Large majority see religion and religious faithful under attack by media, government, politics and the courts- Three-fifths see persecution of Christians increasing worldwide
- Over one-half (57.5%) see themselves as part of the “religious right”
The latest national poll conducted by the Polling Center collected views on U.S. Constitutional protections, rights and liberties, degree of pride in American characteristics, strength of religious convictions, views on religion in everyday life, views on persecution of Christians and awareness of and perceptions about Sharia Law.
While 92.2% support free exercise of religion in America:
- A large majority of Americans, 69.9% agreed (strongly or somewhat) that “Religion and religious faithful are under attack by many in the media, government, politics and the courts”.
- Similarly, 61.6%, of those surveyed agreed that “Persecution of Christians worldwide is on the increase.”
Further:
- Over one-half, 57.5%, would consider themselves a part of the “religious right or a believer in the conservative aspects of their own faith”.
- And, two-fifths, 41.6%, “use their own religious faith when making voting decisions.”
Over one-half, 50.6%, suggested they were very (16.6%) or somewhat aware (34.0%) of Sharia Law within the Muslim/Islamic religion.
Of this aware group, just 9.8% suggested “Muslims should enjoy freedom of religion in the United States including abiding by Sharia Law over American laws”. The largest group, 40.5%, noted that “Muslims should enjoy freedom of religion excluding Sharia Law and should abide by American laws”. Over one-quarter, 27.2%, suggested that “Islam and Sharia Law, with restrictions on women and an intrusive and strict system of beliefs, has no place in the United States.” Some, 22.4%, were unsure.
Taken together (“excluding” and “having no place”), 67.7% of all respondents believed that Sharia Law does not have place in the United States.
The Polling Center at Jackson State University’s Institute of Government has released a national survey of 1000 adults. The poll was conducted January 22-27, 2016.
ABOUT THE POLL: The Poll was conducted by The Polling Center at Jackson State University’s Institute of Government. Polling by the Center is conducted on a regular basis and may also include spontaneous polling on occurring events. For the full Poll Report, click here: https://www.jsums.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IOG-Polling-Center-JSU-Winter-2016-Report.pdf.
METHODOLOGY: The Poll sampled opinions of 1000 approximately proportional to state population contribution nationwide. The survey was conducted January 22-27, 2016. All surveys were conducted using an online survey instrument. The poll has a +/- 3.0 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level on a composite basis.