Pew Report: Americans Divided on Religion's Growing Influence in Government
A May 2026 Pew Research Center survey reveals shifting American attitudes toward religion's role in public life. While 61% of U.S. adults believe religion is losing influence, a growing minority (37%) perceives it as gaining ground, a 19-point increase from two years prior. Overall, 55% hold a positive view of religion's societal role. The report highlights rising support for Christian influence in governance, with 17% favoring Christianity as the official national religion, up from 13% in 2024. Additionally, 28% believe the Bible should influence U.S. law, a view held by 55% of Catholics. Awareness of Christian nationalism has increased to 59%, though most respondents view it unfavorably. Political polarization significantly shapes these perspectives; Republicans are far more likely than Democrats to view religious influence positively and support biblical influence on laws. Conversely, Democrats strongly favor enforcing the separation of church and state. Despite these divides, a broad majority across parties agree that churches should not endorse political candidates or engage directly in political matters.
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Pew Report: Americans Divided on Religion's Growing Influence in Government
A May 2026 Pew Research Center survey reveals shifting American attitudes toward religion's role in public life. While 61% of U.S. adults believe religion is losing influence, a growing minority (37%) perceives it as gaining ground, a 19-point increase from two years prior. Overall, 55% hold a positive view of religion's societal role. The report highlights rising support for Christian influence in governance, with 17% favoring Christianity as the official national religion, up from 13% in 2024. Additionally, 28% believe the Bible should influence U.S. law, a view held by 55% of Catholics. Awareness of Christian nationalism has increased to 59%, though most respondents view it unfavorably. Political polarization significantly shapes these perspectives; Republicans are far more likely than Democrats to view religious influence positively and support biblical influence on laws. Conversely, Democrats strongly favor enforcing the separation of church and state. Despite these divides, a broad majority across parties agree that churches should not endorse political candidates or engage directly in political matters.