The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

Church and State - links

Baylor Survey of Religion

BSR-Baylor Survey of Religion

American Piety in the 21st CenturyAmerican Piety in the 21st Century

Most survey studies that include questions about religion only have space to ask about basic religious indicators such as church attendance and belief in God. This is understandable, as most surveys are focused on other topics such as crime or politics and space is at a premium. ISR has received a major three-year grant from the John M. Templeton Foundation, to conduct a nationally representative multi-year study of religious values, practices, and behaviors. After several years devoted to development and pretesting by Baylor faculty, the Baylor Religion Survey (BSR) was fielded during the winter of 2005 and the data were made available for analysis in the spring of 2006.

Sep 13, 2006

Topic: Family, Pop Culture, Citizenship, Christian Citizenship, Church and State, National, Religious Liberty

Americans May Be More Religious Than They Realize

Americans May Be More Religious Than They Realize
Many Without Denomination Have Congregation, Study Finds

By Michelle Boorstein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 12, 2006; A12

A survey released yesterday posits the idea that the United States — already one of the most religious nations in the developed world — may be even less secular than previously suspected.

The Baylor University survey looked carefully at people who checked “none” when asked their religion in polls. Sociologists have watched this group closely since 1990, when their numbers doubled, from 7 percent of the population to 14 percent. Some sociologists said the jump reflects increasing secularization at the same time that American society is becoming more religious.

But the Baylor survey, considered one of the most detailed ever conducted about religion in the United States, found that one in 10 people who picked “no religion” out of 40 choices did something interesting when asked later where they worship: They named a place.

Sep 12, 2006

Topic: Family, Pop Culture, Citizenship, Church and State, National, Religious Liberty

ON RADIO: An Absurd Invitation

On today’s broadcast, Dr. Land comments on the absurdity of the National Cathedral’s invitation to former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami. He’s been asked to speak at the cathedral on how Abrahamic faiths can promote peace, despite his abysmal human rights record. Hear all this and your phone calls on today’s For Faith and Family.

* Former Iranian President to Speak at the National Cathedral – uscirf.gov

Sep 6, 2006

Topic: Citizenship, Church and State, Human Rights, Persecution, Religious Liberty, War

Bush Signs Law to Save War Memorial Cross

President Bush sided with cross supporters who contend that it forms part of a secular war memorial on a hill in San Diego.

Aug 15, 2006

Topic: Citizenship, Church and State, Legislation, National

Liberal Baby Bust

The liberal baby bust
By Phillip Longman
USA Today
March 13, 2006

A Phillip Longman editorial explaining why conservatism may overtake liberalism simply by default. Why? Liberalism by it’s very nature leads to lower birthrates and therefore less liberals.

Mar 13, 2006

Topic: Family, Marriage, Parenting, Citizenship, Christian Citizenship, Church and State, Religious Liberty, Social Issues, Issues