G. Gallup Resources

Gallup, G. Jr. & Bezilla, R. (1985). The Gallup youth survey.

OVERVIEW

This survey indicates what U.S. teenagers believe. From 1977, Gallup has interviewed at least 2000 U.S. teenagers, ages 13-17. They find that the religious practices and beliefs of youth are consistent or growing in strength. Teens are about as likely as adults to believe in a Supreme Being (96% and 95%) and more likely to hold that Being to be a "personal" God who observes and rewards individual faith and practice. Nationally, young people attend church more frequently than adults (55% of youth in a given week as contrasted with 42% of adults).

Girls respond only insignificantly higher than boys as to faith in God, and older teens slightly lower than younger. Regional differences are more important with noticeably stronger faith and religious practice in the South and Midwest and lower in the West and East (especially the Northeast).

1. 96% Of all U.S. teens believe in a Supreme Being.
2. 75% Believe that He observes their actions.
3. 66% Believe that there is life after death.
4. 10% Read the Bible daily.
5. 30% Read the Bible at least weekly.
6. 18% Read the Bible at least once a month.
7. 22% Read it less than monthly.
8. 20% Read the Bible rarely or never.
9. 87% Have never prayed.
10. 60% Approve of prayer in schools.
11. 19% Now have a time for prayer in school.
12. 55% Attended church last week.
13. 50% Are members of a Protestant church.
14. 30% Are members of a Catholic church.
15. 52% Have confidence in organized religion.
16. 40% Believe religion is increasing its influence in U.S. life.
17. 67% Believe in angels (constant).
18. 15% Believe in ghosts (decline).
19. 52% Believe in the supernatural power of astrology (decline).
20. 19% Believe in witchcraft (decline).

IMPLICATIONS

Reference to "pagan kids" by some youth leaders and parents does not seem to be justified. Young people do tend to compartmentalize their lives in a secular society. They need help in integrating their lives with a consistent value system and unity of faith and practice. Some of their beliefs may be uncritically held since childhood and need examination in light of their present experience.

Dean Borgman cCYS