Views of Islam in U.S. Remain Sharply Divided, Finds New Pew Poll
New Pew public opinion poll reports how Americans view Islam and Muslims. Significant differences of opinions occur among various religious groups.
(PRWEB) September 11, 2004 -- Roughly four-in-ten Americans (39%) say they
have a favorable impression of Islam, while about as many (37%) say they have an
unfavorable view, finds a new poll conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion &
Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People & the
Press.
The balance of opinion has not changed substantially in the past
year (39% favorable in July 2003). But there are significant differences of
opinion among religious groups, with white Evangelical Protestants having a much
more negative view of Islam than white Catholics, Mainline Protestants or
secular Americans.
Americans were asked if Islam is more likely to
encourage violence; how many Muslims are anti-American; and whether the Islamic
religion is more likely to encourage violence among its believers.
The
results of the poll, released Thursday, September 09, 2004, can be found online
at http://pewforum.org/publications/surveys/islam.pdf
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/9/prweb157288.htm