By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Politics is important for most evangelicals, but not so important that they question the faith of those who vote differently from them. A new survey from Lifeway Research sponsored by the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College explored the voting habits and political motivations of three groups of Americans: evangelicals by belief, … [Read more...]
Many churchgoers want to worship with people who share their politics
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.— America has become increasingly divided by politics in recent years. So have its Protestant churches. More than half (57 percent) of Protestant churchgoers under 50 say they prefer to go to church with people who share their political views. And few adult Protestant churchgoers say they attend services with people of a different … [Read more...]
Skip the endorsements in church, say most Americans
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Since the 1950s, the IRS has banned preachers from endorsing candidates during church services. Most Americans seem to like it that way. Eight in 10 (79 percent) say it is inappropriate for pastors to endorse a candidate in church. Three-quarters say churches should steer clear of endorsements. Yet fewer than half want churches to be … [Read more...]
Americans prefer to talk about politics rather than God
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tennessee—Politics trumps God for most Americans when it comes to conversations with their friends. Six in 10 Americans are more comfortable talking about politics than their spiritual beliefs. And most say they aren’t interested in having more spiritual conversations. By contrast, evangelical Christians prefer talking about God over politics … [Read more...]
Cruz, Clinton and Undecided preferred by pastors
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ted Cruz is the favorite presidential candidate of Protestant pastors who lean Republican. Hillary Clinton leads among Democratic pastors. And Donald Trump is near the back of the pack. But “Undecided” is by far the most popular choice of America’s pastors according to a new telephone survey of 1,000 Protestant senior pastors from … [Read more...]
