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Christianity Today, November, 2007 |

Go Figure

Recent statistics on what Americans think of evangelicals, religious freedom, and Billy Graham.

Compiled by Ted Olsen | posted 10/30/2007 09:00AM

56% Americans who believe that freedom to worship applies to all religious groups, regardless of how extreme.

72% Americans who said this in 2000.

Source: First Amendment Center

19% Americans who say their overall opinion of evangelicals is unfavorable.

38% Americans who said this in 1996.

Source: Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

60% Americans who say they have a favorable opinion of Billy Graham.

29% Americans under age 30 who have never heard of Billy Graham.

Source: Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

Related Elsewhere:

See our earlier Go Figure postings from October 2007, September 2007, August 2007, July 2007, June 2007, May 2007, April 2007, March 2007, February 2007, January 2007, December 2006, and earlier issues.

November 2007, Vol. 51, No. 11

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 11 comments.

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Steve Skeete

Posted: October 31, 2007 7:42 AM

All persons should be free to worship however they choose as long as they are not infringing some law or violating the acknowledged right (s) other persons. Saying that someone should be free to worship only is saying very little. Worship is about expression. However, if that expression offends that law, e.g. engaging in lewd or immoral activity, promoting violence, illegal drugs etc. then obviously that behaviour cannot be condoned. Worship has to be about what is lawful. I agree with the comment which says that any religion which advocates violence, the killing of converts from their to another religion etc., ought not to be condoned. Freedom of religion must be freedom for all not merely freedon for some to display their hostilities. I also agree with the comment that one "religion must be free to openly disagree with another" again, once this is done within legal boundaries. When certain parameters are disregarded the law should take its course.

Jim of Bentley

Posted: October 31, 2007 4:28 AM

It is a pity that "extreme" wasn't clarified, for it could have impacted upon the answer. If "extreme" meant the ritual use of marijuana, or perhaps the sacrifice of an animal, well, OK, but I wouldn't like it. If extreme meant child sacrifice or inciting violence against other groups - then probably not. If it allows singing of songs of praise in a loud voice on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday morning or evening, then I am for it. If it is singing loud songs, music, bells, or whatever at 2AM on a Thursday morning and disturbing the neighbourhood, then probably not. Therefore, before we can say we favour or oppose "extreme", I would like someone to clarify what "extreme" means.

Patricia

Posted: October 30, 2007 4:02 PM


The wording of this survey wasn't the best. The American Constitution rightly gives people the freedom to practice any religion, but the government also has the right to determine what religious practices it will and will not allow.

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