The PRRI Blog
The Morning Buzz | Is Atheism Only for the Upper Class?
Is atheism only for the upper class? Research Director Daniel Cox parses the demographic data among the religiously unaffiliated.
The Morning Buzz | American Jews Influence Gender Debates in Israel
Women in Israel are continuing to struggle against ultra-Orthodox restrictions on women’s prayer at the Western Wall, although a deal may be in sight. The dispute has inspired a great deal of negative attention from the American Jewish community, who tend to sympathize with the women, rather than the ultra-Orthodox rabbis. A majority (53%) of American Jews agree that ultra-Orthodox control of life in Israel is a major problem. (Thanks to Arnie for sending this in!)
The Morning Buzz | Gov. Chris Christie to Push for Expanded Background Checks
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is seeking expanded background checks for gun purchases and parental consent laws for minors to buy video games. Christie, a Republican, is up for reelection in Democratic-leaning New Jersey, but has also been considered a contender for the 2016 Republican nomination. The move has benefits in the short-term, but consequences in the long-term: Christie’s actions are likely to help him among Democrats, but not among Republicans.
The Morning Buzz | American Muslims and the Boston Bombings
In the wake of last week’s tragic bombings in Boston, some are now wondering whether there will be a backlash against Muslims in the United States. Less than half of Americans say that self-proclaimed Muslims who commit acts of violence in the name of Islam are not really Muslims.
Boy Scouts Set to End Ban on Gay Members
After months of contentious debate, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) seem poised to strike down their long-standing ban on openly gay scouts, although they will continue to prohibit gay adults from serving as leaders. Two-thirds (67%) of Americans report that gay and lesbian relationships should be accepted by society.
The Morning Buzz | Episcopal Church Wins Property Dispute Against Conservative Congregation
The Episcopal Church won a bitter property dispute with a conservative congregation that had left the denomination over disagreements on homosexuality, the ordination of gay clergy, and other issues. Half (50%) of white mainline Protestants believe that gay and lesbian people should be eligible for ordination as clergy with no special requirements.
The Morning Buzz | Economic Inequality and the New York City Subway
Income inequality in New York City, starkly illustrated through its subway map. Sixty percent of Americans agree that the government should do more to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.
The Morning Buzz | What Do Changing Views on Religion and Spirituality Mean for Religious Institutions?
Learn more about what changing views on religion and spirituality means for religious institutions in this CBS video featuring PRRI board member Diana Butler Bass.
The Morning Buzz | Republicans and Evangelicals Favor Path to Citizenship As Long as it Has Requirements
There’s been a lot of polling on immigration reform recently, but our latest survey experiment shows that when it comes to accuracy, the devil’s in the details. When asked slightly different versions of a question about immigration, Americans overall – but especially Republicans and white evangelical Protestants – are more likely to support a path to citizenship if immigrants must meet certain requirements.