RRRW preachers and constant infusion of religion into his campaign that he’s no friend to LGBTs or advocate for Separation of Church and State.
Public perceptions about the influence of religion have varied widely over the last half-century, and may be more a reflection of changing political realities than of personal beliefs about religion. However, the new poll also finds the percentage of Americans believing that religion can answer society’s problems is at an all-time low. Although still a majority, just 53% of Americans say religion “can answer all or most of today’s problems.” While 28% say it is “largely old-fashioned and out of date.”
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The vast majority of Americans who attend church or another worship service weekly (82%) say religion can answer today’s problems, as do 59% of those attending at least monthly, but only 27% of those who rarely or never attend agreed.
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And hardcore drug addicts are far more likely than non-users to think another fix is just what they need. Fancy that.
At the close of 2008, few Americans perceive that religion is thriving in U.S. society, and a relatively small majority believe religion is relevant to solving today’s problems. These perceptions may stem in part from the political climate — characterized by a weakened Republican Party and the incoming Democratic administration — as well as from the overwhelming consensus that the main problems facing the country today are economic.
I hope this trend continues. Maybe our descent into the Dark Ages is finally over–not that I expect the RRRW to give up without a fight. Their minions are getting more vicious as they realize they’re losing the battle.
At the same time, a solid majority of Americans (56%), largely unchanged from recent years, say that religion plays a very important role in their own lives. Also, Gallup Poll Daily tracking data shows no decline in the percent of Americans’ self-reported church attendance this year.
If it remains something that plays a role in their own lives it neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg, as Jefferson said. Only when they try to impose it on me do I take issue with it. Sadly some people can’t discern the difference between the former and the latter.
