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...]
2016 election exposes evangelical divides
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Americans with evangelical beliefs share a great deal in common. They trust in Jesus alone, evangelize their neighbors, and believe the Bible is the final authority in their lives. But when it comes to voting, race and political affiliation still divide evangelicals, according to a survey from Nashville-based Lifeway Research taken … [Read more...]
Americans love God and the Bible, are fuzzy on the details
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Americans don’t know much about theology. Most say God wrote the Bible. But they’re not sure everything in it is true. Six in 10 say everyone eventually goes to heaven, but half say only those who believe in Jesus will be saved. And while 7 in 10 say there’s only one true God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—two-thirds say God accepts worship … [Read more...]
Pope Francis improves Protestant pastors’ views of Catholic Church
By Lisa Cannon Green NASHVILLE, Tenn -- Pope Francis is boosting the reputation of the Catholic Church among Protestant pastors in America. Nearly 4 in 10 say the pope, known for his humility and concern for the poor, has had a positive impact on their opinions of the Catholic Church, Lifeway Research finds. Almost two-thirds view Pope Francis as a genuine Christian and … [Read more...]