TheoBlog.com

The Associated Press and Ipsos have recently released poll data on the religious opinions of the populations of ten nations.

I'd love to do my own analysis of the data, but am a little strapped for time right now. One highlight:

Q: "How important would you say religion is in your life?"

A: From most to least religious...

United States
Very = 62%
Somewhat = 23
IMPORTANT subtotal = 86
Not too = 8
Not at all = 7
UNIMPORTANT subtotal = 14
Not sure = -

Mexico
Very important = 60
Somewhat = 25
IMPORTANT subtotal = 84
Not too = 11
Not at all = 4
UNIMPORTANT subtotal = 14
Not sure = -

Italy
Very important = 38
Somewhat = 41
IMPORTANT subtotal = 80
Not too = 14
Not at all = 6
UNIMPORTANT subtotal = 19
Not sure = 1

Canada
Very important = 34
Somewhat = 30
IMPORTANT subtotal = 64
Not too = 18
Not at all = 17
UNIMPORTANT subtotal = 35
Not sure = 1

South Korea
Very important = 22
Somewhat = 41
IMPORTANT subtotal = 63
Not too = 30
Not at all = 4
UNIMPORTANT subtotal = 34
Not sure = 3

Australia
Very important = 26
Somewhat = 29
IMPORTANT subtotal = 55
Not too = 20
Not at all = 25
UNIMPORTANT subtotal = 45
Not sure = -

Germany
Very important = 18
Somewhat = 36
IMPORTANT subtotal = 54
Not too = 26
Not at all = 20
UNIMPORTANT subtotal = 46
Not sure = -

Spain
Very important = 19
Somewhat = 27
IMPORTANT subtotal = 46
Not too = 28
Not at all = 24
UNIMPORTANT subtotal = 52
Not sure = 2

United Kingdom
Very important = 18
Somewhat = 25
IMPORTANT subtotal = 43
Not too = 31
Not at all = 25
UNIMPORTANT subtotal = 57
Not sure = 1

France
Very important = 14
Somewhat = 23
IMPORTANT subtotal = 37
Not too = 31
Not at all = 32
UNIMPORTANT subtotal = 63
Not sure = -

There's more fascinating information to be mined here, for anyone who takes the time. The poll, taken in the ten nations from May 13th to May 26th, can be found at the Ipsos News Center and (with less detail but prettier pictures) at the Associated Press site.

Other people's reporting and analysis of the data includes:

"God-Lite Doesn’t Cut It: Americans like a stouter brand"
2005.06.07 0747
Dave Shiflett
National Review

"AP Poll: Religion Key in American Lives"
2005.06.06 1356
Will Lester
Associated Press

"Religious zeal sets U.S. apart from allies"
2005.06.06 1043
Rachel Zoll
Associated Press

Each of these articles has an interesting take on the poll. The poll data itself at the Ipsos site gives pretty detailed breakdown by nation, denomination, education, employment, gender, age, etc.

Anyone concerned with serving or changing the religious attitudes of the world or their community ought to take a little time and dig into this information. Let us know what you come up with.