Republicans more likely to be 'highly religious' than Democrats
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
More proof that religion and politics are deeply connected in the U.S. - especially if you're a Republican.
A new Gallup poll shows the religious intensity of Americans is a strong predictor of whether they're Democrat or Republican. In a survey of nearly 30,000 people:
49 percent of Americans who call themselves Republicans say they're "highly religious"... meaning they go to church at least once a week and say religion is important in their daily lives. That's compared to 37 percent of Democrats who feel that way.
At the other extreme - only 26 percent of Republicans say they're "not religious" - meaning they never attend church and say religion isn't important... That's compared to 56 percent of Democrats.
When it comes to race - the poll shows that African-Americans are strongly Democratic - regardless of how religious they are. Also, Latinos skew more toward the Democratic party.
However, the religious connection is strongest among whites. Consider this: Whites who are highly religious are more than twice as likely to identify as Republicans rather than Democrats... and - exactly the opposite pattern emerges among whites who are not religious - by a 2-to-1 margin they are likely Democrats.
In all - about half of the white population in this country is both highly religious and leans toward the Republican Party.
With numbers like these - it's no wonder we hear Republican politicians invoking God and morality more often than the Democrats.
Here’s my question to you: What does it mean that Republicans are more likely to be "highly religious" than Democrats?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Nick from Springfield, Missouri writes:
Being religious is more than attending church or saying you are religious. You don't hear the term "compassionate conservative" much anymore. Perhaps Republicans found it too difficult to live up to that claim. Actions toward others (such as supporting health care reform) should perhaps be a fairer barometer for how religious a person really is.
Layne from Antioch, Illinois writes:
Jack, I've been watching politics since the 60s, and in the Republican administrations, there seems to be quite a disconnect between their actions and any teachings laid-out in the Bible (not that the Democrats have behaved any better). My point is that if you're going to claim the "moral" and religious high road, you'd better damn well be able to back it up with you're actions.
Shirl from Greensboro, North Carolina writes:
The way you have posed the question, Jack, suggests that Republicans are unusual in being "religious." Why not state your question thusly: What does it mean that 56% of people voting Democratic describe themselves as "not religious"?
Chris writes:
Jack, The Republicans have made me less religious. Their blasphemic understanding of Christ's teachings is embarrassing to Christians like me.
Annie from Missouri writes:
Truly religious people care about other human beings, and that just isn't in the blood of the Republican Party. They are more concerned about corporations, wars, and "I've got mine so to hell with the rest of you." Sure, they care about the unborn, but once you are born, they want no part in helping out their fellow human beings.
Anna from Chicago writes:
Republicans are like Tiger Woods: They pretend to be holier then thou until they get in trouble and we find out that they are sinners as much as Democrats.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Can you say "Scribes and Hypocrites"? The same people who are the most likely to run on a family values ticket are the ones using government money to visit hookers and fly out of the country to spend time with their girlfriends instead of doing what their religions demand and helping those in need.
It means Republicans are guided more by obeying external authority–both Daddy and God–than internal weighing of the complexity of things. This leads to black and white judgments, moral absolutes, and hatred of anything which smacks of dependency, like needing help with jobs or health care.
It simply means that Republicans will believe anything: talking snakes, global floods, incest bettween Adam and Eve's children is acceptable, magic men who can split large bodies of water, Sarah Palen, and so much more. Democrats look at things in a logical manner and examine facts.
Jack, it means nothing. The Republicans are hypocrites.
They use religion for self serving purposes.
What a pathetic party.
Dawn.
Toronto, Canada.
Well, Jack Republicans do like to posture a lot. Just because you go to church doesn't mean you're religious, you can sleep through the whole service. I believe religion is spiritual....
Norfolk, VA
Jack,
Republican voters? Possibly. Republican politicians? Not a chance! Although they are certainly more likely to CLAIM deep religious convictions and then attempt to use them for political gain.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
It does not mean anything. Nuns are more religious then atheists. Big deal. You find religion in all factors of government. No party has a patent on it and no party is exempt from it. When any politician gets their hand smashed in a door they all yell, " Jesus Christ" no matter the party. It does not make them spiritual or any closer to god..
"Highly Religious" means living honest and honorable lives and doing acts of kindness and generosity–NOT just sitting in a church pew every Sunday acting pious which is what most of todays Republican church goers do. Being religious is a personal lifestyle that should be lived quietly and in a humble way that needs no public recognition and certainly not the need to shout about God and Morality every time a person opens his mouth. Show me a God shouting politician and I will show you a hypocrite.
In a nut shell (pardon the pun) It simply means... beware of the wolf in sheeps clothing.
Indeed Jack, the Republican Party has entirely embraced the bible thumping purist wing-nuts. And all to often, they end up with egg on their faces when Larry Craig and others fail to live up to their scratch and sniff purity tests.
Democrats are highly spiritual, whereas Republicans are ushering the few sheep that remain to the waiting ethical abyss they have dug.
If recent events are any indication it means that Republicans are more likely to have illicit gay sex, persecute a minority and take advantage of their position to steal from working people. How many wall street moguls do you think voted Democrat.
John, Ontario Canada
It means that Republicans are dumber than Democrats.
Hoboken, NJ
No they are just better at spreading the God message over on the people who go to church and they are gullible to keep falling for their line of manure.
NO WAY....The Republicans USE Religion but in fact you will find that far more of what the Republicans want to do and what they actually do is not Christian in its ideals.
History will proven, as it has previously, that Democrats are closer to Christian Ideals than the Republicans are in their act and their deeds.
It means they lie a lot more when they go to confession!
The fact that more republicans are highly religious is not a surprise. The republican party is a party of sheep, who believe every thing the Limbaughs, Becks, Hannity and the leaders of the party tell them, whether it is true or not. They should use sheep as their party symbol since they are a true flock. The democrats are usually in disarray because they tend to exercise their ability to differ without trying to force others to their way of thinking. I was once a registered republican, but it was an entirely different party then.
There have been numerous psychological studies resulting in that purportedly being religious has no bearing on being moral. That being religious does not make anyone a more functional human being.
The labels we seem to place on people and groups are often mis-characterized. For example, if you are not a card carrying member of the "moral majority" does that make you and I immoral?
Someone once defined tradition as being the living faith of dead people, and traditionalism as being the dead faith of living people. Highly religious Republican would fall into the latter, traditionalism.
The people who self-select as "highly religious" are probably characterized more by religiosity than true religion. I found it hard to teach Milton, for example, to "highly religious" students in the Bible belt because they recognized few of the Biblical and other Christian references. They had what my husband called "preacher religion" but actually knew very little about Christianity. Many of the "highly religious" people in public life are anything but Christ like. They would stone the woman taken in adultery, and they ignore the needs of the poor ("the least of these my brethren"). I don't think that the fact that more Republicans self-select as "highly religious" means much.
It means you can fool some of the people some of the time,
but you can never fool God.
Jack, please don't give religion a bad name. The Republicans "SAY" that they are religious, but have an awful hard time of proving it. THis is just a pasade that they use to look more moral, just like they "SAY" they spend less money than Democrats, but when it comes to womens rights, and discrimination they are the worst. Please Jack, not you too !
Corinthians II somewhere somewhere, "For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." Maybe it means Satan is a republican?
The same thing it means that the most "religious" Americans believe it's ok to torture, according to another poll. Those that deem themselves highly religious are more likely to be hypocrites. Aren't these the same people who want to re-write the bible – to get rid of all that stuff that Jesus taught about loving our fellow man and taking care of one other? Save me from the "religious"!
It means what has been more than obvious and known for decades, as a group, republicans have a much stronger value system than democrats.... ..
Does it make a difference ..? Since your original question invoked religion, why doesn't someone survey the unemployed and see the political party affiliation and breakout of religous and non-religous status (pre-unemplyment status) ... ....and when you get the results you can be the one that blames religion for unemployment .....
Jack, I have to disagree with you on that. Perhaps you're thinking that the democratic strongholds of New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, etc,. is composed of more liberal thinking and behaving people than the midwest, Bible belt, etc., but I know many Republicans who are supposedly Christian but are bigots, fakes, and racially biased. They also love their money and don't want to share it with anyone, even for something that's good for the nation like universal health care.
It’s nonsense, unless you include the Taliban’s version of religious which encourages hating anything different than them, including women. That could be "highly religious," based strictly on fervor.
not true i am not a belever in the invisable man and i am a republican , your religious calling has no bearing on party thats like saying democrats arnt smart or republians dont care about the planet they may come from different ones but they are of the same make up it is more to do with who is telling you how to live your life
perry jones
council bluffs ia
It means that these peopleare more likely to be:"ditto-heads." It is easier to join the herd than it is to challenge oneself.
It certainly explains why Republicans cling to fairy tales such as WMD, Drill Baby Drill, Pre-emptive Warfare and their own infallible self righteousness in the political realm. If one can believe the unbelievable just by applying faith, how can one be a pragmatic leader of a nation?
It shows that if you believe in voodoo (bread and wine into body and blood) you would believe Republican vodoo on how to help our country out of this mess they got into by just saying no.
Bethel NY
It means they are less educated. Hence the Sarah Palin support.
I don't know what it means, but surely it doesn't mean God was a Republican! Marlene in Mich
Well, I guess it boils down to what the correct definition of religion is.
When you have people who hide behind the Bible, while lying, distorting, attacking, inciting hate, anger, fear mongering and putting goals over principals, than I do not agree that they are truly religious.
Hypocrits, egomaniacs, ruthless and selfish people are hard to classify as being religious. Letting the quest for greed and power override integrity, honor leaves a big question mark.
There are those who claim religion but actions speak much louder
than words.
Jack, Nothing, If the truths of the Bible don't penetrate a persons life and actions, he/she can spend 40 hrs a week in church. It
will never make a differnce in how they live.
Given the fact that people considering themselves religious give more of their time and money toward charities, I'd say it's more of a good thing than a bad thing. Whether you're religious or not, most religions promote good morals and treating others with respect and kindness.
Also, you can say that Republicans lecture more about morals but President Obama promised when he took office that he would make decisions based on evidence, research, and facts. Instead, we get constant lectures about America's moral obligations; especially when referring to GITMO, Health Care, and a number of other things on the liberal agenda.
David Vitter, Mark Sanford, John Ensign. That says it all about these "Deeply Religous" Republicans.
Hmmm... that's funny. They say they are highly religious... yet they have no compassion for people who are dying without health insurance. They watch Fox News which is full of lies... yet they are highly religious. They would have followed Bush if he had led them into hell. Oh, he did... Iraq.
No one knows the soul of another man or woman. But we can guess!
We're seeing it play out with our current president, Jack. He was seen in church right after his election. (That would be a total time of ONCE) He has referred to our country as NOT being a Christian nation. He has a "holiday tree" at the White House.
Christmas seems to be a conservative thing.
Need any more??
they lie more.
I find the far-right extremist Republicans to be rather non-religious. They do not listen, or consider other values, or ever think that maybe they are not 100% correct about every item. That act like judge & jury about every issue. Sorry, but that is hypocritical to all that Jesus taught...."be ye not the judge". The extremist GOP fanatics judge everyone, and are far from religious. They have chased my entire family away.
Jack,
It means that Republicans are likely to vote against federal funding for abortion, same sex marriage, and stem cell research because these issues require a high level of morality to protect. And it shows how morally low the Democrats can be.
It means that all too often what people say doesn't match the way that they act. They may attend a church that preaches tolerance of others. But that doesn't mean that they are tolerant in their everyday lives. Others who haven't been inside a church in years are tolerant and respectful of others every day.
If being "highly religious" is what Gov. Sanford, Senators Ensign, Craig, Rep. Foley and several others represent then it appears that Christianity has lowered a lot of standards for membership. For these guys and the rest of the holy than thou choir the only religion they have is re-election and campaign finance. Not unlike the convicted criminals seeking appeals they suddenly call upon Jesus when they get caught with their hands in the till or worse. The Framers of the Constitution specifically separated church and state and the Republicans have done everything possible since the 70's to undo the separarion. Even Nixon's crooks waited until they got to prison to find God.
For the Politicians-they are hypocrites. For the white majority within the Republican party it means they are (in the main) under educated, bigoted and set in the status quo. Narrow minded may be more succinct.
I've observed the right wing talks about the founding fathers and religion as if they went together like peas and carrots when in fact most of the founders were not religious at all. They may have believed in God but that's about it. If you read Thomas Paines, Age Of Reason (which should be mandatory reading for all High schoolers) he thought religion both corrupt and dangerous. Washington, Jefferson and Franklin were deists and probably, if alive today, would be, at least Humanists, maybe even explicit atheist's
Checkov's quote sums it up on your question Jack:: "It's hard to comprehend how an educated man can also too be religious"
No! Quite the contrary. The Rebublicans (Greedy Old Party) may have many more who are involved in "churchianity" but very few who follow the precepts of most religions including Christianity; Care for the poor, feed the hungary, heal the sick, no usury, be humble, be honest, do not murder innocent women and children (war), etc. And those Republicans have lots of company.
Jack
Republicans are no more religious than the average American but they do have the ability to fake their religiousness. They are simply even more hypocritical than Democrats. Have a Republican try to explain why Jesus was a liberal and they are not.
Jack , Republicans are not serving the same God the rest of us do. Given the rate of "Aaplachian hikes" being used as "David moments" (just citing Mark Sanford here), the little concern for the poor (e.g. owning 7 houses you cannot identify, serving the "self" first ( i.e Lieberman's non care for healthcare for the poor) and the list goes, they serve a Republican god. They go against the very fabric of what a true God fearing individual is supposed to be...seriously, it is not Rocket Science. By the way, Republicans do not get to own Christianity, thank goodness we do nto serve the same God.
It would be nice if the Republican platform included some of the JudeoChristian teachings that include love, forgiveness and charity and remembering judge not less you be judged...Then I could believe these people actually practiced what they preached and were not in fact hypocrites by biblical definition.
It means that instead of keeping their beliefs to themselves, the way the rest of us do,(as sacred, & personal),they think that flaunting their religion gives them the right to be intolerant of others, & to try to force their beliefs on everyone else, as in Middle Eastern, & other backward, intolerant countries. They even interfere, & try to influence Government policy! They want to take away our rights; they want laws passed, that will prevent us from seeing, hearing, reading, watching, saying, or doing ANYTHING that they don't approve of! They're usually angry. They call themselves Christians, but are NOT Christlike. They're constantly chastising, (saying that for every trivial thing, we're going to hell), until they have to stop, so they can apologize to their spouses for their bizarre, kinky behavior. Democrats hold the beliefs of our founding fathers; LIBERTY & JUSTICE FOR ALL. FREEDOM! They fled England to escape the same fanaticism we face today.
The study also showed that democrats tend to be more superstitious then republicans and believe in ghosts. Like the rest of the study, it doesn't mean much.
On the back of all our currency it states 'In God We Trust' and the Church pays our elevcted officials plenty for their support and belief.
Jack, I'd like to know why it is that republicans claim to be religious and against anything that's would offend God yet they block every effort to reform things like health care or end the killing in Iraq or Afghanistan? They also are against reforming the banking system, I guess God wants people too lose their homes and live on the streets, oh yeah and go hungry. How do you spin hunger into a thing that god favors!
Dave from peterborough, NH.
It means that the republican leadership drives it's followers with lies and fear, just like religion, and those followers accept the dishonesty and abuse. It also explains how right wing leaders can espouse obvious lies and expect their followers to blindly accept them, "faith." And how the catholic church has become a tax exempt lobbying organization in DC.
Separation of church and state? Not on the right. Add this alarming phenomenon to the ever growing list of Constitutional and Bill of Rights abuses by republicans and conservatives in America.
It may mean that Democrats are more likely to work for improving the life of human beings in this world now rather than Republicans who expect God to make all things right sometime in the future. Or maybe the religious Democrats are out trying to help the poor instead of going to church.
It means we're doomed. When you have 49% of the population that thinks the rapture is more important than mitigating global warming, peace in the middle east, and universal health care, the future looks dim for those of us that still believe the earth has a future.
It has been proven over and over again that Republicans are more hypocritical than Democrats, or any other living creature. cy from arlington, va
To the Republicans "religion" is just a word they hide behind to practice their prejudices and bigotry toward anyone who disagrees with their narrowminded point of view. Out comes the quote from the Bible when you don't agree with them. Mother Theresa was truly religious", but didn't go around saying it. She practiced it. These people simply talk about their high morals and how religious they are, but do they ever show it? Anyone can walk into a church for an hour and sit there. It doesn't necessarily mean a thing!
It must mean religion equals money, because all of the republicans I know
seem to put money above everything else.
It would meen that the Free Masons and Knights Templer didnt trust the democrats.
It means Republicans are a helluva less likely to listen to reason, facts, and science...which explains Fox News.
Laura
jack,republicans are no nomore religous tha democrats but they are trying to get the american people to believe they .thats a bunch of"hogwash",many republicans i know go out and "raise hell"during the week but when sunday arrives they go to their places of worship,they are nothing but a bunch of hypocrits
Nothing from a political standpoint. If you look at the way members of Congress act, it doesn't mean much from a moral standpoint either. Look Jack, I'm sure we both know some "highly religious" people who will stab you in the back for a dollar. When it comes to the political arena, religion doesn't mean anything unless it can further your political goals. You only have to look at how our politicians act to realize that. Maybe our "highly religious" politicians go to the "Church of Get as Much as You Can".
Does it matter and what does it mean to be religious? I empty the trash every day religiously. I worry daily if I'm totaly obedient to God. Because His will doesn't often agree with the Republican philosophy.
It's a perfect match, Jack. Religions are mired in the dark ages and highly immune to change. Republicans love the status quo and find progress repugnant. They're perfect bed fellows and deserve each other. This country would be light years ahead if it wasn't for these sticks in the mud.
The group from C Street says they are highly religious. The KKK uses the Bible to push their views. That doesn't mean they follow Christian ideals. All it means is that they say they are highly religious.
I'm a Democrat a regular church gover . I'm certain they have forgiven me for my affiliation by now.
Sure if their religion is based on the support of torturing other people, kidnapping and ending them to other nations to be tortured, warmongering, lying, invading other nations, fear-mongering, hate speech, robbing from the poor to give to the rich, supporting insurance companies to rob the American People, supporting Wall Street stealing the American Peoples savings, and starting wars based solely on total lies!
Now that is some highly religious stuff to look at, for so-called Christians they have no idea who Christ is and what he stood for! Maybe they should go read the Bible of once in their life!!!
It means they are for punishment of criminals,against affirmative action because it does discriminate against the best qualified for the job,and more generous when it comes to giving to charities.
It suggests Democrats are more likely to be highly atheist–the irony being both belief systems are faith based.
Highly religious? Give me a break. I am going live my life to make it to a place where I won't be seeing them...Heaven!
Also, it means Republicans feel the need to clear their guilty consciences every Sunday at Church.
Laura
The Christian Church and the GOP have a lot in common. They prey upon the stupidest people they can find. They condemn anyone who doesn't do what they say, but forgive themselves for adultery, child molestation and any other outrage they perpetrate. They both pay lip service to helping people, but mainly care about piling up loot. I almost wish I could believe in a hell for all of them to burn in. cy from arlington, va
It means that God must be hanging his head in shame to have his name associated with those that make up the Republican party.
Jack that doesn't mean anything....I am very religious and pray on a daily basis but I don't go to church because in my opinion churches are nothing but money pits. That said if I lived in the US I would call myself center right but still would have voted for President Obama. Anyone that Rush,Glen and Anne don't like must be the right guy to vote for. Can you honestly picture any of those three on thier knees praying to anything but a hamberger, bag of drugs or a mirror? I can't.
LOLOLOLOLOLLOLOLOLOL! for sure .just ask the govenor of south carolina. Or the kennadys or the cheneys ,oh yeah in God we trust!we wrap ourselves in the flag and the cross.God bless America except for those damned "democrats"
Dear Jack
It’s a religious question so it deserves a scriptural answer. Jesus is reported in Matthew 23:28 as saying:
“So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
It’s amazing how many people call themselves Christian and do not really know how to be Christians.
I am a church going Democrat and it seems most of the "highly religious" Republicans I know use their hypocrite religion to cover up their selfish greedy politics. They zero in on abortion and gay marriage and ignore every thing else Jesus taught about helping the poor and compassion for others.
It means that they will lie to God and the country with a straighter face and quicker than Democrats. He who is without sin or I am my brothers wifes keeper are just campaine slogans to sucker in the religeous right and stir up hatred. But, in the end they are hyprocrits who make Tiger Woods look lie an amature.
I don't see how Republican's can claim to be so religious and do the things they do in Washington. Im a gay Democrat from Illinois and I love the Lord, I go to church and give honor and thanks to the almighty as much as I can and always pray for the sake of our country to get better but Im wrong because I claim to be religious and Im gay but these people in Washington can throw God into politics and create wars that don't need to be started, rack up debt out of this world, spend money the country doesn't have, etc.... I don't know what God these political cronnies worship but I worship a just God who I believe loves me for me and because I have that relationship I feel like he blessses me every single day.
Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)
It means they are fools! All hail Satan!
Talking about religion, and practicing religion in one's personal life are distinctly different. So this kind of survey is a mere propaganda to confuse people to make them believe what they are not.
Jack,
I prefer to look at any religious beliefs or non religious beliefs as a personal individual choice and not as a political choice!
they also cheat on their spouses. Are closeted gays . Have drinking issues. Lie about everything-if you keep lying they think its the truth. They are the poor man's Christian .So big deal their more religious
"Religious" is a word with a thousand meanings. Most of them I shrink from these days. So many things are done and said in the name of religion that are ignorant and phony. The only real truth is that if we believe in God we, his children, have abused our God terribly with the things we say and do, and have the gall to call it religion.
(In my earlier coments, I went off on a tangent. The question was never answered, because I ran out of space!) To find out why so many people become fanatical, you'll have to ask Dr. Phil, or a qualified psychiatrist, but my guess is that they feel empty, or lonely, & are trying to fill the void, although many of them are phonies. Most would benefit from anger management counselling, & ALL of them need more hobbies.
I guess it means blood lust is easier to defend if it is being done in God's name.
It means nothing, because Religion and Church Attendance saves no one whether D or R.
Salvation is accepting God the Lord’s Death, Burial and Resurrection for we ‘MUST BE BORN AGAIN’ – St.John 3: 3 & 7.
It is a choice between Eternal Life (Street of Gold) and Eternal Damnation-(Lake of Fire).
The Old Testament saints had to wait on Jesus’ blood to be shed to go from Abraham’s bosom in Hades (Luke 16: 23-24) to Heaven
Yes, the Repugs are certainly holier than thou and it is certainly clear from the mindfulness and compassion they exude daily.
Jack
It don't mean spit! Correct me if I am wrong but I seem to recall that fella Jesus had a parable about some smug superior types who thought they were more religious than other folks and made a point of letting the whole world know it.
When I was a kid the nuns had us recite this poem in Catchism class:
"Mister Catholic went to church every single Sunday.
Mister Catholic went to hell for what he did on Monday."
It applies to non Catholics too.
Pablo
Arlington Texas
Republicans, "Highly religious,'...Give me a break..Obviously their definition of highly religious is different than mine.How can you be religious without morals..Proven time after time after time. What does your poll say about us independents???
It means nothing, because Religion and Church Attendance saves no one whether D or R.
Salvation is accepting God the Lord’s Death, Burial and Resurrection for we
‘MUST BE BORN AGAIN’ – St.John 3: 3 & 7.
It is a choice between Eternal Life (Street of Gold) and Eternal Damnation- (Lake of Fire).
The Old Testament saints had to wait on Jesus’ blood to be shed to go from Abraham’s bosom in Hades (Luke 16: 23-24) to Heaven
Where did this poll come from? I think it is from a Republican polling company.
Do you remember the Religious people in the Bible who stood on the street corner shouting they were Christians? The Pharasies.
God said you don't have to stand out and proclaim that you are Christian, but just live it.
How many of those men or women that say they are Christian have sinned multiple times.
Let's see Jack, I could name many of the Republicans that have sinned.
I am a Democrat and proud of it and think I am as good a Christian as any of THEM.
Whatever happened to seperation of Church and State?
Jack;
It means that they are much more likely to believe in "junk science" than the Dems. Case(s) in point; climate change, 6000 year old Grand Canyon, intelligent design.....
Religiousness of thought is what separates Republicans from Democrats. The development of reason is how our democracy was born. Democrats are the people who stopped following like sheep and began to think for themselves. Hence the separation between church and state. Real simple but not so simple for the simple religiously minded sheep.
Being religious is more than attending church or saying you are religious. You don't hear the term "compassionate conservative" much anymore. Perhaps Republicans found it too difficult to live up to that claim. Actions toward others (such as supporting healthcare reform) should perhaps be a fairer barometer for how religious a person really is.
Jack,
What religion? That which worships profit, personal wealth, greed and power?
The ones that wishes to impose their rules on how you live your life but have no intention of doing right, themselves. Yes those republicans are working hard to retain control. Just watch Ms Pailin.
Yes that group is highly religious and predominantly republican.
But, those democrats think we might be better off if we paid our bills, brought home our troops and helped spread peace this season. Why they even celebrate what they call the birth of their Prince of Peace. Weird.
For most of us we are just plain fundamentalist atheists but belong to some organization or another registered with the IRS as a religious organization.
Holier than thou, perhaps. Certainly not more "highly religious' in any meaningful way. You know, in some way that really LIVES Christian values, not just pay lip service to them.
Republicans are just more public with their religion, especially when trying to use their 'faith' to cover up their sins.
It means we have a heathen trifecta in Washington.
No and Yes... I have been both, a Catholic; I used to believe that because of my faith I had to be a Republican, i.e. abortion, however with the greed on Wall Street and Republicans NOT wanting the best for ALL people, I then had a problem with them.
I now vote for the one with the best head on their shoulders and leave the "judgment" for God.
No one can be perfect, neither me nor the person I vote for! So Merry Christmas and if I offend you then too bad I have to live for MY GOD!
It means that they are easily led, easily conned, and easily programmed, as the whole world witnessed in August.
Republicans are more likely to talk openly about their religion. However, I do not think people of genuine faith (regardless of party affiliation) can ,in good conscience, oppose any and all legislation that stands to benefit their fellow man, citing " the high deficit "as the sole reason.
Jack doesn't Religious plus White = 21% (The amount of people who admit to being Reublican from a past poll)? What's the surprise. It means that 21% of the people are more like not to be able to find common ground and work in a bi-partisan way.
Religious meaning blindly following something with little or no information? yes. But actually caring about your fellow man, your environment, and all of gods true blessings...heck no.
How about they're embraced in the hypocrisy of theocracy with their corporatist version of democracy?
LOL Who knows, they can't make a decision and never have a plan. Who knows maybe they think religion will save them from life's obstacles.
The party of racist, bigoted, facist thugs calls themselves "highly religious"? Hate to be in their shoes on Judgement day.
When you tie your religion and you political beliefs together. It means that you exhibit a holy-er than thou, I am always right, selfish attitude. I do not think, although I cannot speak for GOD, he would want us hating another person or religion, killing another person for profit or making a woman have a baby when she cannot take care of it. So if the republicans think that they have a lock on religion remember that Jesus threw the republicans out of Jerusalem for their selfish ways. Will washington be next?
Guilt
Jack,
There is a decided difference in hiding behind 'religious ' beliefs and having ' Faith! 'Actions speak louder than words' goes the old saw!
The actions of the former as demonstrated by their 'death panel' , kill your granny, loose your Doctor, thousands will go uncovered, will cost more in premiums, the govrnment between you and your Doctor,, we are the fiscally responsible lies–do not appear to be guided by the faithful but could account for the title 'highly religious' they give themselves!
Something about the zeal and furvoir attending the lie is of great concern! Many progressives are spiritual but do not hide behind the control of a church/religion to push forward thheir bias or agenda.
Still it is the title they claim..let them own it!!
There is a big difference between being religious, meaning following dogma and rules dictated by humans, (even though they "swear on the bible" it's the word of God) and being spiritual which means believing in a higher power but has nothing at all to do with religion and it's rules. I have found that the hypocrisy factor goes up in direct proportion to the religiousness of a person, since it's about dogma and not the spiritual sense of right and wrong that comes naturally from within. That's why Republicans tend to be bigger and louder hypocrites than anyone else!
When someone has to stoop to using God to boost their credibility, you have to be suspicious. How many TV Evangelists are going to be riding their camels through the eye of a needle to get past the pearly gates? What's the difference when it comes to politicians? As we're learning with Tiger, it's far more damning to tarnish an extra polished image. Who has ever cared what Mick Jagger has done in his spare time?
There's a difference between "highly religious" and "highly sanctimonious and pharisaical." Republicans don't know the difference and what's why they think they're uber-religious. Religious people put God first and treat others as God would have us treat them, regardless of their creed or denomination. Evangelical Americanism as professed by the most disgusting of the GOP has nothing to do with the Old or New Testaments.
I don't think so, Their behavior and attitude certainly doesn't reflect Godliness. We are to walk in a Godly manner and act like Christians so that others can see a difference and what I have seen on television is certainly not an act Godliness, it's just disguisting to any kind of religion. They can profess to be a Christian all they want, but it's their actions and attitude that tells a different story.
Jack religion is the opiate of the masses, kind of like being a republican.
I've learned that anyone who claims to be a so-called "religious person" is, in fact, a liar. Simply look at the many Republican 'born again Christians" who have disgraced themselves and their families by less than Christian behavior.
Doesn't the Taliban consider themselves to be highly religious?
I live in one of the most "religious" parts of the country - it's eaten up with fundamentalists - the kind who make bigotry and judgementalism a tenet of faith - it is also probably the "reddest" state in the union. So yes. From personal experience, I would think that there are more "religious" wingnuts among the Republican party.
It simply means Jack, that I can go have an affair(s) (straight or non-straight), with men or women, cheat, lie, steal, rob, kill, start wars, invade the wrong country, shoot some guy in the face, commit treason and the list goes on and on. But, it okay, Jesus forgives me! I hear his, or other voice(s) in my head (it's hard to separate), it's okay! I'm forgiven!!!! So, Jack, Let's go nuke those damn Iranians.
Seriously, what ever happened to separation of church and state? I don't vote for anyone who puts God first. It better be Country, Family, first. And what you do on Sunday that's your business, my Sundays are for........... Go Niners!!!!
Jack - It means that Republicans, like the hierarchal religions they are staunch members of, will fight to maintain the status quo "come hell or high water" - no puns intended, of course!
Some people “church” for the same reason that birds flock, fish school or monkeys band, safety and power in numbers, it’s smart politics. Religion has at least two degrees of sincerity, actual belief or mere subscription and the GOP subscribes to get believer’s votes for tax advantages, wars for oil, war on science that would limit carbon emissions, war against a public option on health care, war on reproductive rights to ensure a standing military and cheap workforce, etc., pro business agendas. The church tends the flock and the GOP harvests the votes, a dark conspiracy, one hand washing the other.
P.S. Tax church property and income like every other business since separation of church and state is impossible they can pay to play like everyone else.
No being a republican doesn't necessarily mean you are more religious than a democrat but the republicans have closed the door to atheists. Democrats door is wide open to all people.
Yes! GOP are more highly religious, hence their ideologies and political demagoguery that prevent America from having a progressive society like those of Norway, Sweden, and Canada. GOP politicians care more about the pulse of the nation's GDP then the pulse of the nation's society. So that coupled with the fact that they are more religious, makes people like me fear and worry when they are in power.
True to a fault. If the Republican Party took over, we would be a man led theocracy-from the waist up!
Both Republicans and religious people seem to have a penchant for following the rules to determine what is right and wrong. Not a bad thing in itself (rules are important), but Democrats and non-religious people usually look to an individual circumstance for what is right and wrong. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but the marriage of the two in our society still makes America a great place to live. Keeping that in ballance keeps us healthy. Now, if we can just get our children to pay attention in school during Civics and History we may be able to hang on to a few more years of our top spot in the world.
Republicans are first class hypocrites. Oh, they go to church, and love Jesus, but they would stab u in the back without thinking twice! Most are racists. They hate everyone except people who are white and Christian. No one escapes their judgment. They hate. That is their life. They hate Jews, Muslims, Orientals, Mexicans. Trust me, I live in TX where hate is the diet of choice!
Simply out, it makes them more susceptible to belief without factual support, as that is key to the orthodox strength of faith behind any religion.
That makes them more fervent; unfortunately, it also makes them less inclined to investigation, self-criticism and doubt, and thus also less inclined to learn from their mistakes. As a consequence, dragging them towards progress is difficult, made tougher by the rare occasion when they are right.
Yep, Southern Baptists (real South) and Holy Rollers.
Republicans are more likely to stand up and tell the world "Look at me being religious, standing in front of the crowd acting Religiously."
Republicans are more likely to say "Watch me give to charity and do things infront of the cameras."
Hmmm, didn't Jesus refer to that as being a hypocrate.
Didn't Jesus say Not to parade yourself in the hypocratic fashion – but to pray in secret.
Who is more religious? Is it The one who displays themselves as acting religiously infront of the crowds? Or could it be the one who prays in secret.
I guess it must mean that there are a lot of crooks involved inside our religious institutions. Which when you consider all the televangelists who were arrested for tax evasion, sued for sex scandals, and pocketed billions of elderly peoples dollars because "Their GOD" told them to, then it makes sense. One crook will stand behind another crook unless it is their head in the firing line, then they squeal like pigs.
My question back to those so-called Church Goers is , Do you go to be like Christ, or to flash your stolen money?
I think you can tell why I no longer go to church. I do not like hypocrites.
What does it mean ?
It means that more Republicans are religious hypocrites than Democrats.
Rod from va
Jack it is the way of republicans to be some what overtly religious in nature its not a bad thing but 1 question what ever happend to the seperation of church and state ?
Uh, is blowhard and hypocrite the same as religious?Then it means yes Republicans are more religious. All parties have members that fail, but one is way more sanctimonious and judgemental. Yeah, Repubs. One party espouses care for the less fortunate and carefulness in attacking other parts of the world, but, they do not generally claim a Jesus link. That would be the Dems. Makes me wonder if the Repubs listen in church. But, oh...some of their clergy act the same as them!
Republicans may think they are highly religious but most of them would not know a Christian act if it came up and bit them in the butt. Going into a building and mouthing words does not make you a truly God-fearing person.
I don't believe that they are more religious. They like to say that they are but in practice – are they really? How about the non-practicing Catholics who act and live as liberals but they ALL want the Last Rights before they pass on. Are you sure these figures you quoted are right Jack?
Given the deeply immoral behavior of many Republicans, it just means that hypocrisy is alive and well. Can I get an AMEN, brothers?
Hey Jack
All it means is that Republicans are nothing but a bunch of hypocrites. They are not more religious because they don't believe in God anymore than Democrats do, they just like to cling to religiosity when it suits their purpose. Remember Jack, they've used it to justify just about everything, such as slavery, segregation, the financial collapse, gay – bashing, creationism, and more. I bet you most of them don't believe the Bible they tote around. If they are so religious, why has "evangelism" become such a multi – billion dollar industry when Jesus himself never made a dime from his preachings?
If you mean following the whacked dogma that suppresses spiritual growth and freedom of thought and multi-dimentional powers, and tells you that you need to be "saved" by some mythical entity, then yes, perhaps they are.
It means they are comprehensively a weaker political party. They have to pander to religious ideals, whether they represent the will of society or not. It is becoming a crutch on our 2nd largest political party, especially since Agnostics are the fastest growing group of Americans.
Republicans are like Tiger Woods. They pretend to be hollier then thou until they get in trouble and we find out that they are as much sinners as democrats.
Republicans are frauds. Or as the Bible said, pharisees. Money changers in the Temple. They're not religious. They talk a good talk, but they're pretty much serpents in the Garden. All of them.
The only difference when it comes to religion between Democrats and Republicans is pretty simple. Democrats put their politics before religion and Republicans put their religion before politics. I don't know which one is right but I suspect Jesus would prefer religion over politics. You think?
Who cares about the Democrats or Republicans and who goes or doesn't go to church? I think more Americans want to know the religous views or affiliations of President Obama and it appears he is Godless in his views and beliefs. Does he go to church or does he sit at the alter of Obama?
Jack:
The Republican Party is composed of a bunch of religous finactics, whereas the Democrats are more inclinded to free-thinking and scientific findings.
Chuck
I am having trouble following your argument, Jack...
Does it mean anything at all? Don't you mean (white) Repubs? Coming from Tx, as I do, where I have no shortage of Black or Latino neighbors, I will say that they are, in general, strongly Dems. And yet, here at least, they appear to be some of the most religious groups as well.
Why is this significant?
How do you define religion? Is it only right wing religion of the Jerry Falwell type?
They go to church more regularly, due to the guilt they feel about how they are treating those less fortunate than them, to pray for forgiveness.
Palm Coast, FL
Going to church and saying you are "highly religious" does not mean you are moral or "saved". Too often it means you think you are better than others, use it to justify any action you take and have the right to exert your will on others.
Many Islamistic extremists believe they are highly religious and feel that gives them the right to commit jihad against socalled nonbelievers and to punish those Muslims that don't believe as they do.
It means Republicans don't practice what they preach but they do appeal to their base. It's interesting because I don't know any religion that promotes adultery, torture and killing.
Jack:
Our Constitution, as I read it, states "Freedom of Religion," not freedom from it. I know that FDR, Lincoln, Reagan and most other presidents publicly invoked God's help in trying times. Our currency reads, "In God We Trust." To those who say Religious Americans are imposing their beliefs on others, I say take a good look at the Al Gore Environmentalists–they're out to regulate the cars we drive, the lightbulbs we buy, the energy we use and the volume flush of our toilets! Who's imposing on whom?
Mike Crowe
Houston TX
Going to mass every Sunday does not mean you are "highly religious". If you follow the doctrine of true religion, you will help and love your neighbor. I don't see any of that behavior among the Republicans in Congress. In fact, what I see is lots of hatred and bickering. In the end, the Republicans will reap what they sow.
Jack, I've been watching politics since the 60's, and in the Republican administrations there seems to me to be quite a disconnect between their actions and ANY teachings laid-out in the bible(not that the Democrats have behaved any better). My point is that if you're going to claim the "moral" and religious high road, you'd better damn well be able to back it up with you're actions. Layne A. Antioch, Il.
Religion is why I will never identify as a Republican. If the Republicans ever want to hold the presidency again, they will have to throw out the lies they learned in Church.
Of course, they pray more. To ask forgiveness for the sins they purpotrated on the American people last eight years.
Well Jack, I guess it means that as a Democrat, I will spend eternity in hell.
Aren’t Islamic extremists “highly religious” too? I would say Republicans are more hypocritically religious. Don’t do as I do, do as I tell you. They sure can quote the Bible, but they don’t really seem to comprehend it or at least don’t follow it very closely. They may be in that front pew on Sunday, but you wouldn’t know it the rest of the week. Democrats tend to take their religion more personally and don’t feel they have to wear it on their sleeve or be holier than thou and extol it to the world in contrast to their actual behavior. You know, like baring false witness about health care reform as they do currently is a classic example and don’t even mention the bribes and sex scandals.
i think most members are religious. the republicans wear it on their sleeve more. they become MORE religious when they get caught with their drawers down 🙂
whatever happened to separation of church and state and lobbyists?
A Democratic President who ridicules people for clinging to guns and God certainly doesn't help their party
It means we need to do away with all religions and if the Republicans don't like it, let them turn the other cheek!
I am a highly religious person who doesn't vote strictly for either Republicans or Democrats. I vote for the person who I think will do the best for my state and country as a whole. I don't even like the labels in politics, because in my opinion that is one of the reason there is so much bickering in government.
Jack,
The Republicans have made me less religious. Their blasphemic understanding of Christ's teachings is embarrasing to Christians like me.
Baloney Jack, not one Republican has invoked God's name or morality during the healthcare reform debates. It's almost as if they have put God on some kind of religious hiatus.
Religion is the world's biggest con. I wish it would go away. Now if I happen to be wrong I hope for the rapture to occur. All those right wingers of every country might disappear. Think of how housing prices would drop. I could afford to live in Bevery Hills.
let me get this straight republicans are more religous than democrats. Then when Sen. Vitter and Sen Ensign are yelling give me some old time religion every sunday
That's not quite the right question to ask. The real question should be about the number of Republicans claiming to be religious. With republicans like Sanford, Ensign, and Vitter, they can go to church as much as they want. That doesn't mean they are living a wholesome, religious life outside the church.
Republican middle class: Once a sheep; always a sheep.
Those religious republicans who consider themselves to be so church-going and sanctimonious are the same ones who deny Americans health care, look down on "illegals" because "they break the law" , etc. and make judgments on people whom they believe should "pull themselves up by their own bootstraps"– even if they can't.
What it means is that there is less separation between Church and State and therefore a more direct threat to the Constitution. Strangely, the more religious, the Republicans, are less compassionate, less concerned for their fellow man and much less likely to extend a helping hand than their Democarat counterparts. Just check their voting records in Congress.
Philadelphia, PA
It means that the separation between church and state is a facade in the eyes of about half the country. Politics is a very effective way to achieve your religious objectives, especially if you can claim that God is on your side. Hmm... remind you of anyone in the recent past? And what was his political affiliation again?
Jim
Winnipeg, Canada
It means Republicans tend to go to church more often than Democrats.
What do the polls say about the percentage of African Americans that identify themselves as "highly religious" and Democrat? What does that mean?
Do you remember George W. , before he went to war with Iraq? He said he prayed for guidance, and he did this before each big decision he had to make. He obviously did not get the guidance he needed,as he made too many mistakes. That goes to show us that repubicans probably need more forgiveness than do democrats.
Republicans are more likely to be religous because that is an effective resource when trying influating people. Religous type comments tend to have a subjective nature and to produce more radical reactions.
Seem to remember somewhere where it said don't go out on the street corners and do your thing. But when you pray go into your closet and do so. Hypocrites-hypocrites-hypocrites.
Jack, it probably means they have a "hollier than thou" attitude and secretly think they are the "chosen few" better suited to govern that great nation of yours!
The issue is not "religion", it is ideology. Many (but not all) religious people accept the ideology of their particular religion without rational criticism So do people believing in political ideologies. Apparently, there are more ideological Republicans than Democrats (though it's probably just a matter of degree).
During the past nine years the Republican party has convincingly proven that they are the "I've got mine, so go get your own" party, so it doesn't speak well for religion.
It does not matter that republicans claim to be more religious. Your religion is not what you say but what you do. If they were so religious why are they so mean spirited.
Jack: it simply means they are more ignorant. Jesus said to "go into your closet to pray." Jesus also rebuked those who pray loudly in public as to show how holy they are. He called them "publicans." Today we all know them as "republicans."
It means that Republicans are more likely to be close minded and xenophobic to whatever it is that's threatening their way of life, i.e. gays and lesbians, atheism, religions other than Christianity (good thing those evil terrorists are all Muslim, no?) black presidents, and so on. It worries me that there are people who actually think this way, and that people like this are capable of holding political power.
The religious tend to march lockstep in faith following a belief. Which party marches together and which party is like herding cats?
Tom
Virginia
What it does NOT mean is that Republicans fully embrace the teachings of Christ. I know too many Republican "Christians" who are too quick to judge, and too slow to forgive. Where is the Christianity there??
Merry Christmas.
Religion and Republican are Synonymous with hypocrisy which is Synonymous with america.
What it means is that Republicans are more likely to lie about what they think and do and have a complete disconnect between posture and agenda; what they say and what they do;, ergo they can pray in public in the day time and fornicate in the at night with their bimbos.
By "highly religious" Republicans mean "highly ignorant" of the truth,science,and anything that can be proven by cold hard facts.
It is SIMPLE, Jack....Republican are the greatest hypocrites. They speak first of religion while doing the MOST UNCHRISTIAN activities from lying to adultry, fraud, theft and MOST OF ALL GREED.
Republicans need to go to church to get clean of the moral filth they cover themselves in when they discriminate against various groups of people, when they work to deny health care and pretty much anything else to the poor, and when they take Bible scriptures out of context to promote violence. Need proof? Read the right wing prayer for President Obama, it starts in Psalm 109:8.
I support helping the poor. I believe in a separation of church and state as supported in the Bible. I believe that Jesus would support health care for all citizens. I support the fight against Aids. I support climate change legislation to restore the beauty of our earth. Therefore I am a Christian and a Democrat.
"They go to church more regularly, due to the guilt they feel about how they are treating those less fortunate than them, to pray for forgiveness. "
Very good point Glen!
I guess that would depend on what you call "highly religious." Hiking the Appalacian Trail, playing footsie in the men's room, hitting on young congressional pages, etc. If you really want to be creative this could be construed as "religious."
Jack it's very simple. Highly religious people need a rule book for life, they prefer to be told what to believe rather than think independently. They also tend to feel that what they believe is the only "right" way to live and other viewpoints don't matter. Non-religious people on the other hand prefer to live life by their own rules, do not need a rule book, think independently and welcome other viewpoints.
republicans...religious....right the only thing they have in common is they start with the letter r for ridiculous
Religion is the reason why the U.S.A is 25 years behind on technology. The Republicans is using religion for social and political control. Religion takes your mind off reality and takes your mind a million miles away. Over half of the Republicans believes in a talking snake, and a camel traveling 5,000 miles in one day they should see a shrink and should have no parts of politics.
I was a Democrat most of my life. Can you somehow see that when the Democratic party supported, encouraged and campaigned for the dismemberment and death of 50 million pre born babies most of us would stick to and prayerfully hope the Republican party will stick to the reality this is killing babies – not solving problems?? Our country lost it's moral compas when we allowed this atrocity to be wrapped in the American flag
It means that Republicans are hypocrites by nature. All religions preach caring for the poor, sick and weak, and preach peace. The Republican party's views are by default, anti-religious. The only topic which Republicans can say they are not hypocrites is abortion. Even with that topic, they preach abstinence only which increases unplanned pregnancy and therefore abortions. Your messages do not match your actions. Remember what religion teaches us about false prophets.
Republicans may be more religious, but they don't seem to be more moral. They run and win with values voters and then go "hiking" to Argentina over the Fathers Day weekend. Such hypocrites!
The reason why republicans get so many votes from the religious right wing is because they cater to their bigotry I'm a religious an openly gay man that happens to go to church every sunday and I recommend that the religious bigots study Mathew 7:1-2 in the Revised Standard Version.
It shows that Republicans are more deluded on average than Democrats. Fundamental to religion is faith. Faith is irrational because it is belief without objective substantiation. Consequently, religion is logically absurd. It's a very simple reality that many can't come to terms with because it's too devastating to their world view. If not for yourself, do humanity the favor of growing up and disavowing your fairytale beliefs.
What it means is that Republicans in government dress themselves up as ultra-religious to cash in on a solid electoral base and shill a populist message, all the while promoting economic policies which decimate the poor and middle-class. Think about it Jack, how could any Christian be pro-war and pro-torture? To say that having an (R) in front of your name makes you more pious is an absolute insult. Middle class American Christians have got to stop voting against their own best-interest.
I would say it means our definition of morality is a poor definition, if morality and religion even go together. Sadly, I doubt I am qualified to make such a statement, since many would view me as a heathen.
Abolish religion. Save the Republic. Since you already dismissed my earlier comment about Creationists but saw fit to print someone repeatedly quoting from the Bible I thought I'd go all out since this is obviously skewed.
My sister is a Catholic fundamentalist who believes dinosaurs lived 6000 years ago. Despite our mutual upbringing in a typical Irish Catholic and Democratic household, she now believes that abortion and gaydom have doomed us all. She attends Mass daily and votes ONLY Republican to rid the world of the evils of homosexuality and abortion.
Jesus said it best: Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and render unto the Lord the things that are the Lord’s. Republicans are generally confused as to which is which.
I believe firmly in separation of church and state but am more than concerned about what has happened to our country when the appropriateness of morality and values has become a topic of debate and vitriol. And about what has happened to intellectual honesty when so many folks claim to have the omnipotence to know whether others truly believe in their religion's beliefs.
Cottage Grove, MN
It's simple, Jack. They have more gods: the Yen, the Euro, the Peso, the Dollar; and don't forget those cute little cheruby pennies.
I resent the fact that you again try to say that Democrats are less religious than Republicans. How can you say that we do not care and we are not religious. My husband and I raised four children and attend church and care for people that are less fortunate . Is it being religious to send people to war and tolerate hunger, homelessness and lie to people that have elected them. That"s really religious.!
It means that a people who consider themselves "highly religious", are not necessarily more moral, more compationate, or even more Christian, than people who consider themselves less religious.
Mountain Home ID
The results of this study are not surprising. Religion continues to play a large part in politics especially on the Republican side. Isn't religion supposed to be left out of the political process in this country? With so many critical decisions in Congress affected by religion, for example gay marriage and abortion, we cannot afford to let it sway our opinions. We will make little progress this way. Religion should be left out of the political equation entirely.
Whether a person claims a religions "high road", or not. It doesn't mean we just waive a hand of dismissal over those who don't. Both parties, Republican or Democrat should be held to a high standard as leaders of America who will lead with integrity, honesty, and with moral clarity. Otherwise, we get what we vote for. More Politicians who are out for themselves and less about the people. Con-gress at this point is the opposite of Pro-gress. Let's vote them all out and start over.
Hello Jack,
The Republicans and the religious right both have participated in the height of hypocracy for too long – it never seems to end! Why do we, the rest of us, continue to care about anything THEY say?! THEY have become irrelevant as far as I am concerned. THEY lie at the drop of a hat and they do not care who gets hurt. We now know that the health care insurance industry have enlisted their lobbyists to "bully" the Congress (those who receive their contributions) into distorting the facts about the meaning of health care reform. Health care reform will help all of us, yet we are still hearing from "The Right" about how much harm it is going to do. That is an outright lie! Do not listen to the Republicans, the religious right, not the health care insurance industry. THEY have become desperate and are lying to all of us!
Harry – Baltimore, MD
It says a lot more about the religious churches in the U S today than about the Dems and Repubs. Since when did the Republican party care a rat's rear about the downtrodden, the poor, the weak, or the disadvantaged? Just what "Chistian values" to they claim to espouse?
Those who do not care about or believe in God, have little care about basic law and morality. Now that does explain a lot of what is happening today in politics. Without God, we are oly here for a short time so why bother. Okay Dems, I get it. Without God, the wheels absolutely come off.
Oh, and one more thing. The republicans' holier than thou attitude gets under my skin–they remind me of the muslim radicals who do not so good things in the name of God.
It means that they are more than likely the biggest hipocrates we have. When you make a mistake they are the first ones to throw you under the bus. Howvever when they make a mistake they are the first ones in the forgiveness and understanding line. Perhaps their church just has not yet gotten to that very important part in the bible's new testament where Jesus said... he who is without sin, cast the first stone?
according to the poll, they may be more relegious, but they are the most raciest people.i lived in the deep south and i can attest to the fact just by listening to their conversations the dont like hispanics ,jews ,gays, and most of them dont like obama simply because of his skin color. you cannot have a civil conversation with them if it differs from your ideology like abortion, evolution, etc.. they have a closed mind
My god, Jack... it only means the Republican's use their religion as "defense" for being such hypocrites. They're against abortion, but care less for the welfare, health care or education of the child once born. Heaven knows they sure don't want to use THEIR money to help. They seeming to care nothing of killing innocent Iraqis or Afghans. They go to church to pray, to "protect" their money and their way of life. Most Republicans seem to be self centered, selfish, superior in all ways to the rest of us commoners. May their god continue to protect them... I think, they are going to be in for a huge surprise IF there is a heaven! Pat ., Crossville, TN
In that case the Republicans are a joke, what an oxymoron Republicans and Highly Religious, I am so glad my God is not as evil as theirs, they are not a forgiving group of people, they're bigots and liars and that is a major criterion to becoming one. Being a Republican is being Un-American.
I have never known much about this 'two types of people' in the states but with the hints i get,figure this out jack:Republicans as old testament,(read conservative) and democrats the new testament(diverse).now,who seems deeply religious jack?
Jim,ken
"49 percent of Americans who call themselves Republicans say they're "highly religious"... meaning they go to church at least once a week and say religion is important in their daily lives. That's compared to 37 percent of Democrats who feel that way."
I find this definition of "highly religious" very problematic. The use of the term "church" is an assumption of Christianity. What about those who attend a different religious institution such as a mosque, temple, or synagogue? If someone does not identify as Christian, perhaps they would not identify as "highly religious" based on the operational definition.
I would like to see who the majority of the sample was–Christians, atheists, Muslims, Hindus, white, African-American, Hispanic, etc. Who the sample was can easily change the results.
Yep, you can't be a democrat and claim to be religious when they want to always remove the word God from all vocabulary and schools. Sure they can "say" they are Christian. But, test the fruit.. Always do whats right.
If this survey was done in the Arab world, I am willing to bet you could replace "Republican" with "extremist" and replace "Democrat" with "Muslim" and get the same results. I was born and raised a Christian and a Republican, and my religion caused me to leave parties. Every Republican should do some soul searching.
Jack, it proves, by their policies, that Republicans are schizophrenic.
I'm a weekly churchgoer, but I would not identify myself as religious and there are tens of thousands like me. We're part of the fervently Christian/New Age/charismatic even evangelical Christians who don't want to be like the hypocritical Pharisees who followed the letter of Levitical/religious law, but didn't even try to love their neighbors. I suspect that many of the white Republicans who are religious fall into that legal category.
It wasn't Rep that came up with this, it was a Gallup Poll. Dems need to learn how to read ... try a bible. It'll do u some good ... idiots.
If the Rebubs are so religious I am wondering why they don't care about Health Care Reform. Whatever happened to "heal the sick"? This is why I don't go to church anymore; too many hypocrites. I think if Jesus were still around he would be a Democrat.
Question off topic Jack... So the US government is expected to regulate the banking industry but NOT regulate the insurance/healthcare industry?
It means that they protest too much and will do and use anything to stay in office or get elected.
When one is willing to not vote for measures that will help the average person or hurting people denying them their rights while at the same time spouting the words, "I'm a Christian" and every Bible verse known to man, they're nothing more than hypocrites.
I hope I'm not near any of them if God gets fed up and starts sending out lightning bolts.
Well, I guess that war, guns, healthcare only for those who can afford to buy it, no help for those who are unfortunate and need help in the form of welfare, support for big business at the expense of the general public are all now foundations of American religion.
Maybe that is why I find myself becoming less religious in my old age.
That would explain why so many Republicans in politics (read Bush Administration and allies) believe they are above everything because they act in the name of God....a dangerous belief from many religious followers of the worl's many religions.
If God were to take sides, I think it would be the side of honesty, justice, human values, etc...you get the point, and not that of any political party, group, and/or person, trying to "get away with murder" in his name.
It means that as long as the Republicans have any significant power, the separation between church and still will continue to erode until it no longer exists!
I believe that more Republicans than Democrats are hightly religious because most highly religious people are hypocrites and that is something Republicans can definately relate to. Look at the healthcare issue for an example of hypocracy. They don't want to help the uninsured, the poor, the sick, the injured. As long as they are ok forget the people who aren't. I think Jesus would approve of helping the sick and dying! He would aprove of healthcare for everyone.
It mean absolutely nothing. People have involked god's name for centuries to defend their supid causes. This no different. Their is trick republicans won't do.
The Republican idea of religion is extremely self-serving.They quote portions and twist them out of contest to suit their purposes.What happened to the part of the Bible where Jesus says "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me" or where He willingly fed the multitude with fish and loaves of bread instead of keeping it to Himself.The parable of the good Samaritan is about treating the sick and dying unconditionally,yet the Republicans fight health care reform.Their idea of religion comes accross as extremely selfish and uncaring
I am not surprised that republicans are more religious than democrats. Their beliefs in God shows that it is a crutch they need in order to justify their lust for monies, war etc.. Who else could believe in a God who allows little children to die under the most horrendous conditions? Who else could belief in a God who allows our young men and women to die for a cause that is not ours? Who else could believe in God but people who think that FOX NEWS gives them the right stuff. I was born a Jew, I do not practice. For me it is a culture nothing more. I am not waiting for the Messiah, I am not waiting for the end of the world , I am not waiting for some signs that there is a God and so far it has not happenned and I can tell you that as a young kid reading Inherit the Wind, my beliefs were shattered. I think the more religious the lower the IQ
Hello Jack,
I have been an active voter 30 years but!
At the end of the day both the Republicans and Democrats are in to win for themselves while the center takes it in the shorts.
When the Grim Reaper comes, the Republicans will have a price to pay when they meet their maker. The Democrats on the other hand will only feel they took care of their own with no repercussions for their selfishness.
Maybe the religious that avoid politics have it right in the end. Man is to selfish to rule itself.
Best,
Larry
It certainly does not imply that the church is more for financing war than for healthcare does it? Taking lives or saving them... not a real dilemma for a person of true faith.
Aren't we fighting two wars against religious zealots? Oh no, a new front!!
It's easier to sell them a bill of goods and they tend to be narrow minded
It doesn't mean anything to me, but to Republicans, it means that they get to uphold standards for others that they won't bother to uphold for themselves.
The Republican party USES religion as a tool to get people to feel bad if they oppose them. They try to create the idea that "if you believe in god, then believe in republicans." as if the two were the same. Its a known fact that there is a huge percentage of people that vote simply by association. Their parents were republican, their friends are republican, etc... And since the republican party is trying to associate religion and republican it is no wonder why the republican party has a larger percentage of highly religious people. If you sat down with most of them and explained republican policy on any aspect not involving religion, they would most likely claim that your lying and thats not republican.
Jack,
To me it just proves what my Psychologist Instuctor told my class,
(when I was a freshman many years ago); It is impossible to be
" objective" about ones' self!
This poll shows me there are a lot of minds voicing their opnions
about thier religious credentials...( like the Pharasees!)!
At the same time, I believe you are more likely to find a widow's
mite, placed in the Salvation bucket this year!... by the unemployed, disabled, widows, or democratic persons?! ( Those gifts are freely given, and not deducted from I R S claims!