Watch CBS News

Survey: Majority Of Americans Feel Religion Is The Answer To All Of Today's Problems

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – What's the answer to all of today's problems?

Religion, at least according to 57% of Americans.

In the May 8 – 11 Gallup Values and Beliefs survey, just over 1,000 adults were asked whether or not religion can "answer today's problems."

Fifty-seven-percent, apparently, said yes.

But if you find that percentage a bit high, it's important to have some context. Gallup says it's actually down – way down – since the 1950s, when 82% said religion was the solution to the problems of the era.

Meanwhile, 30% of adults surveyed in the latest poll said the idea of religion as a balm for modern issues is "old fashioned and out of date."

Perhaps unsurprisingly, older adults, people from the South and conservatives were the most likely to view religion as a problem solver. Women were slightly more likely than men to place greater importance on religion.

For more information on the Gallup survey, click here.

Must Read Today's Top Talkers

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.