This is why I don't like debating religion

[GameOver22]

EdHieron said:

I'll admit that I don't think certain things like ghosts or maybe esp have been fully explained (away) yet.  However, the bolded is the position of 70% of American Christians and the line of reasoning that they base their political decisions upon in a country that is supposed to be founded upon the Principles of Separation of Church and State thus having an undue influence in such a nation.  Ftom your post, it seems that you're not in agreement with that position, so why shouldn't their erroneous position be argued against?

I think 70% is a bit high, but your point is taken. Having briefly looked at some surveys in the past, I have some questions about the survey methodologies, particularly questions concerning the literal truth of the Bible....I just don't know if they are accurately measuring this belief with the questions they ask.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/21814/evolution-creationism-intelligent-design.aspx-a Gallup poll on believe in creationism and evolution- fundametal beliefs are pretty constant around 45%....pretty high but not 70%. Needless to say, there are also other aspects of fundamentalsism where you would get different answers.

I would also add that there is a difference between people basing their political beliefs on religious ideals (gay marriage, abortion, etc.) and the institutionalization of reliigon within the government structure.....which is what the separation of church and state really addresses. Granted, Christiansity has always been a huge component of American culture.