Survey Says... Christians are More Level Headed Than The Picture Their Preachers Paint

USA Today--Survey: More have dropped dogma for spirituality
USA Today--Evangelical leader Dobson accuses Obama of 'distorting' Bible

A survey of U.S. adults conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life shows that the majority of Americans practice good common sense in their faith instead of simply being members of the church rank and file. In the survey "78% say there are 'absolute standards of right and wrong,' but only 29% rely on their religion to delineate these standards. The majority (52%) turn to 'practical experience and common sense,' with 9% relying on philosophy and reason, and 5% on scientific information." This is positive news and counter to what we see on TV and print media where conservative religious leaders paint a black and white picture of what it is to be a good Christian. It makes you wonder how much of the religious rhetoric coming from evangelical leaders is simply a means to garner political influence and power, because a miniscule 14% of those surveyed, including only 28% of evangelicals, say religion is the "main influence in their political thinking." Today, James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, took exception with Obama's Pro-Choice stance on abortion by saying, "Obama is trying to govern by the 'lowest common denominator of morality,' labeling it 'a fruitcake interpretation of the Constitution." Come on, Dobson! We're smarter than that. The only "fruitcake" here is the one preaching from the pulpit.

The survey also showed:

• 50% of those surveyed say "homosexuality is a way of life that should be accepted by society."
• 68% say "there's more than one true way to interpret the teachings of my religion."
• 70%, including a majority of all major Christian and non-Christian groups except Mormons, say "many religions can lead to eternal life."