The Torgoen watch review is a proof that timepieces have evolved both in functionality and style. Yet, one thing is unchanged, time itself remains the same. Like timepieces, politics has evolved to a certain extent too. However, there are things that seem to have not changed as well – the affiliation between religion and politics.

There is not much census among the general public concerning the level of religious influence towards politics as well as in the policies of the government. Individuals without any religious affiliation are likely to perceive the influence of religion to be excessive, whereas individuals who identify with certain religions are more likely to deem religious influence as either having the right or too little amount of influence.

Should Religion Influence Politics and Governmental Policies

1,055 adults participated in a nationwide survey that was carried out in August 16-20, 2018 utilizing NORC’s probability-based panel at the University of Chicago, AmeriSpeak® Panel. Here are the results:

Approximately 4 in 10 Americans state that evangelical Christians as well as the Catholic Church have excessive influence on the politics of America. But, 47% of white born-again Christians state that evangelical Christians don’t not enough influence and 53% of Catholics believe that their Church is employing the just the right degree of influence.

On LGBT Concerns

While the majority of Americans state that religion should only bear little or no influence on majority of policy issues and only some deem a candidate’s religious affiliation or beliefs to be a vital factor when determining how to vote, differences or dissimilarities by religious affinity are great. For instance, 61% of born-again Christians agree that religion must play a part in the issues concerning the LGBT, whereas 33% of Catholics and only 14% of Americans who are unaffiliated agree.

On Poverty Concerns

But, in terms of resolving the issues on poverty, majority of Americans feel that religion should play a part in it. In total, 57% of the people state that religion have to impact government policies focused on poverty, this includes 65% of individuals with a particular religious affiliation and 34% of individuals who are not affiliated.

On Educational Concerns

On issues concerning education, the public is divided on whether religious influence is needed or not. Although only 18 % of Americans without religious affiliation say that education policies should be influenced by religion, 60 % if Americans who identify with a religious denomination feel that religion have to have some impact in education.