While the picture of religion in America today is complex, certain underlying themes emerge:

• The widespread and continuing appeal of religion. Certain measurements show remarkable stability. For example, the percentage of Americans who believe in God or a universal spirit, the percentage who pray, and the percentage who say they attend church weekly. Other measurements, however, reveal sharp differences between the mid-'50s and now—particularly in the number of biblical "literalists."

• The glaring lack of knowledge about the Bible, basic doctrines, and the traditions of one's church. There has been little improvement on this score over the last half-century, despite growth in the percentage of Americans who have attended college.

• Inconsistencies of belief. For example, evangelical Christians occasionally express belief in New Age practices.

• The superficiality of faith. Many people don't know exactly what they believe, or why.

• Belief in God, but lack ...

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