The Morning Buzz | March 27, 2012

[03.27.2012]

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? C.S. Lewis fans will swoon over this magical playroom, where a wardrobe does actually lead to Narnia (well, kind of). Even though they haven’t managed to conjure up fauns or talking beavers, you’ve got to give the parents points for creativity on this one. The only missing detail: where are the fur coats?

If you missed it, check out Dr. Robert P. Jones’ comments to NPR about last Friday’s rallies for religious liberty. As lively as the protests were, they don’t reflect most Americans’ views.

Meanwhile, famed atheist Richard Dawkins was one of many speakers at last Saturday’s “Reason Rally.” One of the purposes of the rally was to raise atheists’ public profile, given that 67% of Americans say they’d be uncomfortable with an atheist president. (Thanks to Dan for the tip!)

For those of you who will be celebrating Passover this year, take a look this new Haggadah, edited by Jonathan Safran Foer and translated by Nathan Englander.

A controversy over allegedly anti-gay internet filters at a Missouri high school has sparked a rather knotty debate over censorship. (Thanks to Arnie for sending this in!)

In campaign-land, Herman Cain put out a new ad that is, depending on how you look at it, disturbing or Monty Python-esque. Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin went after Rick Santorum’s “lack of religious sensibility,” and Mitt Romney nabbed an endorsement from Senator Mike Lee, a Tea Party leader from Utah. Romney has been struggling to consolidate support among Tea Party voters for several months, so this endorsement could be quite helpful.

A new survey from Gallup claims that the happiest Americans are those who frequently attend a church, synagogue or mosque. And while most Americans are pretty grumpy on Sundays (although not as crabby as they are on Mondays), it’s the day when churchgoers are actually happiest.

And, if you’re itching to put President Obama’s economic record in context, check out this chart.

Find a story you’d like to see in tomorrow’s Buzz? I’d love to take a look – just reply to this email and send me your discovery! Also, don’t forget to share the Buzz with your friends. Send them this link to sign up. For updates and coverage throughout the day, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Also a reminder that our CEO as well as yours truly are on Twitter: we’re @robertpjones and @PRRIAmelia.