20 Myths about Religion and Politics
Ryan Burge’s newest book, 20 Myths about Religion and Politics in America devotes a short chapter to each myth. Here are the 20 myths:
Evangelicalism is in decline.
Donald Trump wasn’t the choice of religiously devout Republicans.
Most Americans have strong views about abortion — but are willing to change their minds about it.
Researchers are biased toward Christians.
College leads young people away from religion.
Nondenominational Christians are rare.
Born-again experiences are common and dramatically change a person’s life.
You have to go to church frequently to be an evangelical.
The personal faith of a presidential candidate can activate part of the electorate.
People return to religion late in life.
Abortion is the most important issue for evangelical voters.
White evangelicals agree with the Republican party only on social issues.
Most Catholics and evangelicals do not support women in leadership.
White Christians have always been conservative Republicans.
The growth of the nones is largely from people leaving church.
America is much less religious today than a few decades ago.
Black Protestants are political liberals.
Mainline Protestants are politically liberal.
Young evangelicals are more politically moderate than older evangelicals.
Pastors often discuss politics from the pulpit.