More than half of U.S. Christians say Christianity’s influence on American life is decreasing, but a quarter think this is a temporary change

March 10, 2020

2. Views about religion in American society

More than half of U.S. Christians say Christianity’s influence on American life is decreasing, but a quarter think this is a temporary change

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More than half of U.S. Christians say Christianity’s influence on American life is decreasing, but a quarter think this is a temporary change

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2. Views about religion in American society
About seven-in-ten white evangelicals say the Bible should have more influence on U.S. laws than will of the people
Public split on proper influence of Bible on U.S. laws
Most do not cite additional reasons for Christianity’s growing influence
Among Christians who think Christianity’s influence is growing, 55% say this reflects God’s intervention
Among those who say Christianity’s impact is growing, half point to Trump administration giving renewed influence to Christians
Some cite broad societal changes as a reason for Christianity’s decreasing influence
Most Catholics, black Protestants, religious ‘nones’ cite misconduct by Christian leaders as major cause of Christianity’s declining influence
Americans who say Christianity’s influence is declining cite growth in number of nonreligious people, misconduct by Christian leaders as key reasons
Half of Americans say Christianity’s influence is declining in U.S.
Roughly three-quarters of U.S. Jews see themselves as part of a religious minority group
White evangelicals, Jews and atheists more likely than other groups to see conflict between their own religious beliefs and mainstream American culture

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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