Judging by the television audience, Americans certainly care about the Super Bowl. Few, however, think God shares their concern.
The 2024 Super Bowl drew more than 123.7 million U.S. viewers, the largest television broadcast viewership in the nation’s history. Yet, most U.S. adults don’t believe God cares who wins the Super Bowl or determines the game’s winner, according to a study from Lifeway Research.
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“While a large number of Americans believe God exists, far fewer think He is a fan of either team in the Super Bowl,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “While these are interesting questions for win-loving humans to ponder, God describes His own ways as higher than our ways—not unlike a blimp being higher than the players on the ground (Isaiah 55:8-9).”
Heavenly concern
Around 1 in 8 Americans (13%) believe God cares who wins the Super Bowl. Nearly 7 in 10 (68%) disagree, with 61% strongly disagreeing. Another 16% aren’t sure, and 4% say God doesn’t exist. Similarly, in a 2015 Lifeway Research phone survey 8% said God cares about the winner of the game.
Some groups are more likely to say God is concerned about the big game. Men are more likely than women (16% v. 10%). African Americans (22%) and Hispanics (19%) are more likely than white Americans (9%).
Those younger than 50 are more likely to see God’s concern in the game than older Americans. Those age 18-34 (21%) and 35-49 (16%) are more likely than those 50-64 (7%) and 65 and older (3%) to say God cares who wins the game.
Those with evangelical beliefs are more likely than those without such beliefs to say God cares about the Super Bowl (19% v. 11%). Catholics are the most likely to disagree (80%).
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