Promising Revelations Undoing the False Impressions of America's Faithful

Key Findings:

The report explores how misperceptions, particularly about religion, fuel polarization in the United States, emphasizing that these misunderstandings make it harder to overcome societal divides. Drawing on a study of over 6,000 Americans across various faiths—Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Latter-day Saints, and non-religious groups—the research identifies significant "perception gaps" that distort how different religious communities understand each other. These gaps are central to the animosity that characterizes America's polarized landscape.

The report maintains that, rather than being part of the problem, America's faith communities have the potential to play a central role in depolarization efforts, particularly through local, community-based initiatives.

A major discussion is the misconception that religion, particularly Evangelical Christianity, is dominated by politics. The study shows that non-Evangelicals vastly overestimate the political identity of Evangelicals, with many assuming Evangelicals prioritize partisan affiliation when, in reality, politics plays a much smaller role in their religious life. This misperception contributes to what the report calls “collateral contempt,” where political hostility spills over into broader disdain for entire religious groups, further deepening polarization.

Another key finding addresses the widespread belief that religion is becoming irrelevant in modern American life, particularly among younger generations. While trends like the rise of the religiously unaffiliated ("nones") and declining church memberships in some denominations are real, the research shows that faith remains a crucial part of identity for most Americans, including young people. Contrary to popular belief, younger Jewish and Muslim Americans, in particular, hold their religious identities in high regard.

The public often underestimates the extent to which religious communities support diversity and coexistence. Most Americans, including Evangelicals and Muslims, actually value religious pluralism and believe the U.S. should be a place where people of all faiths can belong. The misconception of intolerance not only isolates religious groups but also obscures the shared moral and civic values—such as freedom of speech, equal rights, and kindness—that cut across religious boundaries.

Furthermore, local faith leaders are still among the most trusted figures in their communities despite the erosion of trust in national institutions — and thus, are uniquely positioned to bridge divides and foster unity and understanding. Around half of Americans who regularly attend religious services want their religious leaders to offer guidance on navigating political and cultural differences.

Despite conflicts within religious communities over issues like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and the Israel-Hamas war, the report maintains that religious spaces remain one of the few institutions capable of countering America's deepening political segregation (though this will look, sound and feel different for each faith group.) Organizations that bring people of different faiths together can build upon our common ground, emphasizing shared values such as kindness, hospitality, and love expressed through rituals distinctive to different faith traditions, as well as civic values and a common American identity.

Those who tell the stories of who we are, from reporters and commentators to creatives and influencers, have both a responsibility and an opportunity to cast a larger vision for an America in which everyone can belong. Telling the stories that respect people’s differences but also find our common humanity can contribute towards a healthier pluralism. Many Americans want to see their faith portrayed in ways that highlight its positive impact on their lives, the significance it holds for them, and the good it brings to their communities. The media can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of religious life in America.