A recent Pew Research poll revealed American’s shifting views on religion. The poll surveyed US adults, and was conducted in early April.
One of the most interesting results from the poll was that Americans have reversed their view on whether religion is gaining influence in America. The view that religion is gaining influence has steadily declined in previous decades, but had a sharp reversal around Trump’s win. 37% of Americans now believe religion is gaining influence, the most since 2002.
This comes as Trump’s presidency has been centered around many aspects of Christianity. Trump has referenced the Bible and God numerous times as justification for certain acts, and the administration has become far more religious leaning (an example of this is Charlie Kirk’s funeral, where massive crosses could be seen being wheeled around).
This has also changed Americans views on Christian nationalism. More Americans than ever say that they have heard or read about Christian nationalism, and the share of Americans who support and oppose it has grown. 31% of Americans view Christian nationalism unfavorable, while just 10% are in favor of it.
Both of these numbers are up from two years ago. In 2024, 5% of Americans supported Christian nationalism while 31% did not support it. The amount of Americans supporting Christian nationalism has doubled, while the amount against it has not increased as sharply.
There are partisan differences to this view of Christian nationalism as well. 72% of Republicans have never heard of it, compared to just 40% of Democrats. The majority of Republicans who have heard of Christian nationalism support it.
Compare this to Democrats, where those opposed to Christian nationalism outnumber those in support by 10:1. Democrats are both more educated and more opposed to Christian nationalism, while Republicans who do know of it remain largely in support.
More Democrats have a net-negative view of religion than a net positive view. Republicans have an almost unanimous net-positive view of religion.
45% of Republicans believe that the Bible should have a greater role in American legislation than the will of the people, almost double the amount who say that the will of the people should have a greater role.
Despite the differences between the two parties on religion, there are some topics that both agree on. The vast majority of both Democrats and Republicans believe that churches should not endorse political candidates. The majority of both parties also agree that social and political issues should be kept out of churches. And, the majority of both parties agree that God does not favor one country over others (although this number is considerable lower for Republicans)
This poll makes it clear that the divide between political parties is growing in relation to the topic of religion. Republicans believe in the Church playing a bigger role in American society, while Democrats support a secular society governed by the will of the people. It should be noted that there are interparty divides as well, and no opinion is completely agreed upon by all.