Popular books by "New Atheists" dismiss religion as a delusional artifact of ancient superstitions. But should millions of Americans' beliefs and behaviors be tossed aside that quickly? No, says Frank Newport, Gallup Editor-in-Chief. Religion is as powerful and influential as it's ever been in America. In contrast to the views of the New Atheists, Newport argues that the significance of the persistent presence of religion in America isn't mass delusion but mass "consequence." "God Is Alive and Well" provides a new evidence-based perspective on Americans' religious beliefs and practices, while offering heady, controversial predictions about religion's future in the U.S. The book looks at religion in America from the important angles of age, gender, class, race, geographic region, and more. It dissects religion's important relationship with politics and notes that Americans may increasingly recognize the mounting evidence that religion is good for their wellbeing and health. Grounded in more than a million Gallup interviews, this book shows that not only do a majority of Americans believe in God and say that religion is important -- but that religion is intertwined in most aspects of their daily lives. It's entirely possible, Newport argues, that religion will be even more important in the years ahead.
