WASHINGTON (RNS) — The vast majority of Americans believe sin exists, but they differ on which behaviors are sinful, according to a new survey by Ellison Research.
The Phoenix-based marketing research company found 87 percent of Americans believe in the concept of sin. While most Americans think adultery is sinful (81 percent) and consider racism to be a sin (74 percent), far fewer Americans would put gambling (30 percent) or telling a “little white lie” (29 percent) in that category.
A majority agreed other activities described as sinful include:
• Using “hard” drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, LSD — 65 percent.
• Not saying anything if a cashier gives you too much change back — 63 percent.
• Having an abortion — 56 percent.
• Homosexual activity or sex — 52 percent.
• Underreporting income on your tax returns — 52 percent.
But only 18 percent believe playing the lottery is sinful, and just 16 percent cited failure to tithe — to give 10 percent of income to a church or charity — as sinful. And only 4 percent named dancing as sinful behavior.
Ron Sellers, president of Ellison Research, said the survey showed inconsistent thought patterns.
“For instance, over a third of all Americans believe failing to take proper care of their bodies is sinful,” he said. “Yet far fewer believe tobacco or obesity are sins — even though medical science consistently shows using tobacco and being overweight are two of the most harmful things they can do to their bodies.”
The survey was based on a sample of 1,007 adults with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.