Every so often, the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life conducts surveys to gather data about the religious practices and beliefs of Americans. Recently, they released part II of their 2008 survey, which included a sampling of 35,000 Americans.

Part II found that both politics and religion are important to most Americans: About 75% of Americans associate themselves with Christian churches, with evangelical Protestant churches representing over 26% of Americans. Only 16% of Americans do not affiliate with a religious tradition. The survey also revealed that political beliefs are often linked to religious beliefs and practices.

Other interesting facts:

• It seems our religious traditions are divided as to whether the United States should involve itself in the affairs of other countries.
• A majority of people responded that “many religions can lead to eternal life,” not just the one they follow. (Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses were the only faith groups to respond that their religion is the only religion to lead to eternal life.)
• A majority of people from all faiths (with the exception of Jews and Buddhists) claimed to pray daily. Even 22% of non-affiliated Americans claimed to pray daily.
• Religion seems to play a greater role in the lives of Christians and Muslims than Jews and Buddhists.
• 95% of Americans are at least somewhat certain there is a God.

To draw more conclusions and see more data, visit the survey page on the Pew Forum’s Web site. The page offers visuals in the form of maps and charts and a stunning array of data collected from survey participants.

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