The stereotypical images of “liberals” and “evangelicals” create a distorted picture of what issues are important to each group, according to new research.
A recent survey by researchers at Baylor University reveals much more diverse opinions than politicians have assumed. For instance, 76 percent of evangelicals believe the government should do more to protect the environment. And 74 percent of evangelicals believe it is “very important” to seek social and economic justice.
What's more, half of the nation's evangelicals think the government should not fund faith-based organizations, and half think the government should more evenly distribute wealth in this country.
Paul Froese, an assistant professor of sociology who helped conduct the survey, said the data shows that certain policy issues make evangelical Protestants a difficult group to lump together.
According to his report, released Oct. 25, 40 percent of evangelicals who support George W. Bush actually emerged as “liberal” on economic issues, specifically in beliefs about wealth distribution and economic justice.
Of course, Froese reiterated, evangelicals remain conservative on social issues like gay marriage and abortion.