---
title: "The Importance of Being Christian"
description: " Nearly four-in-ten Americans (39%) say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who is \"Christian,\" the second most positive trait tested, behind only \"military service\" (48%). "
date: "2007-03-26"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2007/03/26/the-importance-of-being-christian/"
---

# The Importance of Being Christian

A recent Pew survey finds that a presidential candidate’s religion plays a key role in shaping voter choice: nearly four-in-ten among the public (39%) say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who is “Christian,” making that attribute the second most positive trait tested, behind only “military service” (48%).[Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/416/voters-remain-in-neutral-as-presidential-campaign-moves-into-high-gear)