According to a recent book published by pollster George Gallup Jr., 100 Questions and Answers, the religious beliefs and practices of American students are in a state of resurgent stability.
Results of a new study, in which 539 students at 100 colleges were surveyed, indicate a surprising trend. Although college students are generally viewed as having abandoned the faith of past generations, this poll reveals that worship and Bible study continue to be important to the youth of America. Gallup writes: “Basic religious beliefs, and even religious practice differ relatively little from the levels recorded 50 years ago.”
The findings indicate that among college students 80 percent consider religion important in their lives, and 55 percent attended worship services once or more during the month preceding the survey; 72 percent had attended worship services in the past six months. About half said that they read the Bible at least occasionally. Only 2.3 percent called themselves atheists.
In 100 Questions and Answers, Gallup comments on the trends revealed in the recent study: “In 50 years the nation’s social order has under gone rapid and profound transformations with little effect on measures of personal faith.”
