A new Gallup Poll shows that the percentage of Americans who think religion is increasing its influence on public life has dropped to its lowest level since 1995.
A November Gallup Poll found that barely one-third of Americans- 32 percent- see religion increasing its influence, down from 46 percent in February. At the same time, those who see religion’s influence declining rose from 48 percent to 64 percent.
The 32 percent figure is the lowest point since 1995, although it is roughly in line with other Gallup surveys. The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks saw a temporary spike to 71 percent of people who saw religion increasing its influence.
Gallup pollsters, however, pointed to a survey conducted last May that found 61 percent of Americans believe religion can “answer all or most of today’s problems,” even though two-thirds (67 percent) said the state of “moral values” is “getting worse” in the same poll.
Both polls show a “general pessimism” about the decline of values made worse by the decreased influence of religion, said Albert Winseman, the religion and values editor of Gallup’s Tuesday Briefing report.
(RNS)
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