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 Two authors describe Americans' ability to get along with people of different religions as the 'Aunt Susan effect.'
February 23rd, 2012
03:17 PM ET
Americans are polarized on religion but agreeable about it, authors sayEditor's note: Listen to the CNN Radio interview with Robert Putnam and David Campbell, authors "American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us": By Katie Glaeser and Emma Lacey-Bordeaux, CNN Forget the economy. Debate about contraception, abortion, same-sex marriage, even Satan, has attracted just as much attention on the presidential campaign trail in recent weeks. While culture war issues make headlines galore, an exhaustive study of Americans' religious attitudes shows the public as a whole might not find the debate so enticing. Robert Putnam and David Campbell are authors of the recent book "American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us" and say that Americans have a knack for being able to disagree about hot button issues without being disagreeable. "America is very unusual in being able to live comfortably with the people we disagree with," says Putnam, a Harvard University professor who also wrote the book "Bowling Alone." Putnam and Campbell, of Notre Dame University, spent several years surveying thousands of Americans, seeking to understand how voters deal with religious differences. Their portrait of the American faithful does reveal some rising tension. Putnam and Campbell found that the nation has grown increasingly polarized as more people either strongly identify with a particular religion or avoid organized religion altogether. But this polarization doesn't always mean conflict. "If you only read the newspapers, you'd think that Americans really were at each others throats when it comes to religion" Campbell says. To explain how Americans avoid fighting over the hot button issues that attract major heat at the national level, the authors point to what they call the "Aunt Susan effect.” "That's the person in your family whom you know is destined for heaven even though she's of a different faith than you," Campell says. Americans tend to become more tolerant about different ideologies and religions when they know someone who subscribes to them. Putnam says that this mingling has increased through friendships and marriage "so there are a lot of Aunt Susans around, more than there used to be and that in a way has offset this debate we're having in the public arena about religion." Through their survey of roughly 4,000 randomly selected Americans, the two found that views of specific religious groups have shifted. "It turns out that the most popular religious groups in the U.S. today are Jews, followed by Catholics, which is amazing," Campbell said. "Fifty to 100 years ago those groups would've been near the bottom of that ranking." When John F. Kennedy, a Catholic, ran for president a half-century ago, he faced voters whose opinions on his religion ran from uncertain to hostile. Today, many Americans harbor similar feelings toward Muslims and Mormons. The authors say those views help explain the relative silence from candidate Mitt Romney on his Mormon upbringing and faith. CNN Radio's John Lisk asked Putnam and Campbell about another presidential contender, Richard Nixon, who appealed to the right during the primary but won the general election by winning many moderate voters. Applying that model to the current race, Campbell says devout Catholic Rick Santorum may have overplayed his hand in voicing strong conservative positions on social issues. "Young people are way more liberal on homosexuality and contraception," Putnam says. "That's where Santorum is in trouble." The authors found the nation has increasingly tolerant views with regard to homosexuality and Putnam says that "Santorum has put himself in a small minority" with some of his incendiary statements about gays. At the same time, Putnam and Campbell say they found a new strain of conservatism emerging in the country. "Supporters of the Tea Party not only want to shrink government, but it's a group who has a particular view of how government and religion are intertwined," Campbell said. "That's historically unusual." It's also unpopular, the authors say. The alliance between one political party and organized religion has provoked many believers to walk away from religious institutions, Putnam says. "They are fleeing the church because they are so opposed to this merger," Putnam said. At the same time, the authors say more religious leaders are deciding to back away from politics. By halting "political sermonizing," the authors say faith leaders hope to draw and retain congregants. But don't expect culture war issues to fade in the GOP primaries. The GOP base rewards candidates for moving "toward the most conservative end of the spectrum religiously, all competing to be the most conservative on those issues," Putnam said. "That defines the primary campaign." |
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The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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The best Thanksgiving Day Breakfast!
Make a nice bowl of warm yummy oatmeal. Sweeten to taste.
Then pour some of your favorite single malt scotch whiskey over it and enjoy!
Great for all holidays or any time!
Some people believe in an evil underworld demon.
They believe this dastardly chap's name is Satan, and that he hates us.
An evil demon named Satan hates us.
People believe this.
Truly hilarious.....
Word on the street is he is actually unnaturally fond of you.
Not so hilarious once you look at Santorums agenda- Then Santan becomes a potential candidate for pres of the US! That's what inspired me to cvampaigne for Obama- Satan GOP or Obama, Simple choice
Every time my bus passes a church it is always the people who are gossiping or bad-mouthing the most who make the sign of the cross so quickly, so automatically and then get right back to the odious things they were saying.
This is a great example of people who claim to be a religion and those that actually practice that religion.
One is called a 'cultural _____' rather than a 'practicing _____'.
The bible is clear on this. You will know them by their fruits. This mean how they act.
Jesus doesn't always drink beer. But when he does, he prefers Boddington's.
Oi!
Jesus doesn't always come around, but when he does, he won't shut up, so people kick the sh!t out of him and shank his a.ss.
The Big Bang for beginners: http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2012/02/the_big_bang_for_beginners.php
I know that most of you thumpers out there won’t take the time to read it but that’s OK. You probably wouldn’t understand it anyway. It’s written at a 10th grade reading level.
When did God create the Mormon planet Kolob? No kidding, they have a planet.
I like turtles, ice cream, and men.
Me too!
Me also!
Wow I can't believe I also agree.
herbie
Post by hippypoet contains the Weirdo Fallacy.
http://www.weirdofallacy.com/hippypoetisaloser
@fallacy,
Pot meet kettle, kettle meet pot.
I'm back, and couldnt agree more.
Sounds like Nii is at it again. Troll!!
hmmm, you guys are extremely bizarre, I hope none of you live close to me at all because I'd be a little terrified.
@jim,
Good guess but try again loser.
there is no hebie
no herbie either
I am a bunny rabbit man, jelly beans (no black ones) and of course, men.
herbie get a hand job
There IS a Herbie!
There is no herbie
I see the usual losers are at it again......Having fun with yourselves guys?
From the Article:
"America is very unusual in being able to live comfortably with the people we disagree with," says Putnam, a Harvard University professor who also wrote the book "Bowling Alone."
Yes! This is the America know and love. We are tolerant. Do what you want, as long as it's legal and doesn't hurt anyone. Live and let live. Agree to disagree.
Unfortunately, the Christian Right wants to dominate our country. They want everyone to believe as they do. They want to make the laws agree with their beliefs. They want our country declared a Christian Nation. They will define "Christian". Beware Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, and eventually Catholics.
If you love freedom, if you love the religion you now practice... Vote for the Dems in 2012.
A vote for the Republicans, is a vote for Christian Right domination. This would be intolerable.
Cheers!
Or just support the war with Iran, and send the Jeebus freaks to kill the diaper heads.
As long as we keep some war going, we can keep the holy rollers is some middle eastern hell hole.
The last two years seem like 66 and 67 all over again.
If the pattern holds true this summer should have some high profile assasinations!
Question of the day:
What figures assasination would cause the most chaos?
The Ayatollah's assassination would cause havoc in the middle east.
Romney. It would lead to a feeding frenzy between Santorum and Gingrich. Chaotic, but harmless and hilarious.
Similar thoughts but I was thinking Netanyahu.
Causus Belli!
Summarizing politely :
Putting the final kibosh on religion to include Mormonism:
• There was probably no Abraham i.e. the foundations of Judaism, Christianity and Islam are non-existent.
• There was probably no Moses i.e the pillars of Judaism, Christianity and Islam have no strength of purpose.
• There was no Gabriel i.e. Islam fails as a religion. Christianity partially fails.
• There was no Easter i.e. Christianity completely fails as a religion.
• There was no Moroni i.e. Mormonism is nothing more than a business cult.
• Sacred/revered cows, monkey gods, castes, reincarnations and therefore Hinduism fails as a religion.
• Fat Buddhas here, skinny Buddhas there, reincarnated Buddhas everywhere makes for a no on Buddhism.
A quick Google, Bing or Yahoo search will put the kibosh on any other groups calling themselves a religion.
e.g. Taoism
"The origins of Taoism are unclear. Traditionally, Lao-tzu who lived in the sixth century is regarded as its founder. Its early philosophic foundations and its later beliefs and rituals are two completely different ways of life. Today (1982) Taoism claims 31,286,000 followers.
Legend says that Lao-tzu was immaculately conceived by a shooting star; carried in his mother's womb for eighty-two years; and born a full grown wise old man. "
Only for the those interested in a religious update:
1. origin: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20E1EFE35540C7A8CDDAA0894DA404482
“New Torah For Modern Minds
Abraham, the Jewish patriarch, probably never existed. Nor did Moses. The entire Exodus story as recounted in the Bible probably never occurred. The same is true of the tumbling of the walls of Jericho. And David, far from being the fearless king who built Jerusalem into a mighty capital, was more likely a provincial leader whose reputation was later magnified to provide a rallying point for a fledgling nation.
Such startling propositions – the product of findings by archaeologists digging in Israel and its environs over the last 25 years – have gained wide acceptance among non-Orthodox rabbis. But there has been no attempt to disseminate these ideas or to discuss them with the laity – until now.
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, which represents the 1.5 million Conservative Jews in the United States, has just issued a new Torah and commentary, the first for Conservatives in more than 60 years. Called "Etz Hayim" ("Tree of Life" in Hebrew), it offers an interpretation that incorporates the latest findings from archaeology, philology, anthropology and the study of ancient cultures. To the editors who worked on the book, it represents one of the boldest efforts ever to introduce into the religious mainstream a view of the Bible as a human rather than divine docu-ment. “
2. Jesus was an illiterate Jewish peasant/carpenter/simple preacher man who suffered from hallucinations (or “mythicizing” from P, M, M, L and J) and who has been characterized anywhere from the Messiah from Nazareth to a mythical character from mythical Nazareth to a ma-mzer from Nazareth (Professor Bruce Chilton, in his book Rabbi Jesus). An-alyses of Jesus’ life by many contemporary NT scholars (e.g. Professors Ludemann, Crossan, Borg and Fredriksen, ) via the NT and related doc-uments have concluded that only about 30% of Jesus' sayings and ways noted in the NT were authentic. The rest being embellishments (e.g. miracles)/hallucinations made/had by the NT authors to impress various Christian, Jewish and Pagan sects.
The 30% of the NT that is "authentic Jesus" like everything in life was borrowed/plagiarized and/or improved from those who came before. In Jesus' case, it was the ways and sayings of the Babylonians, Greeks, Persians, Egyptians, Hitt-ites, Canaanites, OT, John the Baptizer and possibly the ways and sayings of traveling Greek Cynics.
earlychristianwritings.com/theories.html
For added "pizzazz", Catholic theologians divided god the singularity into three persons and invented atonement as an added guilt trip for the "pew people" to go along with this trinity of overseers. By doing so, they made god the padre into god the "filicider".
Current RCC problems:
Pedophiliac priests, an all-male, mostly white hierarchy, atonement theology and original sin!!!!
2 b., Luther, Calvin, Joe Smith, Henry VIII, Wesley, Roger Williams, the Great “Babs” et al, founders of Christian-based religions or combination religions also suffered from the belief in/hallucinations of "pretty wingie thingie" visits and "prophecies" for profits analogous to the myths of Catholicism (resurrections, apparitions, ascensions and immacu-late co-nceptions).
Current problems:
Adulterous preachers, pedophiliac clerics, "propheteering/ profiteering" evangelicals and atonement theology,
3. Mohammed was an illiterate, womanizing, lust and greed-driven, warmongering, hallucinating Arab, who also had embellishing/hallucinating/plagiarizing scribal biographers who not only added "angels" and flying chariots to the koran but also a militaristic agenda to support the plundering and looting of the lands of non-believers.
This agenda continues as shown by the ma-ssacre in Mumbai, the as-sas-sinations of Bhutto and Theo Van Gogh, the conduct of the seven Muslim doctors in the UK, the 9/11 terrorists, the 24/7 Sunni suicide/roadside/market/mosque bombers, the 24/7 Shiite suicide/roadside/market/mosque bombers, the Islamic bombers of the trains in the UK and Spain, the Bali crazies, the Kenya crazies, the Pakistani “koranics”, the Palestine suicide bombers/rocketeers, the Lebanese nutcases, the Taliban nut jobs, the Ft. Hood follower of the koran, and the Filipino “koranics”.
And who funds this muck and stench of terror? The warmongering, Islamic, Shiite terror and torture theocracy of Iran aka the Third Axis of Evil and also the Sunni "Wannabees" of Saudi Arabia.
Current crises:
The Sunni-Shiite blood feud and the warmongering, womanizing (11 wives), hallucinating founder.
4. Hinduism (from an online Hindu site) – "Hinduism cannot be described as an organized religion. It is not founded by any individual. Hinduism is God centered and therefore one can call Hinduism as founded by God, because the answer to the question ‘Who is behind the eternal principles and who makes them work?’ will have to be ‘Cosmic power, Divine power, God’."
The caste/laborer system, reincarnation and cow worship/reverence are problems when saying a fair and rational God founded Hinduism."
Current problems:
The caste system, reincarnation and cow worship/reverence.
5. Buddhism- "Buddhism began in India about 500 years before the birth of Christ. The people living at that time had become disillusioned with certain beliefs of Hinduism including the caste system, which had grown extremely complex. The number of outcasts (those who did not belong to any particular caste) was continuing to grow."
"However, in Buddhism, like so many other religions, fanciful stories arose concerning events in the life of the founder, Siddhartha Gautama (fifth century B.C.):"
Archaeological discoveries have proved, beyond a doubt, his historical character, but apart from the legends we know very little about the circu-mstances of his life. e.g. Buddha by one legend was supposedly talking when he came out of his mother's womb.
Bottom line: There are many good ways of living but be aware of the hallucinations, embellishments, lies, and myths surrounding the founders and foundations of said rules of life.
Then, apply the Five F rule: "First Find the Flaws, then Fix the Foundations". And finally there will be religious peace and religious awareness in the world!!!!!
With Reality here, all we need is Heaven Sent, and we will have a fruit of every flavor present!
damn son, you can really hog up the blog space...
You know, you're not really all that bad Reality. I actually read it this time and I think you're merely boring. What are you wearing?
Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son
I see Reality as a Peter Lorrie type.
Nervous little guy with round glasses.
With a sheen of sweat. What a little pervert.
I will actually take that "Atheism is not helthy" guy posting about prayer over Reality some days. At least the other guy is succinct.
So when I drop acid, who is that I am seeing then? Joseph Smith?
YOU might see Joseph Smith, but I could swear I'm seeing Jerry Garcia. Which sounds fine until you find out how much I dislike the Grateful Dead. It's almost enough to put me off acid forever.
For those who are reading challenged: (from a PowerPoint slide)
SAVING 1.5 BILLION LOST MUSLIMS:
THERE NEVER WERE AND NEVER WILL BE ANY ANGELS I.E. NO GABRIEL, NO ISLAM AND THEREFORE NO MORE KORANIC-DRIVEN ACTS OF HORROR AND TERROR LIKE 9/11.
SAVING 2 BILLION LOST CHRISTIANS:
THERE WERE NEVER ANY BODILY RESURRECTIONS AND THERE WILL NEVER BE ANY BODILY RESURRECTIONS I.E. NO EASTER, NO CHRISTIANITY.
SAVING 15.5 MILLION FOLLOWERS OF JUDAISM:
ABRAHAM AND MOSES PROBABLY NEVER EXISTED.
@Tom Tom – Although I prefer Norman Greenbaum "Spirit in the sky". I'm a child of the 70's after all.
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that's the best
When I lay me down to die
Goin' up to the spirit in the sky
Goin' up to the spirit in the sky
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that's the best
Prepare yourself, you know it's a must
Gotta have a friend in Jesus
So you know that when you die
He's gonna recommend you to the spirit in the sky
Gonna recommend you to the spirit in the sky
That's where you're gonna go when you die
When you die and they lay you to rest
You're gonna go to the place that's the best
Never been a sinner, I never sinned
I got a friend in Jesus
So you know that when I die
He's gonna set me up with the spirit in the sky
Oh, set me up with the spirit in the sky
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
I'm gonna go to the place that's the best
Go to the place that's the best
that is one of my favorite songs – i know, the irony! 🙂 can't hate a good song no matter what the lyrics!
Ah the Jews for Jesus movement! I remember it well!
Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar were two other attempts by the indoctrinated to convert hippies.
We knew it all along! We would play along and then spike the picnic lemonade with qualudes.
Nothin hornier than a Jeebus bimbo on ludes!
@Will – "Nothin hornier than a Jeebus bimbo on ludes!" That is the funniest damn thing i've heard all day. LOL.
"The only good thing ever to come out of religion was the music" -George Carlin
Americans of every stripe, theist or atheist, can put aside their differences and come together in simple, pure, unadulterated suspi.cion of Muslims and/or anyone from a country that ends in "stan".
Hooray for warrantless, roving wire-tape and indefinitie detainment in secret prisons without trial for anyone suspected of saying "Allah" instead of "Jesus".
Joe McCarthy would be proud.
so doc, you acknowledge cultural brainwashing but not religious brainwashing....how does that work exactly?
Aunt Susan seems to ignore the atheists. Why?!?!
Because we know Aunt Susie is actualy Uncle Ben, the Cardinal from Newark.
He has a pany hose fetish.
clearly this author needs to do more research before coming to any conclusions...the conclusion that is shown is one of those delusions of grandeur again...i for one wish the conclusion was correct, but a very quick look at these blogs and one has already proven the articles/authors conclusions to be wrong!
but whatever, people jump to there own conclusions more often then not and too quick with the jumping as well!
If it wasn't for anonymous blogs we'd be at close quarters with knives.
I think we should all be terribly terribly nice to each other.
Kumbaya Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya, oh
Kumbaya Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya
Somebody needs You Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya, oh
Somebody needs You Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya
Somebody's praying Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya, oh
Somebody's praying Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya
Oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
Kumbaya
Oh Lord, Lord Kumbaya
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/k/kurt_carr/kumbaya.html ]
I need a blessing Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya, oh
I need a blessing Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya
I need a miracle Kumbaya
Kumbaya, oh
I need a miracle Kumbaya
Kumbaya
Oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
Kumbaya
Oh Lord, Lord Kumbaya
Oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
Kumbaya
Oh Lord, Lord
Shower down on me
Shower down on me
I need You to shower down on me
Lord I'm down here praying
Lord I need a blessing
Images of nuns with guitars come to mind.
All those secret rituals with the girls volleyball team.
Bowchickawowow
LOL – "Bowchickawowow"
Come on. You're all special to me and I'm feeling really good. Let's sing it together.
Demuth finally found its mate in Tommie! Aww...too cute...
For Tom, Tom...
Kumbaya Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya, oh
Kumbaya Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya
Can't you just feel the love? Love is all you need.
Rick Santorum drinks the milk of human kindness.
From Altar boys.
President Santorum may not see you as the wit you think you are. Guantanamo ain't full yet.
Neither is Arlington National.
Only time will tell.
Hu hu, Santorum. Why dont you google his name. Now that is some funny shiznit.
Whoever wrote this article clearly never read the CNN comment section.
Did these authors forget the atheists while writing this piece?
True, the atheists do not count in these important studies they are always ignored by the elite!
Prayer changes things
Obviously it cant stop you from posting.
Prayer can never be offered to violate an individuals right to talk with God and encourage others to do so.
Prayer works, sometimes. I've also found that when I roll dice I come up with two sixes, sometimes.
just sayin
AH, so you admit God is NOT omnipotent?
Can he make a kidney stone so large that Shaquil O'neil can't pass it?
Change offered to accepted.
just sayin
Could you translate that last one into human for me?
Why do you want a comment translated into a language you do not know William?
just sayin
Although I'm an atheist, and I'm supposed to disagree with everything you say, that was still pretty funny.
Katie and Emma,
You sure got it wrong there. I an not agreeable at all about people who are delusional making laws that affect my freedoms.
But what politician isn't delusional?
Without term limits and SERIOUS prosecution of corrupted public servants, the lunatics will always be in charge of the asylum.
Its just a question of choosing which madness disturbs you the least.
That is true.
I agree.
I mean I don't like Satan, but I would have a beer with him.
Its the Christians I loathe.
Do you suppose he's a microbrew kind of guy?
sam
Excellent question of the day!
What would Jesus drink?
What would the Devil drink?
This should be interesting!
Well, obviously Jesus would be drinking wine. After all he was poor and it would be free for him.
Sat on the other hand would be hitting the bottom shelf Tequilla. That's the guy that I want to drink with. Imagine the women that are going to be hanging around that table.
jimtanker
So Jesus would be doing Thunderbird, Mad Dog 20/20, or Ripple?
I don't know. Jesus was known for hanging around with some real ho-bags. But all the wine you can drink, free of charge!
Then again, I'm sure Satan would have all the fine women but he'd probably run out on the bill sticking you with it at the end.
Satan is a hero. He stood up against God's tyrannical regime. As for what he would drink, I'd say Johhnie Walker.
In all seriousness, Santorum is a moron. Ron Paul is by far the most intelligent person to seek the Republican nomination in years, yet he's behind three idiots. It really says a lot about the GOP.
Atheism is not healthy for children and other living things
Speaking the Truth in love
Talking with God
Spreading the Word of the Lord
Worship and adoration
All made possible by the sacrifice
Of Jesus Christ.
Rick Santorum can go all the way to the White House on the momentum he now has. Ron Paul isn't in this thing.
Rick Santorum drinks the milk of human kindness
Ronald The Idiot.
Ron Paul isn't in it. That's exactly my point. Only a complete moron would vote for an idiot like Santorum over Ron Paul.
Seems reasonable thatJesus drinks wine, something nice and dry, but with a fruity quality (I actually don't know sh!t about wine).
But I can pretty much guarantee you that Satan drinks absinthe, in a bottle he brought. And he tricks your dumbuss into drinking it too. Then you wake up two days later married to something that you can't actually confirm the age or gender of without looking way closer than you ever want to get, while wondering what part of this hellish planet you are currently occupying. (For those who don't know, it is customary to drink absinthe by mixing it with sugar and water. DO NOT skip out on the water. That's 18 hours of my life I'm never getting back)
He prefers NewCastle Brown Ale.
If jesus came back today he would be shot in the head. That's what you do to put down zombies, otherwise they eat your brains.
BRC,
Great advice. I still think that he's a Tequilla kind of guy.
jimtanker,
I could see tequila, and definitely not the good kind.