Does Religion Really Affect Our Political Views?

What is your religion? Some would answer this question by saying that it is the most important part of their lives, it motivates them to get out of bed, it motivates them to be good people. Others will say not so much that you shouldn’t need religion to motivate you to be a better person. Most religious people would say that religion plays a central role in their lives. Studies have been done to show that religion affects our views on the world including family, politics, life goals and priorities. One of the most controversial is religions effect on political views. Many say that religion should not have any effect on political views however our views on religion shape the way we view morals, life, death and how the ideal society should look as whole. When our views on religion play such a central role in our lives it is impossible for it to not have at least some effect on our political views.

Over the years we have all heard the stereotype of the radical, bigoted, Conservative; and, the progressive accepting forward thinking Liberal; Many people seem to think that Christians are less open minded than Athiests. But, are these stereotypes really true? To see if these stereotypes were true stereotypes were true I interviewed various students around my campus.

The results

Of the students interviewed 60.8% of religious students identified as Liberals vs. 62.5% of non-religious students; Suprisingly only a 2% difference. Only 39.2% of religious students identified as Conservative vs. 37.5% of non-religious students. When asked about more specific issues the results were the simular When asked if same sex couples should have the right to marry 95.2% of religious students said yes Vs. only 87.8% non-religious students.

When asked if they would ever date someone if they would ever date someone who had different religious views 100% of non-religious students said that they be open to it & 76% of religious students said that they would be open to it.

Students who identified as politically conservative also held mostly favorable views on same sex marriage with 91.3% saying they supported gay marriage. 100% of Students who identified as politically Liberal said that they supported gay marriage.

Across the board it seemed like most students regardless of religious or political views held refreshingly tolerant views of same sex marriage and most students were also open to dating a person of a different faith. A it seemed like religion and political affiliation had little effect on whether or not a person was tolerant or intolerant. However there was one major factor that did.

The Real Difference

Of students who took AP classes regardless of religious or political affiliation 100% said that they supported gay marriage and 85.1% said that they would be open to dating a person who held different religious views. Of students in who did not take AP classes only 50% of the students interviewed said that they supported gay marriage and only 66.6% said that they would be open to dating a person who held different political views.

While many intelligent students do not not take AP classes taking AP classes is generally considered a maker of higher intelligence. More intelligent students are able to think beyond religion and political bias to realize that people are people regardless of their religion or sexual orientation.

In conclusion it was not religion or political affiliation that determines whether or not students were accepting it was intelligence.