Gallup recently published an article explaining the results of their 2009 survey on global religiosity, which consisted of telephone and face-to-face interviews with approximately 1,000 adults in each of 119 countries. The data shows that “religion continues to play an important role in many people’s lives worldwide.” Specifically:
- The global median proportion of adults who say religion is an important part of their daily lives is 84%
- Money matters: lower per-capita income is associated with higher levels of religiosity
So What?
Based on per-capita income, the United States qualifies as a wealthy country, yet is more religious than most in that category with 65% of the respondents indicating that religion is important in their daily lives.
- Why do you believe religion in the United States is considered this important by roughly 20% more of the population than is typical globally of nations ranked in the highest per-capita income level?
- As a person of faith, how does the current climate help or hinder your ability to engage in religious dialogue or share religious experiences with friends and family?
- Do you believe this number is likely to increase or decrease over the next five years? Why? How would that change impact you? your church?