Religious Life
Surveys can be very useful
A thorough study of religious life in America today requires an examination of its many facets.
Responses to surveys are an unusually rich source of information for exploring several of these facets—from the importance of religion in the life of individuals to the role of religion in society today.
Beliefs
Polls have collected considerable information about the nature of individuals’ religious beliefs—whether they believe in God, whether the Bible is the “actual” or “inspired” word of God, whether there is an afterlife.
Polls provide a way to compare the influence of religion in everyday life as well as the volunteer activities related to churches.
Doctrine
In the context of organized religion, the acceptance or rejection of church teachings are issues of fundamental importance. Survey data can be used to identify doctrines which are widely accepted and those which are seriously questioned.
Actions
From the frequency of attendance at religious services, to the popularity of religious leaders who appear regularly on television, polls are an excellent way to gather factual information about religious participation.
Ethics and morality
Another dimension of translating religious belief into action emerges from the ethical choices people make in real or hypothetical situations. Surveys provide extensive information about how individuals have reacted, or think they would react (or how they think others would react) when confronted with difficult ethical choices or competing value systems.
Surveys reveal strongly-held opinions about the serious erosion of morality and its negative effect, particularly on young people.
