Evangelicals remain exceptions in their opposition to both homosexuality and same-sex marriage – Baptist News Global

Evangelical Christians remain the only exceptions among Americans opposed to both homosexual practices and same-sex marriage, according to social scientist Ryan Burge.

In a December 16 post on his “Graphs About Religion” subpile, Burge explores the question of whether there are people who support the right to same-sex marriage while also believing that same-sex relations are a sin. The short answer to this question is no, although Burge writes in more detail about the data in his article.

However, what he documents through this research – revealed through a series of graphs – is what other researchers have noted over the past decade: the remarkable turnaround Americans have experienced in accepting homosexuality and believing that adults should be able to unite in same-sex marriages. just like in heterosexual marriages.

Although opposition to homosexuality remains a frequent topic of discussion among evangelical preachers and nonprofit organizations—including Focus on the Family and the Southern Baptist Convention—it is not a widely held view among nationally successful conservative politicians.

For his analysis, Burge relies on data from the General Social Survey, one of the largest American opinion databases with longitudinal comparisons.

“The trend is extremely clear,” he writes. “In 1973, about three-quarters of those surveyed thought homosexuality was still a bad thing, compared with just 11 percent who said it was not a bad thing at all. But from around 1990, these lines started to come together. In 2012, they crossed paths about 45% and have since continued to move in opposite directions. In 2022, 63% of Americans thought same-sex relationships were not bad at all, an increase of 52 points in 49 years. Meanwhile, the share of those who thought it was still false fell to 29%, a drop of 45 points. Today, about 70 percent of Americans are generally accepting of homosexual behavior, up from less than 20 percent in 1973.”

“In the United States, only one group remains clearly opposed to homosexuality: evangelicals.

Americans’ attitudes toward same-sex marriage have changed dramatically over the past 16 years, he adds, also illustrating the phenomenon with graphs.

“In 2006, only 15% strongly agreed that same-sex couples should have the right to marry, while 35% strongly disagreed. In total, around 35% were for and 50% against in 2006, with the remainder taking a neutral stance.

However, by 2022, “45% strongly agree with same-sex marriage, with another 20% agreeing. In total, about two-thirds of Americans now support same-sex marriage. In contrast, the strongly disagree share fell to just 12%, and the disagree share fell to 8%. The neutral share is now around 15%.

Let’s return to his original question about how many Americans have conflicting opinions by opposing homosexuality while supporting same-sex marriage. Little.

And not even evangelicals. Their opposition appears to be a blanket agreement, he says.

“In the United States, there is only one group left clearly opposed to homosexuality: evangelicals. In 2021 and 2022 data, 55% opposed same-sex marriage and thought same-sex behavior was wrong. Black Protestants were next closest at 27 percent, followed by mainline Protestants at 20 percent, Catholics and other faith groups at 15 percent.

“In contrast, large majorities in many groups support same-sex marriage and see nothing wrong with homosexual behavior: 91% of the non-religious, 76% of those from other faith groups, 75% of Catholics and 73% traditional Protestants. . A slim majority of black Protestants (56%) also fell into this category, but only 29% of evangelicals did.

To see the full set of charts and analysis, visit “Religion Graphics” sub-pile where Burge is offering a discounted subscription until December 25.

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