October, 2011
The Morning Buzz | October 19, 2011
[10.19.2011]Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? Before you do anything else this morning, ask yourself: do you want lips that feel as smooth as butter? Paula Deen’s new lip gloss can help with that. Your mouth may also smell and taste like butter, but we’ve all… more
Tea Party “Anthem” Highlights the Movement’s Christian Identity
[10.18.2011]If you haven’t heard it, give Krista Branch’s “I am America” a listen. According to ABC’s Huma Khan, the song is being heralded as the Tea Party’s “anthem,” and like most good sacred songs, it reveals quite a bit about the movement that has embraced it. In this case, what’s notable about “I am America” is its strong religious theme, signaling the importance of religion to the Tea Party movement…. more
Which GOP Candidate’s Faith Is Really Under Attack?
[10.18.2011]It’s been an arduous month on the campaign trail for presidential hopeful Rick Perry – at least, according to his wife, Anita. And she has little doubt as to why. Speaking to voters in South Carolina, she explained, “We are being brutalized by our opponents, and our own party. So much of that is, I think, they look at him because of his faith.” Religion has been a hot topic… more
Factsheet | What Do Americans Think About Mormonism, Anyway?
[10.18.2011]At tonight’s GOP primary debate, one topic seems highly likely to come up: Mitt Romney’s Mormonism. Jon Huntsman, the other Mormon candidate, is boycotting the debate because Nevada had the audacity to move its caucus up to mid-January (leaving open the frightening possibility of a December New Hampshire primary), so Romney will be on his own if the recent fracas over whether the Mormon faith is really a Christian religion… more
The Morning Buzz | October 18, 2011
[10.18.2011]Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? Your head-shake moment of the day: there has been a recent spate of beard-cutting attacks among the Amish in Ohio. Unfortunately, we don’t have data on that. Rick Santorum raked Herman Cain over the coals for “refusing to defend traditional… more
Religion, Economic Inequality, and Occupy Wall Street
[10.17.2011]With no sign of the Occupy Wall Street movement losing steam, many have been exploring the role of faith in motivating the protesters’ to take to the streets, as well as the perspective of the religious leaders who are also participating in the protests. “Protest chaplains” have joined OWS in a variety of cities, including Boston and New York. An interfaith coalition introduced a symbol – a statue of a… more
The Morning Buzz | October 17, 2011
[10.17.2011]Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? Here’s a reason to make the most of this week: Family Radio broadcaster Harold Camping says that the world will end, not on May 21 as he had originally calculated, but on this coming Friday. He predicts that the end… more
The Morning Buzz | October 14, 2011
[10.14.2011]Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? Celebrate Friday by feasting your eyes on these pictures of breakfasts from around the world. I have to say, India’s breakfast is one of the most intriguing, mostly because I have absolutely no idea what banana pepper toast would taste… more