Pew Research Center survey reports, demographic studies and data-driven analysis
What Brain Science Tells Us About Religious Belief
Recent advances in neuroscience are offering researchers a look into the physiology of religious belief. In a transcript from a Pew Forum event, University of Pennsylvania radiologist, Dr. Andrew Newberg, discusses how measurable brain activity matches up with the religious experiences described by worshippers.
Religion in China on the Eve of the 2008 Beijing Olympics
A watching world may find religious belief unexpectedly widespread in a communist country.
Religion and Progressive Politics in 2008
Directors of two progressive religious organizations and a political science professor discuss the origins of the “religious left” movement and how it might influence this year’s election.
Obama’s Catholic Voter Problem?
Hillary Clinton won the Catholic vote in Pennsylvania’s Democratic primary by more than a two-to-one margin, repeating a pattern among religious voters similar to those seen in other states. Does this have implications for the May 6 contests in Indiana and North Carolina?
Courts Not Silent on Moments of Silence
An Illinois statute, now on temporary hold by a U.S. District Court, has given rise to the latest in a long line of constitutional cases involving required moments-of-silence in public schools.
Two Perspectives on Gay Marriage
To explore the issues raised by same-sex marriage, the Pew Forum interviewed former Sen. Rick Santorum, who opposes gay marriage, and journalist Jonathan Rauch, who argues in its favor.
The ’Evidence for Belief’: An Interview with Francis Collins
In an interview, Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project and an evangelical Christian argues that advances in science present “an opportunity for worship,” rather than a catalyst for doubt.
Religious Voters in Pennsylvania
Connections that Clinton, Obama and McCain make — or fail to make — with the state’s religious voters could have major consequences on April 22 and November 4.
On the Court’s Docket: Child Rape and the Death Penalty
Is capital punishment for child rapists constitutional? On April 16, the Supreme Court will hear arguments pro and con. A legal expert discusses possible outcomes and implications of the case.
On Eve Of Visit, Pope Benedict Still Unknown to Many Americans
A new poll finds 30% of Americans know little about the pontiff. The pope’s efforts to reach out to other faiths receive mixed reviews overall but strong support among observant Catholics.