Religion
Related: About this forumThe Religious Makeup of the United States
Here's an interesting chart, based on the concept of there being just 100 people in the United States. It's an easy way to visualize the percentages of different religions in this country. But, see, Christians are persecuted here, many say...
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/11/14/if-the-u-s-had-100-people-charting-americans-religious-affiliations/
Note that almost 1/4 of the population is not affiliated with any religion. I guess that's the group that's doing the persecution, eh?
China, my ass!
redstatebluegirl
(12,477 posts)They act like the bully in the room that everyone gives in to. 1/4 of the country, think about that. Yes, some Catholics are very conservative and align with the evangelicals politically, but it still isn't anywhere near 1/2 the country.
Mariana
(15,097 posts)The majority of all Christians voted for Trump in 2016. The numbers were 58% of Protestants, 52% of Catholics, and 61% of Mormons.
Non-Christians, on the other hand, voted overwhelmingly for Clinton.
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/11/09/how-the-faithful-voted-a-preliminary-2016-analysis/
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)That would move a couple needles, electorally.
Major Nikon
(36,900 posts)Which is a voting block that identifies overwhelmingly with the GOP. The protestant/other Christian category shows a 19% differential in favor of the GOP with an even bigger margin with white Catholics and Mormons.
So yes, it is really true that 25% are determining our policies. So long as those same churches are preaching hate along with GOTV, this isn't likely to change much anytime soon.
guillaumeb
(42,649 posts)Those who vote decide for all the others.
Act_of_Reparation
(9,116 posts)guillaumeb
(42,649 posts)Major Nikon
(36,900 posts)In a country that is divided ideologically, theological alliances will inevitably tip the scales. You are talking about people who will reliably vote for one party, even when it's against their own best interests. GOTV efforts are also extremely strong in churches. That's why we get dipshit creationists on our state school board here in Texas. The voter turnout in off-cycle elections is extremely low and churches get an even bigger advantage.