What Do Religious People Really Believe?

Last updated on: May 31, 2013 at 9:57 pm

May 31, 2013 by Guest Contributor

Few topics are more contentious than religion. Our culture has been so deeply immersed in religion for so long that we can’t avoid its presence and its influence, and therefore we all seem to have strong opinions — whether in defense of our own religion, criticism of religion as an institution, or even condemnation of other people’s beliefs. But the messages that we receive about religion all too often come from the loudest voices of extremists (from both supporters and detractors), and through the media’s distorted attention. And so, few topics are more subject to stereotyping and misconceptions than religion. We are left asking, then, what do religious people really believe, and what is the position of those who don’t?

In 2008, the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life conducted an extensive study on religion in America to find out what members of different religions believe. The study asked respondents such questions as:

Do you believe in “God or a Universal Spirit”?
Do you believe that your Holy Books are meant to be taken literally word for word, or not?
Do you believe that your religion is the one, true faith?
Do you rely on the teachings of your religion to determine right and wrong?
Do you believe that there is only one true way to interpret the teachings of your religion, or are there more than one true way?
Do you think there is a natural conflict between being a devout religious person and living in a modern society?
Do you believe that homosexuality is a way of life that should be accepted by society, or that homosexuality is a way of life that should be discouraged?
Should the government do more to help needy Americans, even if it means going deeper into debt?