Culture Clash

"A recent Gallup poll highlights what many political insiders know intuitively: that the cultural divide between religious and non-religious Americans plays out at the ballot box as well.

Two-thirds (66%) of Americans describe themselves as somewhat or very religious, while one-third (33%) say they are 'non-religious.' According to Gallup, each of the presidential candidates, Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama, benefits from a core group of supporters defined by their religious perspectives.

President Obama commands strong support (54% v. 38% for Romney) among white Americans who describe themselves as non-religious, while Mitt Romney followers are decidedly religious (62% of moderately or strongly religious voters support Romney while just 29% are fans of President Obama).

Religious Americans understand the stakes in this election because we have felt the consequences of the most anti-religion President of our time. ...

While Christians are still the largest denomination in the country -- and Christian values still guide much of what is good in our institutions -- the challenge is set before us: who will win the hearts of the growing numbers of unaffiliated Americans, particularly young people? ...

The question is not just a religious one. Its implications carry over into the political and civic spheres as well."

--columnist Rebecca Hagelin

www.patriotpost.us