The
response to the Chronicle’s religion questionnaire, which was published in August and
September, was far greater than we expected. More than 70 responses came in,
with the vast majority of respondents saying that religion was playing a larger
role in their lives. Only a handful of responses were from agnostics or
atheists. Some of the responses were thoughtful (one letter was two typed
pages, single-spaced). Most were quickly dashed off. Some were hilarious. For
instance, one respondent, who described himself as an “anti-religionist” said
that he only prayed to the “Creator, in case one exists.” When responding to
the question asking if he had children, he said, “no, thank God.”
The following is a very scientific analysis of the poll’s results.
Not surprisingly, our poll respondents tended to be quite religious:
- 85% said they pray (or meditate, or “address my creator”)
- 83% said religion
was playing a large or increasing role in their lives - 82% said they attend religious services of some variety, though several noted
that “church” was not the right term for their brand of worship - 79% give money to their “church”
- 52% do volunteer work for their “church”
Interestingly, though, on the question of religion and politics, people lost
their faith.
- Only 32% said yes to the question, “does religion play a positive role in
politics?” - Of the 41% who answered no to that question, the predominant sentiment was
summed up in one answer: “No. Just look at the Christian Coalition and that
should answer that question.” But many put more blame on politicians: “God is
conspicuously missing from their dealings with the people…” and “there is no
positive role in politics.”
- 81% Christian, of some denomination, led by Catholics (17%), Episcopalians
(13%), Baptists (9%), and fundamentalists of some variety (11%). Of the
remainder, there were: - 7% various faiths which might be grouped as “new age”
- 4% Eastern (Hindu, Buddhist)
- 4% Pagan/Wiccan
- 2% each, Jewish and Bahai
This poll has a margin of error of 47%. Our thanks go out to all who
participated.This article appears in December 27 • 1996 and December 27 • 1996 (Cover).