In spite of the worsening economic conditions, many churches saw a strong 2008 with 37% saying their operating budget in 2008 compared to 2007 was up with 26% saying it was about the same. Although many congregations are taking caution with spending, most are focusing on the need for more ministry opportunities in the needs [...]
The February Evangelical Leaders Survey asked: “Do you have a mosque in your neighborhood? Have you personally had a serious discussion with a Muslim in the past year?” In response 27% reported living or working in proximity of a mosque and 33% said they had a serious conversation with a Muslim. A large majority (73% [...]
Two-thirds of U.S. adults today perceive that the influence of religion in American life is waning, while just 27% believe it is rising. This represents a sharp decline in the image of religion compared with only three years ago, when 50% thought its influence was on an upswing, and marks one of the weakest readings [...]
An analysis of more than 350,000 interviews conducted by Gallup in 2008 finds Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Arkansas to be the most religious states in the nation. Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts are the least religious states. The United States is generally a religious nation, although the degree of this religiosity [...]
Two out of every three families – 68% – have been noticeably affected by the financial setbacks in America. Born again adults were slightly less likely than were others to have sustained such substantial financial losses in recent months. While 30% of the born again public has lost 20% or more of its retirement portfolio [...]