More Than Half of Americans Believe Religious Liberty, Tolerance for Christians Are on the Decline

Catholics (59 percent), Protestants (69 percent) and those with other religious beliefs (52 percent) all agreed that Christians are facing increased intolerance.

About 40 percent of people not affiliated with any faith said the same of Christians.

Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, said this intolerance surrounds “cultural pushback.”

“In the American marketplace of ideas, not all systems of thought are welcomed,” McConnell said. “The majority of all religions notice this pushback against Christians today.

“Freedoms are not limitless,” McConnell said. “As some groups seek more freedom, it often encroaches on another’s freedom. It’s not surprising those who are more religiously active are the ones noticing reductions in religious freedom compared to those who don’t practice religion.”

Some 36 percent of respondents said they believe Christians “complain too much about how they are treated,” but 49 percent disagreed.

“While people of faith have had real challenges to their religious liberty in recent years in the U.S., it’s easy to become known only for talking about these issues,” McConnell said. “It’s ironic that the very ones people of faith would like to convert are noticing what Christians say about what they’re losing rather than what good they have to offer.”

The survey also found:

• Males (40 percent) are more likely than females (32 percent) to agree that Christians complain too much about how they are treated.
• Those who attend a worship service less than once a month (55 percent) are least likely to believe Christians are facing increasing levels of intolerance.
• Those with more education are likely to disagree that Christians are facing intolerance. Americans with a bachelor’s degree (30 percent) or graduate degree (31 percent) are more likely to disagree than those with some college (20 percent) or a high school diploma (21 percent.)

Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Pcess609

Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.