Center for American Progress Faith, Values and the Common Good Overview of Quantitative Findings
Contents Introduction State of American Life Religion in American Society Issues Leadership
Methodology Elite Discussions In October 2005, we spoke with religious leaders and activists representing a variety of denominations and professions to gain insight regarding: The nature and quality of faith/moral based language and messages in public life Their work and priorities as they relate to this project Ideas for how to talk about faith, morals, and religion to different national audiences The in person discussions were held on October 14, 2005 in Washington, DC. The conference calls were conducted on October 14 and October 28, 2005.
Methodology Qualitative In November 2005, we conducted standard focus groups and Influence Circle focus groups with a sample of adults who are politically astute, ideologically moderate/left leaning, and religiously engaged. South Rural: Charlotte, NC November 10, 2005 Standard Groups: (1) African American Evangelical Influence Circle Groups: (1) Evangelical Midwest Urban: Chicago, IL November 15, 2005 Standard Groups: (1) Mainline Protestant Influence Circle Groups: (1) Hispanic Evangelical Midwest Exurban: Columbus, OH November 16, 2005 Standard Groups: (1) Evangelical Influence Circle Groups: (2) Hybrid faith Catholic West Suburban: Phoenix, AZ November 22, 2005 Standard Groups: (1) Hybrid faith Influence Circle Groups: (2) Catholic Hispanic Non religious TOTAL 4 Standard Focus Groups 6 Influence Circle Groups
Methodology Quantitative Survey among a nationally representative sample of 900 registered voters, adults 18+, with an oversample of 100 Hispanic registered voters. The margin of error for the national sample of 900 adults is +/ 3.3% The interviews were conducted between February 15 and February 26, 2006. Please note that all numbers are percentages and may not add up to 100%, due to rounding.
Sample Profile Overview The national sample is representative of the adult, 18+ population of registered voters in the United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). 22% West; 35% South; 23% Midwest; 19% Northeast 7 White; Hispanic; African American 33% Republican; 22% Independent; 39% Democrat 2004 Vote: 4 Bush; 3 Kerry
State of American Life
What s On the Decline? Born Again/Evang Too Materialistic 75% Morality Decline 71% Too Self Centered 6 Too Far From God/ Family 7 Don t Know Right/ Wrong 5 Religion Decline 49% 100% National Protestant Catholic 74% 70% 6 53% 55% 55% 63% 49% 45% 44% 42% 90% No Affil/Atheist/Agn 62% 73% 74% 54% 5 2 6 35% 5 32% 4 80% (% Strongly Agree) 71% 69% 49% 5 4 4 3 3 41% 70% 60% 71% 60% 55% 54% 4 41% 0% Americans are becoming too materialistic Morality is on the decline in America Americans are becoming too self centered Americans have gotten too far away from God and family Q11 16. Now, please tell me whether you agree or disagree with the following statements. Not enough Americans know right from wrong anymore Religion is on the decline in America
What Should We Be Doing? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% National Born Again/Evang Protestant Catholic No Affil/Atheist/Agn Govt Should Uphold Basic Decency 6 65% 72% 7 5 72% 85% Commit to Common Good 65% 6 75% 6 65% 71% 73% (% Strongly Agree) Value Both Faith & Sci 63% 60% 61% 55% 59% 61% Commit to Faith & Sci 65% 5 5 53% 60% 5 49% Relig Lead Focus Less 3 44% 55% 69% 33% 60% 69% Too Focused on Abort/Gay Marriage 44% 64% 29% 49% 62% 6 6 5 55% 45% 0% Govt should uphold basic decency/dignity of all/help the poor/disadvantaged Govt should be committed to the common good/put public interest above privilege of few Americans should &value both faith science Politicians should recognize commitment to both faith & science, not one or the other Religious leaders should focus less on abortion & gay marriage/more on poverty & healthcare Q11 Q16. Now, please tell me whether you agree or disagree with the following statements. Religious leaders are too focused issues like abortion and gay marriage
The Most Serious Moral Crisis in America Today Born Again/Evang Protestant Catholic No Affil/Atheist/Agn Kids Not Raised w/ Right Values 24% 22% 2 14% 3 1 23% Corrupt Govt 19% 31% 32% 23% Too Much Sex/Violence 2% 4% Greed & Materialism 5% 11% 22% Too Focused on Selves 2% 4% 3% Corrupt Business 3% 4% 3% 2% Abortion & Homo Sexuality 9% 2% 2% 4% 1% 2% 22% National 1 15% 11% 5% 5% 4% 0% Kids not raised with the right values Corruption in government Too much sex and violence in media Greed and materialism People too focused on themselves Corruption in business Abortion and homosexuality Q17. Which of the following do you think presents the most serious moral crisis in America today?
What Does The Common Good Mean? Focus (53%) Good for all/not just for the few/more than the individual Actions (1) Helping others/respecting others/working together Rights and Necessities (15%) Human rights/individual freedom without hurting anyone/health, Food, Shelter, Education Attributes () Justice/Security/Peace/Morals and values Religion (5%): Golden Rule/Belief in God/Love thy neighbor Q18 In a few words, please describe to me what the phrase the common good means to you personally?
Common Good : Different Things to Different People Treating W/Respect Ethic of loving thy neighbor Working Harder to Achieve Equal Doing More to Aid Poor/Care for Environment Born Again/Evan 21% 3 11% 11% Protestant 2 29% National Catholic No Affil/Atheist/Agn 2 23% 23% 14% 2 29% 3 23% 11% 2 15% 1 21% 2 2 0% T reating everyo ne with respect P ursuing a perso nal et hic o f "lo ving thy neighbo r" Wo rking harder t o achieve equal so cial and eco no mic co nditio ns D o ing mo re to aid the po o r/ care fo r enviro nment Q19. Some people believe that Americans should be more committed to the common good. Which of the following best describes what you think that a commitment to the common good means?
s Have the Edge on Moral Clarity Traits 100% 90% Progressive 80% 70% 60% 5 49% 4 39% 39% 15% 15% 15% 1 1 23% 23% 21% 19% 0% Strong religious conviction Family values Strong moral conviction Justice Right & wrong Q39 Q43. Please rate the extent to which you associate (ROTATE) liberal, conservative, and progressive with the following traits.
Other Moral Attributes 100% 90% 80% Progressive 70% 60% 35% 2 19% 33% 34% 1 21% 31% 32% 32% 29% 22% 29% 0% Effective leadership Humility The common good Compassion Human dignity Q39 Q43. Please rate the extent to which you associate (ROTATE) liberal, conservative, and progressive with the following traits.
Religion in American Society
Role of Religion in Daily Life A Great Deal/Some Not Very Much/ Not at All 100% 90% 80% 70% 8 32% Born Again/Evang Protestant Catholic No Affil/Atheist/Agn 9 93% 91% 4 93% 8 79% 4% 44% 14% 19% 60% 0% 55% A great deal/somewhat 5% Not very much/none at all Q51. Would you say that your religion provides a great deal of guidance in your day to day living, some guidance, not very much guidance, or no guidance at all in your day to day living?
Too Much Religion in Public Life? Too Little Too Much Just Right Born Again/Evang 6 100% 90% 80% National Protestant Catholic No Affil/Atheist/Agn 5 4 2 6 1 53% 9% 24% 24% 1 70% 32% 60% 21% 24% 0% Too Little Too Much Just Right Q20. Do you think that religion plays too much of a role in American public life, too little of a role, or just about the right role in American public life today?
Attendance of Religious Services/Frequency of Prayer Every day Religious Services Once a week 44% Every Day Once a Week Monthly Annually/ Holidays Born Again/Evang 5 15% Once or twice a month 1 Protestant Catholic No Affil/Ath/Agn 5% 3% 4 51% 15% 14% 21% 1 Once or twice a year/only on religious holidays 4% 5% 54% 44% 1 9% 2 0% Several Times a Day Prayer Once a day 32% Sev times/ Day Once a Day Weekly Monthly Annually/ Holidays Several times a week Born Again/Evang Protestant Catholic 55% 4 33% 31% 32% 39% 15% 1% 3% 1% 2% 4% Once or Twice a Month 4% No Affil/Ath/Agn 19% 4 22% 35% 5% 11% 5% 2% 2% Once or twice a year/only on religious holidays 3% 39% 33% 31% 31% 11% 3% 0% Q54. In general, how often do you attend religious services? Q55. In general, how often would you say you pray?
What Does Moral Mean to You? National Resp for actions 19% 29% Treat w/ respect 1 2 Just/ Modest Life 9% 9% Others before self 4% 11% 11% Honor rel/ faith 11% 4% 3% Support trad fam 2% 4% 23% 23% 5% 0% Taking Responsibilty for One's Actions Treating Others With Respect Living a Just/Modest life Putting Others Before Myself Honoring Religious Tradition/Faith Supporting Traditional Families Q50. Which of the following best describes what being a moral person is to you?
Personal Choice Common Sense, Right/Wrong, Religion Born Again/Evang Protestant Catholic No Affil/Atheist/Agn Common Sense 1 23% 29% Sense of Right/Wrong 11% 24% 2 Faith/ Religious 33% 23% 2 Morals 9% 9% What Parents Taught 5% 5% Loved Ones 1% 1% 1% 1% 5% 3% 23% 19% 1 National 9% 2% 0% Common Sense Sense Of Right/Wrong Faith/Religious Beliefs Morals What Parents Taught You Loved Ones Q49. Which of the following do you rely on most to make choices in your own life?
Traits Associated With America (%Critical) The Constitution 70% Individual freedom 6 Family 6 Equality of all people 6 Religious freedom 6 Belief in God 51% The opportunity to get ahead Separation of church and state 39% 44% Judeo Christian faith 2 0% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Q1 9. To start, I am going to read you a list of traits that are often associated with America. For each one, please tell me if you see it as a critical part of America, important but not critical, somewhat important, or not at all an important part of America.
Traits Associated With America (% critical) Nat l (n=900) (n=392) (n=164) (n=258) The Constitution 70% 75% 72% 6 Individual freedom 6 6 69% 73% Family 6 7 6 5 Equality of all people 6 63% 69% 73% Religious freedom 6 71% 6 6 Belief in God 51% 65% 45% 35% Opportunity to get ahead 44% 4 4 43% Separation of church and state 39% 4 51% Judeo Christian faith 2 23% 1
American Voters Are Split Over Their View of the US Constitution as a Religious Document 80% 70% 60% National Reflective of Judeo Chr Teachings 54% 34% 35% Not Reflective of Religious Teachings 33% 51% 4 42% 41% 0% The Constitution strongly reflects Judeo Christian religious teachings. The Constitution is not strongly reflective of religious teachings. Q10. Now, which ONE of the following statements best describes your view of the U.S. Constitution?
Religion in American Society: Key Segments Nat l (n=900) (n=392) (n=164) (n=258) Religion Guides A Great Deal 55% 65% 53% Rely on Faith/Religion 1 2 Rely on Right/Wrong 19% 24% 2 Rely on Common Sense 23% 23% 29% Too Little Religion in Public Life Strongly approve Elected officials w/strong religious beliefs making ref to God/religion publicly Strongly approve Elected officials w/ strong religious beliefs using beliefs to inform policy 3 24% 6 52% 33% 22% 32% 22%
Issues
Role of Religion/Morality in Public Debate of Issues 60% 35% 41% (% Leading Role) Born Again/Evang Protestant Catholic No Affil/Atheist/Agn 32% 2 29% 2 Poverty/ Hunger 3 3 35% 2 35% 3 31% 3 Terrorism 34% 32% 14% 2 21% 24% Govt Corrupt 2 33% 2 32% 23% 19% Homeless 3 2 2 22% 23% 22% 32% Healthcare 32% 2 22% 29% 19% 2 Envir 22% 21% 2 1 0% Poverty/Hunger Terrorism Government Corruption Leading Role Homelessness Healthcare Environment War in Iraq Major, But Not Leading Role Q24 Q29. Please tell me whether you think that religious and moral teachings should play a leading role, a major role, but not a leading role, a minor role, or no role at all in the public debate of each.
Role of Religion/Morality in Public Debate of Issues (% Leading Role) Born Again/Evang Protestant Catholic No Affil/Atheist/Agn Abortion 32% 1 2 9% Gay Marriage 2 14% 2 Social Sec 1 1 14% 1 14% Budget 14% 21% Immigration 1 15% 15% 9% 9% 1 2 1 19% 1 2 1 24% 21% 0% Abortion Gay Marriage Social Security Budget Immigration Leading Role Major, But Not Leading Role Q24b Q29b. Please tell me whether you think that religious and moral teachings should play a leading role, a major role, but not a leading role, a minor role, or no role at all in the public debate of each.
Top Priority for Officials with Religious Beliefs Poverty/ Hunger Healthcare Budget Terrorism Born Again/Evang 11% Protestant 11% 9% National Catholic No Affil/Atheist/Agn 21% 11% 11% 15% 1 15% 3% 15% 9% 15% 9% 0% Poverty/hunger Healthcare Budget Terrorism Q38. Which of the following issues do you think should be the top priority for elected officials who have strong religious beliefs?
Issue Positions (% strongly agree) Moral & Social Resp to Be Good Stewards Strengthen Economy Respect Belief in God Must Do Everything to Defend Respect Faith & Science Born Again/Evang 81% 72% 4 54% 3 Protestant 80% 73% 54% 51% 43% Catholic 83% 71% 53% 4 (% strongly agree) No Affil/Atheist/Agn 80% 7 74% 65% 64% 45% 41% 43% 4 90% National 81% 8 7 80% 41% 4 64% 4 5 70% 80% 70% 60% 80% 72% 55% 51% 44% 0% Moral & social resp. to be good stewards of land, air, water and leave environment better than we found it. Strengthen economy by providing living wage, affordable healthcare & adequate educ opp to lowincome families. We can respect belief in God and commitment to human life by supporting stem cell research to help those who are sick or vulnerable. Must do everything to defend our country, but our democratic & rel traditions demand we be force for good, and pursue just, peaceful & cooperative global actions. We can respect both faith & science by believing that God created the world without rejecting evolution. Q30 32: I m now going to read you a list of issue positions. Please tell me whether you agree or disagree with each.
Leadership
Public Expression of Religious Beliefs (% Express Publicly) 100% National 90% 80% 70% Born Again/Evang Protestant Catholic No Affil/Atheist/Agn Right/ Wrong 91% 89% 8 89% 90% 8 8 Moral Beliefs 82% 7 69% 59% 81% 6 61% Life Exper 5 5 5 5 54% 63% Family Backgrnd 52% 4 54% 4 Pers Faith 69% 5 42% 62% 2 Relig Beliefs 70% 52% 3 5 43% 2 60% 8 71% 5 4 4 43% 0% Sense of right & wrong Moral beliefs Life Experiences Family background Personal faith Religious beliefs Q35 37. Now I m going to read you a list of statements. For each, please tell me whether you think elected officials should express them publicly or keep them mostly to themselves.
Talking About Religion vs. Acting on It 100% 90% 80% (% Strongly Approve) Born Again/Evang Protestant Catholic No Affil/Ath/Agn Ref to God/ Religion Publicly 54% 44% 2 21% 52% 22% 22% Moral Beliefs to Inform Policy 41% 33% 32% 24% 41% 23% Religious Beliefs to Inform Policy 39% 2 21% 33% Use Pol System Turn Moral Beliefs into Law 15% 23% 3% Use Pol System Turn Religious Beliefs into Law 11% 9% 14% 3% 70% 63% 63% 60% 2 32% 49% 35% 0% 3 Making references to God and religion publicly 31% Making some use of moral beliefs to inform policy decisions 24% Making some use of religious beliefs to inform policy decisions 21% 14% Using political system to turn moral beliefs into law Using political system to turn religious beliefs into law Strongly approve Somewhat approve Q21 23: Please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of the following.
What Should a Leader Have? Strong moral conviction Strong sense of right & wrong Practice what preach Respectful of others Compassion All (vol) Strong sense of right & wrong Does what says Respectful of others Compassion Strong religious conviction All (vol) 1 14% 9% 9% 1 2 2 Split Sample A Split Sample B 0% 5% 15% Q33a/b. Now I m going to read you a list of characteristics people might look for in a leader. Please tell me which one you think is the most important for a leader to have?
What Voters Look for in a Leader Split Sample A Strong Moral Conviction Right/ Wrong Practice/ Preach Respect Others Compassion All 29% 3% 15% 1 21% 1 1 14% Split Sample B Right/ Wrong Does What Say Respect Others Compassion Strong Religious Conviction All 2 1 5% 11% 22% 29% 15% 3% 3% 22% 15% 2%
Strong Sense of Right and Wrong, Not Religious Beliefs, Make The Ideal Leader National Right/ Wrong 2 39% 4 Moral Values 24% 23% 21% Family Values 11% 14% Religious Beliefs 5% 3% 35% 22% 9% 0% Strong sense of right and wrong Strong moral values Strong family values Strong religious beliefs Q34. Thinking generally, which of the following types of leaders do you think are most likely to be able to solve the major problems facing America today?
Center for American Progress Faith, Values and the Common Good Overview of Quantitative Findings