March, 2012
In Search of Secularism: “Reason Rally” Gathers Non-Believers on the National Mall
[03.30.2012]by Michela Corcorran, PRRI intern Atheists, agnostics, and secular humanists alike gathered on the National Mall last weekend to celebrate secular values, and protest the influence of religion in politics. The “Reason Rally,” sponsored by many of the country’s foremost secular organizations, welcomed an estimated 20,000 people to its cause on Saturday. The rally hosted a number of prominent speakers, including prominent atheist scholar Dr. Richard Dawkins. It also… more
The Morning Buzz | March 30, 2012
[03.30.2012]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? If you have not had the opportunity to revel in Brideshead Revisited author Evelyn Waugh’s blistering prose, here’s a quick example of just how mean he could be. At least he didn’t call Joseph Heller “mentally defective,” though – that barb… more
The Morning Buzz | March 29, 2012
[03.29.2012]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? This week, Mitt Romney shows us how to increase the square footage of your garage–a car elevator! Perhaps he will lend a hand in the seemingly doomed struggle for the TacoCopter. The internet is abuzz with rumors about how the Supreme Court… more
The Morning Buzz | March 28, 2012
[03.28.2012]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? Ever wondered whether your surname is more common in some parts of the country than others? Well, I hadn’t either, but this National Geographic map is still worth a click or two. If that educational endeavor doesn’t do it for you,… more
The Morning Buzz | March 23, 2012
[03.23.2012]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? When was the last time you bought something from a vending machine? Some entrepreneurs are trying to save the beleaguered cultural icon by filling it with more unusual products like prescription drugs or live bait. And let’s not forget the… more
Are Politicians Talking too Much about Religion?
[03.22.2012]According to a new Pew Research Center survey, 38% of Americans believe that there is too much expression of religious faith and prayer from political leaders, compared to 30% who say there has been too little and 25% who say that there has been the right amount. Since Pew asked the question in 2001, there has been a 26-point increase in the percentage of people who believe there is too much expression… more