Religion in Public Policy

For far too long we progressives have misunderstood the role of religious commitments and communities when considering public policy. Yet another survey, this one conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute and aimed at college students, indicates the prominence of religion in many Americans' lives.

According to the study, most college freshmen believe in God including 95 percent of African-American students, 84 percent of Latino students, 78 percent of white students and 65 percent of Asian-American students. Attending religious services regularly follows a similar trajectory: 53 percent of African-American, 42 percent of white, 39 percent of Latino, and 35 percent of Asian-American students attend religious services regularly.

The women surveyed are more likely than men to pray. Women are more likely than men to be involved in charitable activities of some kind, while men are more likely to be religious skeptics.

Progressive policy makers must grapple with the implications of these and similar findings for policy development.


Nathan D Wilson