Nearly half of Americans uncertain God exists: poll

AFP ^ | 10/31/06

[presidio9]

Nearly half of Americans are not sure God exists, according to a poll that also found divisions among the public on whether God is male or female or whether God has a human form and has control over events. The survey conducted by Harris Poll found that 42 percent of US adults are not "absolutely certain" there is a God compared to 34 percent who felt that way when asked the same question three years ago.

Among the various religious groups, 76 percent of Protestants, 64 percent of Catholics and 30 percent of Jews said they are "absolutely certain" there is a God while 93 percent of Christians who describe themselves as "Born Again" feel certain God exists.

When questioned on whether God is male or female, 36 percent of respondents said they think God is male, 37 percent said neither male nor female and 10 percent said "both male and female."

Only one percent think of God as a female, according to the poll.

Asked whether God has a human form, 41 percent said they think of God as "a spirit or power than can take on human form but is not inherently human."

As to whether God controls events on Earth, 29 percent believe that to be the case while 44 percent said God "observes but does not control what happens on Earth".

The survey was conducted online between October 4 and 10 among 2,010 US adults.

[ninergold3]

Nearly half of Americans are not sure God exists

How very sad for them. I am 100% sure that God exists and that it is by His grace that I am saved.

[2001convSVT]

Excellent post, I agree totally with what you have written!

[eleni121]

I wonder where the poll was taken? A bath house sampling in Haight Ashbury?

[freekitty]

I don't believe this at all.

[Little Ray]

But the world ISN'T round - its sorta pear-shaped. Slightly.

[ASOC]

IF I may - young folks may have been brought up in the faith of their fathers (I hope) and some idea about the Lord.

At some point in their life they have an experience that confirms their faith - or not - and that drives them one way or the other.

Religious belief is intensely personal, as it should be.

FWIW, just my thoughts, polls or not.

[ASOC]

IF I may - young folks may have been brought up in the faith of their fathers (I hope) and some idea about the Lord.

At some point in their life they have an experience that confirms their faith - or not - and that drives them one way or the other.

Religious belief is intensely personal, as it should be.

FWIW, just my thoughts, polls or not.

[Larry Lucido]

Nearly half of Americans uncertain God exists...

...but they're keeping an eye open for lightning bolts just in case.

[shekkian]

And exactly who did they poll?

[highlander_UW]

Did Harold Ford respond to the poll? He's been making big noise about a professed faith lately. BTW, what would the dems say if a republican showed up at a speech with a Bible under his arm?

[rusureitflies?]

Yes, we'll meet someday.

[Blueflag]

It's an obloit spheroid or sumthin like that. IT ain't 'round' cuz it's 3D. I saw it on the Discovery Channel.

[GraniteStateConservative]

God's a man.

[woollyone]

~smirk~

C.S. Lewis BTTT

[windcliff]

ping

[presidio9]

[newconhere]

Good Question. I am in RCIA right now and the joining class this year is 85. 85 is HUGE! I believe people are swarming in the church's and yes they do believe in God!! This poll is silly.

[stuartcr]

Shouldn't they really be called agnostics that follow a specific faith?

[wizr]

Just a simple thumb through the New Testament, say starting with the Book of Acts, um...Chapter 9, would be a good start. If anyone is interested.

A man named Saul hunted Christians until he met the spirit of Christ. Then, as the apostle Paul, he become one of the hunted and jailed in the name of Christ.

Why? Faith, trust, hope and the love that all other believers share, through the infilling of the spirit of Christ.

It ain't an easy life, as some might lead you to believe. But, when lead by God, instead of your own desires, your life is more fulfilled.

[badpacifist]

Half of America doesn't believe America exists.