Friday, November 27, 2009

Nation & World

God and Country by Dan Gilgoff

Gallup Poll: In Major Shift, Most Want Government Promoting Traditional Values

September 30, 2009 11:16 AM ET | Dan Gilgoff | Permanent Link | Print

By Dan Gilgoff, God & Country

Marking a major shift from last year, a new Gallup poll finds that most Americans say the government should promote "traditional values." Check out this graph on the trend:

There are two fascinating details underlying the shift in support for government promoting traditional values.

First, last year, when President Obama was elected, marked the high point for opposition to government promoting traditional values since Gallup started asking the question in 1993. Second, the shift comes almost entirely at the hands of political moderates. From Gallup's analysis:

Independents' views show a dramatic turnaround, from a 55%-37% split against government-promoted morality last year to a 54%-40% division in favor of it today. By contrast, Republicans' and Democrats' views have been relatively stable, with the former solidly in favor of the government's promoting traditional morality, and a majority of the latter opposed.

Tags: religion | polls

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Reader Comments

the parting of ways: the politicians and the people

When politicians are out of touch with the voice of the people they have to suffer the consequences find another way to earn a living.The democrats want abortion to be forced by federal funding and erasing the conscience clause.A good evidence is the defeat of pro-life amendments the hyde amendment.They should focus more on the economy of the richest and strongest country of the world:United State of America , and not waste time on focusing on issues with moral and theological impact.

Christianity does not equal religion

Let's debate this topic. I know many Christians who do not go to church, but they have a deep, spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. They do not have a 'religion' that teaches them traditional values. As a Catholic christian, my religion requires me to attend mass every week, and that's something I have no problem with, in fact, it helps me. It reinforces, the traditional values our country and I hold so dear - a strong family unit; compassion for others in need; desire to be the best person you can be; loving oneself and one's neighbors, be willing to work hard for what you have; don't focus on material gain; discover your own God-given talents and build on them.

Intelligent, thoughtful people understand that religions are run by human beings, therefore are susceptible to human weaknesses, faults, hypocrisys - belief in God, loving God, and wanting to be a good Christian can be done, and is done without any religion. I believe in separation of church and state - Church meaning Baptist, Mormon, Catholic, Jewish, Islam, Hindu, Presbyterian, etc. 'Church' does not mean belief in God and christian principles - the Ten Commandments are universal to all 'higher power' faiths. I don't believe in requiring any atheist or agnostic to change their beliefs or accept any of mine - christian principles are just a blueprint for a loving, successful society. Traditional values don't require a stitch of belief in God...but having love of God as a foundation CERTAINLY makes it easier to be a civilized, caring member of society! And there is NO question, based on history - past and current - that societies and communities become violent, abusive and chaotic when there is an anything goes, moral relativity system in place.

This article is nonsensical in the extreme

Most public opinion polls are BS with a veneer of fake scientific method -- they ask the wrong questions, in the wrong way, of the wrong people, at the wrong time, for the wrong reasons. This poll is a prime example. Whose traditional values are we talking about?

As an example, many people are reflexively opposed to socialism. But ask them if they oppose public schools, police, fire departments, etc., and you get a different answer. Republicans of late seem to love socialism, so long as it's confined to business and the hyper-wealthy, but would never admit to it.

Yet another example. Do you really want to live in a country where government and religion are one? Take a good look around the world before you answer.

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Dan Gilgoff covers religion for U.S. News & World Report. He is the author of The Jesus Machine: How James Dobson, Focus on the Family, and Evangelical America are Winning the Culture War, and is a former politics editor at beliefnet. E-mail Dan at godandcountry@usnews.com.

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