Figuring Faith
Dr. Robert P. Jones is a member of the Washington Post’s On Faith blogging network, an independent network of experts and activists providing commentary and analysis of religion. At his blog, Figuring Faith, Dr. Jones analyzes findings from Public Religion Research Institute and aggregates polling data on religion, values, and politics from a variety of sources. Check in each week as he connects politics with the pews, helping readers understand how public sentiment on religion and politics will shape 2012 and beyond.
Figuring Faith | Mark Sanford’s Political Redemption
[05.08.2013]In this week’s “Figuring Faith,” I explore data on Americans’ attitudes toward politicians’ moral indiscretions, and conclude that Sanford’s recent victory in a special election for the House of Representatives seat he held in the 1990s before he was elected governor shows just how far political redemption can stretch
Figuring Faith | Will the Boston Bombing Change American Attitudes About Muslims and Immigration Reform?
[04.25.2013]In this week’s column for Figuring Faith, Dr. Robert P. Jones examines the data on Americans’ attitudes toward Muslims and immigration reform.
Figuring Faith | The Values Behind Support For Path to Citizenship for Illegal Immigrants
[03.21.2013]A new survey from PRRI and the Brookings Institution shows that majorities of Democrats, independents, and Republicans favor allowing illegal immigrants currently living in the U.S. to become citizens provided they meet certain requirements. But what values are inspiring this unusual political unity on a controversial issue?
Figuring Faith | Sen. Portman and the “Friends and Family” Effect on Same-Sex Marriage
[03.18.2013]Late last week, GOP Sen. Rob Portman shocked commentators and fellow politicians by reversing his position on same-sex marriage, saying that his decision was inspired by his son, who is gay. In his latest for “Figuring Faith,” Dr. Robert P. Jones shows that this “family and friends effect” is quite potent when it comes to the issue of same-sex marriage.
Figuring Faith | What Do American Catholics Want From the New Pope?
[02.21.2013]Next month, the College of Cardinals will select a new pope. Their choice will help shape the trajectory of the Catholic Church, which has seen significant global demographic shifts over the past century, as well as tensions about the role of tradition and modern culture. In his latest column for Figuring Faith, his Washington Post blog, PRRI CEO Dr. Robert P. Jones tackles the difficult question of what American Catholics want from the new pope.
Figuring Faith | Why Pro-Life Catholics and Evangelicals Part Ways on Gun Control
[01.16.2013]Just before President Obama announces his new gun control policy proposals, including an assault weapons ban and better background checks for gun buyers, Dr. Robert P. Jones illuminates the religious divide on gun control in a column for “Figuring Faith.”