Americans know that Religious Freedom is Under Fire

According to a new national survey, a growing number of Americans believe that religious liberty is now in decline in the U.S.  They are observing that Christians face a growing intolerance according to LifeWay Research.

Here is what they found in their national poll:

—Two-thirds (63%) say that Christians in America face an increasing intolerance. That’s a 13-point increase from 2013.

—A nearly identical amount (60%) say that religious liberty is on the decline in America.

—Among ministers, 70% of pastors believe that religious freedom is in decline in America.

—The perception that religious liberty is on the decline in America is “growing rapidly” according to LifeWay researchers.

—People of faith are more sensitive toward what they see as intolerance.  Seventy percent of Christians, 82% of self-identified evangelicals and 76% of those who regularly attend religious services once a week see more intolerance against them than they have in the past.

—While a majority of Americans disagree, a sizeable minority (43%) think that Christians complain too much about how they are treated.  This finding in and of itself may or may not be connected to a growing religious intolerance. Many people of faith specifically fear being silenced or efforts to limit their free speech rights.