Faith in America
It's as important as ever, no matter what you believe
Religion in America: an integral part of life
Although Americans are on the whole very accepting of faiths other than their own, many report unfavorable views of Islam.
How important would you say religion is in your life?
Christians
Very important 69 pct.
Somewhat important 24 pct.
Somewhat unimportant 4 pct.
Very unimportant 3 pct.
Non-Christians
Very important 40 pct.
Somewhat important 20 pct.
Somewhat unimportant 13 pct.
Very unimportant 26 pct.
Aside from weddings and funerals, how often do you attend religious services?
Christians
More than once a week 22 pct.
Once a week 30 pct.
Once or twice a month 16 pct.
A few times a year 18 pct.
Seldom or never 14 pct.
Non-Christians
More than once a week 10 pct.
Once a week 14 pct.
Once or twice a month 9 pct.
A few times a year 15 pct.
Seldom or never 51 pct.
In general, how often would you say you have experienced God's presence or a spiritual force that felt very close to you?
Christians
Never 10 pct.
Once or twice 17 pct.
Several times 23 pct.
Many times 49 pct.
Non-Christians
Never 36 pct.
Once or twice 13 pct.
Several times 15 pct.
Many times 34 pct.
Which statement comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right?
Christians
The religion you practice is the only true religion 77 pct.
All religions have elements of truth 19 pct.
Non-Christians
The religion you practice is the only true religion 86 pct.
All religions have elements of truth 7 pct.
Would you describe your general impression of Islam as ...
Christians
Very favorable 5 pct.
Somewhat favorable 29 pct.
Somewhat unfavorable 25 pct.
Very unfavorable 15 pct.
Non-Christians
Very favorable 12 pct.
Somewhat favorable 36 pct.
Somewhat unfavorable 22 pct.
Very unfavorable 7 pct.
Source: Religion & Ethics Newsweekly/U.S. News & World Report poll of 2002 adults conducted by Mitofsky International and Edison Media Research March 26-April 4, 2002. Margin of error for total sample: plus or minus 2 percent.
Clusters of faith
[Map is not available]
Baptists, Mormons, Roman Catholics, or Lutherans are dominant in a majority of counties in the United States.
[Color-coded dats are not available.]
[Labels]
Baptist
Roman Catholic
Lutheran
Methodist
Mormon
Disciples of Christ
Holiness/Pentecostal
Pietist/Anabaptist
Reformed
Congregational (UCC)
Eastern Orthodox
Presbyterian
Jewish
Quaker
Episcopalian
Tied
No reported churches
Source: New Historical Atlas of Religion in America
With Andrew Curry, Linda Kulman and Dan Gilgoff
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