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Religion and Science

Explore the relationship between religion and science in the U.S., polling on the issue, and scientists’ religious beliefs.

 

Stem Cell Research Package

Explore the debate over embryonic stem cell research, public opinion on the issue, religious groups' views and the status of stem cell research in other countries.

 
Few Say Religion Shapes Immigration, Environment Views
Many Americans continue to say their religious beliefs have been highly influential in shaping their views about social issues, including abortion and same-sex marriage. But far fewer cite religion as a top influence on their opinions about several other social and political issues, including how the government should deal with immigration, the environment and poverty.
GOP Seen as Friendlier To Religion Than Democrats
The number of Americans describing the Democratic Party as friendly toward religion returned to levels similar to those seen in 2005 through 2007, according to a recent survey report. The Obama administration, however, is seen as friendly toward religion by more people (37%) than the Democratic Party as a whole (29%).
Obama, Catholics and the Notre Dame Commencement
Most Catholics who have heard about the issue support Notre Dame's decision to invite President Obama to speak at its May 17 commencement even though he supports abortion rights and embryonic stem cell research. But a poll finds a deep division on this issue between the most-observant Catholics and those who are less observant.
Religious Groups' Views on Global Warming
An analysis by the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life of a 2008 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press examines views on global warming among major religious traditions in the U.S. 
Religious Differences on the Question of Evolution
The Pew Forum's U.S. Religious Landscape Survey found that views on evolution differ widely across religious groups.
Declining Majority of Americans Favor Embryonic Stem Cell Research
While a majority of the American public still favors embryonic stem cell research, surveys by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press show that the size of this majority has declined somewhat in recent years.
Science in America: Religious Belief and Public Attitudes
The combination of widespread religious commitment and leadership in science and technology greatly enlarges the potential for conflict between faith and science in the United States.
A Portrait of Republican Social-Issue Voters
With no clear heir apparent to President Bush, and a nominating contest that remains very much in flux, many 2008 Republican presidential candidates are vying for the support of an influential segment of the primary electorate - social-issue voters.
The Culture War and the Coming Election
At the moment no hot-button issue looms but events could change that quickly April 11, 2007 by David Masci, Senior Research Fellow, Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life The 2008 presidential election is still more than a year-and-a-half away, b...
Many Americans Uneasy with Mix of Religion and Politics
69% Say Liberals Too Secular, 49% Say Conservatives Too Assertive August 24, 2006 Download the complete report Navigate this Report Introduction and Summary Section I - Religion and Public Life Section II - Religion and Politics Section III - Reli...
Pragmatic Americans Liberal and Conservative on Social Issues
Most Want Middle Ground on Abortion August 3, 2006 Download the complete report Navigate this Report Summary of Findings Abortion Opinions Stable Most Don't Doubt Their Opinion on Abortion Majorities Continue to Support Stem Cell Research Continue...
Religion and Stem Cell Research
A Pew Forum Fact Sheet In August 2005, the Pew Forum released poll data indicating a steady increase in support for stem cell research since 2002. The report showed increases among evangelical Protestants, mainline Protestants and Catholics. Rough...
Public Divided on Origins of Life
Religion A Strength And Weakness For Both Parties August 30, 2005 Download the complete report Navigate this Report Executive Summary Contrasting Party Images: The Political Parties and Religion Evolution & Creationism Religion & Politics ...
Abortion and Rights of Terror Suspects Top Court Issues
Strong Support for Stem Cell Research August 3, 2005 Download the complete report About the Survey Questionnaire Abortion has dominated the early skirmishing over President Bush's nomination of John Roberts to the Supreme Court. But the public tak...
Religion and the 2004 Election: A Post-Election Analysis
The close 2004 presidential election produced increased polarization between and within religious communities, according to a poll conducted by The University of Akron's Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.
Religion and the Environment: Polls Show Strong Backing for Environmental Protection Across Religious Groups
October 2004 Download this Fact Sheet (76K .pdf) In contrast to abortion, gay marriage and other hot-button cultural issues, which divide most religious groups in the United States, there is a fairly strong consensus across faith traditions on env...
GOP the Religion-Friendly Party, But Stem Cell Issue May Help Democrats
August 24, 2004 Download the complete report Navigate this Report GOP More Friendly to Religion Stem Cell Research Views Shifting Catholic Leaders and Communion Churches and Politics Politicians and Faith Gay Marriage Ten Commandments in Public Bu...
Religion and Politics: Contention and Consensus
Religion is a critical factor these days in the public's thinking about contentious policy issues and political matters.