October (Web-only) 2006

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While the picture of religion in America today is complex, certain underlying themes emerge:

• The widespread and continuing appeal of religion. Certain measurements show remarkable stability. For example, the percentage of Americans who believe in God or a universal spirit, the percentage who pray, and the percentage who say they attend church weekly. Other measurements, however, reveal sharp differences between the mid-'50s and now—particularly in the number of biblical "literalists."

• The glaring lack of knowledge about the Bible, basic doctrines, and the traditions of one's church. There has been little improvement on this score over the last half-century, despite growth in the percentage of Americans who have attended college.

• Inconsistencies of belief. For example, evangelical Christians occasionally express belief in New Age practices.

• The superficiality of faith. Many people don't know exactly what they believe, or why.

• Belief in God, but lack of trust in God.

• Continuing high regard for the church as an institution. This regard includes one's church and the clergy. However, it is not as widespread as in past years.

• Religious commitment is best described by what people say they believe and do. In other words, it cannot be predicted based on people's age, sex, politics, level of education, and the like—despite theories that play to such an assumption. Also, faith continues to play a huge role in the lives of many Americans, although this role goes unrecognized too often.

• A surge of interest in spiritual matters over the last two decades. America still cannot be understood without an awareness and appreciation of our religious underpinnings.

• A growing ...