Views of Islam in U.S. Remain Sharply Divided, Finds New Pew Poll

New Pew public opinion poll reports how Americans view Islam and Muslims. Significant differences of opinions occur among various religious groups.

(PRWEB) September 11, 2004 -- Roughly four-in-ten Americans (39%) say they have a favorable impression of Islam, while about as many (37%) say they have an unfavorable view, finds a new poll conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.

The balance of opinion has not changed substantially in the past year (39% favorable in July 2003). But there are significant differences of opinion among religious groups, with white Evangelical Protestants having a much more negative view of Islam than white Catholics, Mainline Protestants or secular Americans.

Americans were asked if Islam is more likely to encourage violence; how many Muslims are anti-American; and whether the Islamic religion is more likely to encourage violence among its believers.

The results of the poll, released Thursday, September 09, 2004, can be found online at http://pewforum.org/publications/surveys/islam.pdf

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