Far more Americans express favorable than unfavorable views of Jews, mainline Protestants, and Catholics, according to a recent survey that measures U.S. adults’ broad sentiments toward several religious groups.
At the other end of the spectrum, more Americans express negative than positive attitudes toward atheists, Muslims, and Mormons.
Some survey respondents may find it strange or difficult to be asked to rate an entire group of people. Most Americans give a neutral response – or choose not to answer the question – when asked about some religious groups. For example, about six-in-ten U.S. adults say they hold “neither favorable nor unfavorable” views of Muslims or “don’t know enough to say,” while 17% express very or somewhat favorable views of Muslims, and 22% express very or somewhat unfavorable views of the group.
