This Pew Forum study underscores the fact that America is the most religious pluralistic nation in the world. In fact, Interfaith Alliance is made up of people from over 75 different faith traditions, as well as many people who do not have a faith tradition.
This survey has produced some fascinating results. Seventy percent of religious Americans said they believe many religions can lead to eternal life. That view was also shared by 57 percent of Christian evangelicals, though I’m sure evangelical leaders like James Dobson would disagree. And 68 percent of Americans religious Americans believe there is more than one way to interpret the teachings of their own scriptures.
Most Americans understand that that our country was settled by people from different parts of the world who embrace different religious beliefs. That diversity should be celebrated, not feared as some on the Religious Right would advocate. These survey results indicate a healthy level of humility about religion.
The survey also finds that only 14 percent cite religion as the main influence on their political beliefs, though faith still plays a powerful indirect role. That is why the Interfaith Alliance remains committed to the current federal law prohibiting religious leaders from intervening in political campaigns. While religious leaders can and should speak out on the social and political issues of the day, the pulpit is not the place to make partisan endorsements of candidates. No person of faith should ever be told that the only path to God is through supporting one party over another.
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