Friday, November 18, 2005
Alabama Christianity Leads the Nation
MONTGOMERY - According to a recent survey, 67% of Alabamians can be classified as “Born Again” - the highest percentage in the nation. Christian Coalition of Alabama (CCA) President John Giles says, “Alabama ranks first place in the nation in Christianity. Alabama leads the nation in the percentage of residents that claim faith in Christ. This is a testament to our fine and tirelessly dedicated clergy across this state.” CCA announced today the results of a survey conducted by nationally renowned BARNA Research (http://www.barna.org ), indicating Alabama leads the nation in those professing Christianity. Excerpts from the BARNA Report:
“The statewide data showed that Alabama earned the top ranking for the percentage of residents who are born again: 67%. Overall, nine states had 50% or more of the adult population who were born again. Among the 27 most populous states, the one that emerged with the lowest percentage who are born again, by far, was Massachusetts (17%). The four states with the lowest percentages of adult Christians were all in the Northeast. In a similar manner, the state whose population generated the highest Christian-orientation score was Alabama. Adults are most likely to claim they have a responsibility to share their religious beliefs with other people if they live in Birmingham, Alabama. Personal evangelism efforts were most common in Alabama and Louisiana. The report also explores the faith of residents in the 27 most populous states. The state with the highest percentage of adults who are evangelical is Alabama.”
This high percentage of Christians explains many of the powerful dynamics of Alabama. “If anything good needs to happen or if anything bad needs to be blocked, Alabamians can meet that challenge. This survey also explains why our people are so benevolent to the poor,” Giles said. According to the 2004 Generosity Index published by the Catalogue for Philanthropy (http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org), Alabamians ranked 38th in personal assets, but 7th in giving, resulting in an overall Generosity Index rating of 5th in the nation. In similar findings, a 2002 exit poll conducted by Marketing Research Institute (MRI) (http://www.ccbama.org/pollinginformation/2002ChristianCoalitionImpact.pdf) in Alabama found that 32% of all Alabamians considered themselves to be supporters or members of the CCA; and according to a June 2000 survey by MRI (http://www.ccbama.org/pollinginformation/alabamastatewidesurvey2000.pdf), by a margin of greater than two to one, Alabamians agreed with the CCA on economic, social, and moral issues.
CCA President John Giles concludes, “.... In the 2006 Primary, the Christian vote in Alabama will potentially result in the largest percentage vote in the nation protecting traditional marriage.” From Christian Coalition Alabama 8/30/2005
“The statewide data showed that Alabama earned the top ranking for the percentage of residents who are born again: 67%. Overall, nine states had 50% or more of the adult population who were born again. Among the 27 most populous states, the one that emerged with the lowest percentage who are born again, by far, was Massachusetts (17%). The four states with the lowest percentages of adult Christians were all in the Northeast. In a similar manner, the state whose population generated the highest Christian-orientation score was Alabama. Adults are most likely to claim they have a responsibility to share their religious beliefs with other people if they live in Birmingham, Alabama. Personal evangelism efforts were most common in Alabama and Louisiana. The report also explores the faith of residents in the 27 most populous states. The state with the highest percentage of adults who are evangelical is Alabama.”
This high percentage of Christians explains many of the powerful dynamics of Alabama. “If anything good needs to happen or if anything bad needs to be blocked, Alabamians can meet that challenge. This survey also explains why our people are so benevolent to the poor,” Giles said. According to the 2004 Generosity Index published by the Catalogue for Philanthropy (http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org), Alabamians ranked 38th in personal assets, but 7th in giving, resulting in an overall Generosity Index rating of 5th in the nation. In similar findings, a 2002 exit poll conducted by Marketing Research Institute (MRI) (http://www.ccbama.org/pollinginformation/2002ChristianCoalitionImpact.pdf) in Alabama found that 32% of all Alabamians considered themselves to be supporters or members of the CCA; and according to a June 2000 survey by MRI (http://www.ccbama.org/pollinginformation/alabamastatewidesurvey2000.pdf), by a margin of greater than two to one, Alabamians agreed with the CCA on economic, social, and moral issues.
CCA President John Giles concludes, “.... In the 2006 Primary, the Christian vote in Alabama will potentially result in the largest percentage vote in the nation protecting traditional marriage.” From Christian Coalition Alabama 8/30/2005
