In For Goodness' Sake , sponsored by The Pew Charitable Trusts , Public Agenda set out to better understand what Americans think about religion, its role in the United States today, and how it intersects with public life. And to most citizens, it doesn't matter which religion is involved. However, alongside this conviction is an equally strong respect for religious diversity that translates into a strong tolerance of other people's beliefs. Americans seem to expect that they will encounter people of different faiths in their daily lives, and have absorbed the idea of respect into their social conduct. This recognition of the importance of both religious faith and religious diversity is underscored repeatedly in the study.
School prayer is a good example.
While many Americans seem to feel the nation has gone too far in removing religion from public schools, only 6 percent call for a school prayer tailored to the Christian majority. Most are reluctant to isolate students whose beliefs are different, and voice concern that school prayers may infringe on the rights of parents. Reaching for balance, the public favors a moment of silence over a spoken prayer. But at the same time, most Americans see persuasive arguments on both sides of the issue. This attitude extends to public views on the role of religion in politics and government.