2008-08-20-皮尤-More_Americans_Question_Religion_s_Role_In_Politics_63页_281kb

Summary of 2008 Annual Religion and Public Life Survey

Core Findings

1. Declining Support for Religious Involvement in Politics:
   A majority (52%) now favor limiting religious institutions' roles in politics, an increase from previous years. This shift is most pronounced among conservative Republicans, reflecting a shift in the Republican party's stance and reducing the partisan and ideological divide on the issue.

2. Shift in Conservative Attitudes:
   Religious conservatives, once strongly advocating for political involvement, now align more with moderates and liberals. Despite this shift, most still oppose religious checks or emoluments.

3. Religion's Role in Voting (Presidential Election 2008):
   White evangelicals and socially conservative Republicans remain strongly Republican, supporting John McCain similarly to George Bush's support in 2004. However, enthusiasm among white evangelicals for McCain has declined.

4. Public Views on Church and Politics:

   • Endorsements: Support for church endorsements of political candidates has decreased among Republicans, now aligning with public opinion trends.
   • Religious Expression: Similar to past surveys, most Americans view political leaders' expressions of faith as insufficient (36%), though overall sentiment on the issue remains steady.

5. Decline in Religious Conservatism:
   Fewer Americans identify as politically conservative compared to earlier years. There is a slight shift toward liberal ideals on moral and social issues.

6. Faith-Based Initiatives:
   While support generally remains high for religious organizations providing social services, concerns about restricting hiring by religious groups increased slightly.

7. Party Dynamics:
   The balance of religious influence shifted to the Democratic Party from the Republican, reflecting broader support among Americans for Democratic inclusiveness and increasing controversy over Republican ties to religious conservatives.

8. Issue Priorities:

   • Top Concerns: Economy (87%) and Energy (77%) remain top issues; Social issues like gay marriage and abortion have lower priority.
   • Religious Differences: Social issues are moral values and abortion, which are prioritized higher among white evangelicals and Catholics.

9. Approval Ratings:
   President George W. Bush's approval rating remains low (64% unfavorable), and support among religious groups has moderated.

Key Statistics

• Voters view expression of faith by political leaders as inadequate (36%).
• Solid religious opposition to same-sex marriage (52% opposed), rising opposition among Republicans to religious-based policy shifts.
• Cell phone data included in survey, reflecting modern polling methods with a sample of 2,905 adults.

Conclusion

The survey reflects a clear evolution in American views on religion and politics, highlighting increased caution among conservatives, reduced Republican dominance on religious issues, and consolidation of support for issues like the economy and energy over social conservative topics among broader populations.