By Lisa Cannon Green NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Life didn’t just happen, most Americans say—and a surprising number of nonreligious people agree. More than 4 in 10 of the nonreligious believe physics and humanity point to a creator, Lifeway Research finds. A third say human morality indicates a creator who defines right and wrong. And although the nonreligious are less likely … [Read more...]
Research: Suicide is epidemic but doesn’t lead to hell, Americans say
By Lisa Cannon Green NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Most Americans believe they are seeing an epidemic in the United States of people taking their own lives. But most Americans don’t view suicide as a selfish choice, and they don’t believe it sends people to hell, Lifeway Research finds. “Americans are responding with compassion to a tragedy that touches many families,” said Scott … [Read more...]
American evangelicals stand behind Israel
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn. — American evangelicals remain among the strongest supporters of the nation of Israel. Most believe God has plans for that nation, both now and in the future. And many of America’s preachers say Christians need to support Israel. Those are among the findings of a study of American attitudes toward Israel and the Bible from … [Read more...]
American ‘nones’ open to wide range of denominations
By Ken Walker NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Americans have a surprising openness to Christian churches, even those who are supposedly turned off to religion, a new survey finds. No matter which denomination is in the name of a church, fewer than half the nonreligious say “it’s not for me.” Their views are more favorable than unfavorable toward a wide range of faiths—Catholic, … [Read more...]
Americans say colleges should still fund student religious groups that restrict leadership by their beliefs and practices
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A dispute over who can lead student religious groups has left Americans uneasy, but few want to see groups punished for requiring their leaders to hold specific beliefs or practices. A new study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research finds mixed opinions about whether student religious groups should be allowed to mandate leaders’ beliefs … [Read more...]