Survey: Most Americans Believe God Uniquely Blessed U.S.

By Michelle A. Vu|Christian Post Reporter

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Results show that white evangelicals in the age bracket of 18-29 are as solidly pro-life on the abortion issue as older evangelicals. But they are more liberal when it comes to granting some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples, whether that be civil unions or marriage.

A majority (58 percent) of younger white evangelicals support giving legal recognition to homosexual couples, while older evangelicals are strongly opposed to the idea.

Also, compared to white evangelicals overall, a smaller majority of younger white evangelicals showed support for Republican presidential candidate John McCain, with 62 percent of younger white evangelicals planning to vote for him. Seventy-one percent of white evangelicals overall plan to vote for McCain.

“We found that young evangelicals are indeed less conservative than older evangelicals on a whole host of very interesting issues,” said Kim Lawton, managing editor of Religion & Ethics Newsweekly at a press conference Wednesday.

“But this is not a group of flaming liberals – at least not yet,” she joked.

The survey was conducted Sept. 4-21, 2008, with a margin of error of +/-3.1 percent for the total survey sample, +/- 4.1 percent for white evangelical Christians, and +/- 5.5 percent for white evangelical Christians ages 18-29.

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jester in the Kings court »

Sun Nov 02, 2008 9:56 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

hahahahaha! that is too funny. i'll have to tell my wife that one. thanks.
believer »

Sun Nov 02, 2008 9:50 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

jester, a couple gets into healthy eating in their 40s, of course it's the wife's idea, and it works, they live into their 80s and get killed in a car wreck, in heaven Peter is showing them this really plush mansion and they ask whose is it and he tells them its theirs, the husband says what's it cost and Peter says nothing its the one God has prepared for them, they look around and out the back window they see this golf course that would put Augusta to shame, they ask who gets to golf there and Peter tells them they do because they're members, the hubby asks what's the fee and Peter says nothing it's part of the package. Then they go into the dining room and there is any type of meal you can imagine, they ask who is all this for and Peter says them, the wife says well what about our blood pressure and cholesterol and Peter says you don't have to worry about that anymore cause you're in heaven and everything is perfect here. After a moment the husbands looks at his wife and says, you know if it wasn't for you and those darn bran muffins we'd a been here ten years sooner!!!
jester in the Kings court »

Sun Nov 02, 2008 6:40 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

using the terms "great" and "mind" in the same sentence when talking about me is kind of an oxymoron dont ya think?
believer »

Sun Nov 02, 2008 3:13 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

prophet, I guess great minds think alike!:^)
Prophet »

Sun Nov 02, 2008 9:18 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

I was just wondering. That last post of yours sounds like something he's say. LOL
believer »

Sun Nov 02, 2008 8:07 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

prophet, no, I just hang out with the youth in our church every now and then!!
Prophet »

Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:32 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Believer,
Have you been hanging around jester lately?
believer »

Sat Nov 01, 2008 10:23 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

mike, no that's my son's common response to whiners, or would you like a piece of cheese to go with that whine, so take your pick.
Prophet »

Fri Oct 31, 2008 5:16 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Mike,
Was that last post meant for believer...or you? I see no difference between him (or me) and you when it comes to this "pride" you talk about.
mike »

Fri Oct 31, 2008 11:42 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Luke 18:9-11 He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS & 'LOOKED DOWN ON EVERYBODY ELSE.'
Two people went up to the temple area to pray, one was a pharisee & the other a tax collector
11 The pharisee took up his position & spoke this prayer to himself: o god I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity - greedy, dishonest, adulterous- or even like this tax collector
I fast 2x a week & pay tithes on my whole income

god bless america? sounds like the arrogant pharisee to me

to believer - I hit a nerve, huh.
wbmoore »

Thu Oct 30, 2008 8:20 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

I think this country is blessed with success in many things because in the past the majority of people followed Christ. But the real blessing is, and always has been, to summarize what Viking said, to become more Christ-like. But as the people of this nation move away from following God, we move towards every person deciding in his own eyes what is right (instead of every person agreeing with God). This nation is suffering and will continue to suffer as we move away from God. Eventually, it may be hard for God to find 10 righteous men in this country. At such time, God have mercy on us all.
believer »

Thu Oct 30, 2008 8:13 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

mike, in the words of that great theologian my soon to be 28 year old son, "whatever"!
Prophet »

Thu Oct 30, 2008 7:46 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Amen, Viking on your last post.
Paul said (paraphrased) "I would pray that you prosper, even as your soul prospers."

How's our souls? Are they bearing the fruits of the Spirit?
Prophet »

Thu Oct 30, 2008 7:37 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

viking,
Then what is your point? Because, apparently we both agree that "christians" who do such things really aren't Christians. So why are you asking me that for?
viking »

Thu Oct 30, 2008 7:28 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Hi all, it seems to me that in responding to this idea of the US being uniquely blessed there is an underlying misunderstanding of Christs teaching on Blessings. I can't claim to be the bible scholar that many others here are so I have to rely on a simple understanding of Christ's teachings. But it seems to me that Christ taught
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

But when I hear the sentiment that the USA is uniquely blessed the people saying it never seem to mean the blessings that Christ spoke of rather they imply that God favors the US materially and in terms of world power and influence. It seems to me that this completely misunderstands Christ's whole message on blessings. If we seek to be blessed shouldn't we be praying to be blessed with compassion, tolerance, charity, humility, hunger, meekness, mercy, and love.
viking »

Thu Oct 30, 2008 7:16 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

Hi prophet, Thanks for your response and your acknowledgment that evil is evil whether it is done in the name of Mohamed or in the name of Christ. However you are 100% wrong when you say I lump all christians into one catergory of murderers or all muslims into one extremist group. In fact if you would read the actual words of my posts you would see quite the opposite. For example I refer in my last post to those who hung Quakers as "supposed" Christians, obviously indicating that I do not consider them to be Christian in their conduct.
mike »

Thu Oct 30, 2008 6:08 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

to believer - the great commission? the real great commission that is being done to the world is to open their markets to sell Ipods, use cheap labor & exploit the resources of those countries. I guess that is why america is bless. and pls specify what kind of blessings - is it money.
is 911 removal of the protective hand you talk about or is it bec. somebody called himself to be a decider decided not to read the PDB 'binladen determined to attack US'. that is not protection but lacking to use common sense.
and johnzon is right - everybody SHOULD agree with the people of america. if they do not, these people who disagree are called atheist, communist, leftist, liberal, & other labels so america can be 'blessed'.
believer »

Thu Oct 30, 2008 4:17 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

johnzon, God's protective hand is not necessarily on America, but on His Church in America. As long as His Church in America continues to join Him in fulfilling His Great Commission and being the Christ-like example we need to be, chances are He will continue to keep His protective hand on our nation, but if His Church turns their back on Him then we should not be surprised when He begins to remove His protective hand.
Prophet »

Wed Oct 29, 2008 11:06 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

The answer is no. But the problem with your question is this. You combine ALL Christians into a single catagory of being murderers...as you combine ALL muslims into the extremist catagory.
viking »

Wed Oct 29, 2008 8:53 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

DP, hi right on on your last sentence in previous post.
viking »

Wed Oct 29, 2008 8:52 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Prophet, Hi sorry about not responding sooner. you ask me to cite a biblical authority that Christians are perfect though I don't know why since I never made any such claim or implication.
However rather than trying to lay sarcastic verbal snares maybe you could answer my queery. Do you think there is any significant difference between the supposed "christians" who hung Quakers in Mass. during our countries early years for refusing to recant their faith and the Islamic radicals who cut off peoples heads who refuse to convert to Islam.
Daniel Paul »

Wed Oct 29, 2008 8:03 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

"Prophet, Yes, I know, not having a belief in your religion makes me bad person and will not have my ticket punched at the pearly gates."

Not quite. The Bible says there is none righteous...no not one man. I'm just as bad as you are. Maybe worse in someways...I don't know. It is dying to self and living for Jesus that allows us to get into heaven.

"By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourself, it is a gift from God, not of works lest anyone should boast."

I'm not part of a religion. I'm in a relationship with Christ. Big difference.
johnzon »

Tue Oct 28, 2008 11:57 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Prophet, Yes, I know, not having a belief in your religion makes me bad person and will not have my ticket punched at the pearly gates.
johnzon »

Tue Oct 28, 2008 10:50 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Prophet, I'm not an atheist and I don't consider myself an Christian. I don't follow any particular religion.
Prophet »

Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:33 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

If you don't believe in the God of the Bible, or His Son, Jesus Christ, or what is taught in the Bible, you aren't a Christian.
johnzon »

Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:29 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Prophet, Just because I disagree with you and dont buy into the Christian religion thing does not make me an athiest.
mike »

Tue Oct 28, 2008 11:54 am Agree: 2 Disagree: 0

so typical. christians would point to sin but if their sins are exposed they are insulted.they do not want to be rebuked. this idea 'god bless america' is arrogance. it means that america is 'holy & sinless'. but for the past 8 years, its foreign policy is too arrogant. then uses christianity for political purposes. just like the pharisees, when they were told they were hypocrites, arrogant lovers of money,they started calling name, started labeling others in order to get what they want. that is 'god bless america'?
jjdiogenes »

Tue Oct 28, 2008 10:58 am Agree: 2 Disagree: 0

prophet, could you show me where in the Bible it suggests that the United States is a specialy blessed nation?
Prophet »

Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:27 am Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

Oh yeah, I forgot I was talking to a carnal atheist (yes, I know...redundant). I wouldn't expect you to know anything about God or the matters of the spirit.
johnzon »

Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:39 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Believer,
<<God may have His protective hand on us as a nation >>

Why would God have a 'protective hand' on a nation and not have a protective hand on the Native Americans that were slaughtered and the Africans that were murdered and enslaved. That doesn't seem to make much sense unless God didn't like his Native American and African creations. Is it possible God sent the Christians of Europe out to inflict pain on the aforementioned? Does God have favorites?
johnzon »

Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:32 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Prophet
<Did God find pleasure in how we treated the Native Americans? Not at all. He grieved>

How do you know? Perhaps God took great pleasure in watching the slaughter of his creation in the Americas by the Christians of Europe. Perhaps God had it in for the Africans too as Christian Europeans pillaged the African continent and enslaved its people.

OR

Perhaps there is no God. That's certainly a possibiity, a very strong possibility.
Prophet »

Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:33 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

johnzon,
Even Christians make mistakes. Peter denied that he know Jesus, and he became a great evangelist. Paul was a religious man who killed in the name of God, and yet when he discovered the true nature of God he repented and became a great evangelist.
Did God find pleasure in how we treated the Native Americans? Not at all. He grieved. He greived at the atrocities, and also at our ignorance. But maybe God turned it into something good.
Prophet »

Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:26 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

viking,
I'm not certain that you are a studier of the Bible, but if you are, could you please show me where it says that Christians are perfect?
believer »

Sat Oct 25, 2008 7:58 am Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

viking, you're right don't believe it, my point to johnzon was that even though God may have His protective hand on us as a nation He does still discipline us when we allow for things such as slavery and how we treated Native Americans, but I appreciate you pointing out how some could have read and interpreted my post that way.
viking »

Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:43 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 2

Believer, I can't believe you intended to say that the practices of slavery and genocide carried out as institutions of public policy during the nations early years were an example of a father's loving discipline or in any way consistent with the teachings of Christ. For myself those who used Christianity at the time as justification for these and other crimes against humanity I find to be despicable and prime examples of anti Christ conduct. Just as I find the acts of the early "Christians" of Mass in Hanging Quakers as heretics to be despicable and proof of unchristian conduct. While there were many noble and great persons in our history there were also many acts of barbarism and shame.
viking »

Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:35 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 1

Hi all, This idea of being a specially blessed nation seems backwards to me. Generally when I hear people saying this kind of thing they mean that God has given the USA preferential treatment in some way in reward for being a Christian nation. I find this whole concept troubling. Christians by the nature of Christ's ministry are called to self denial and sacrifice in the worldly sense. As Christian's we should seek to be blessed with humility rather than arrogance, meekness rather than power, and charity rather than greed and exploitation of other countries. My favorite verse from the old standard "God Bless America" was always the prayer "confirm her soul in self control her liberty in love". I am saddened when I see how far we have strayed from that sentiment.
taylormaed »

Fri Oct 24, 2008 1:36 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

God did not bless the land he blessed the people. Many of us will agree that American people in general have increasignly turned away from God; even within Christianity. Moreover God will bless any country that seeks to obey him. 2 Chron 7:14-15
4 if my people , who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
NIV
BobTX »

Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:13 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

And how did all these people arrive at this conclusion biblically? Jesus said a lot about earthly powers, "Caesar," princes of the world, etc. Why do we have this desire to link the Church to worldly powers?
believer »

Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:22 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

johnzon, I responded to you at another site that talks to this question, but getting ready to hit the sack so real quick as a father when my son was little as much as possible I had my hand of protection upon him and at times that same hand lovingly disciplined his little behind, I hope you get my point, have a good night and I'll check your response if you do in the morning, believer
johnzon »

Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:07 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Beleiver, Was the "God has had His hand of protection on America" there when his creations- American Indian's were being exterminated and African's enslaved by Christian Europeans?
johnzon »

Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:03 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Was the eradication (genocide) of American Indian and enslavement of Africans by the Christian European invaders part of that unique blessing?
A.S.Mathew »

Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:56 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

America got some special blessings from God and America
has shared that by donating food, foreign aid, and
emergency help to friends and foes around the world.
Even though we hear more about criminals and rapists
through the media, but America has more percentage of
generous people than any other nation.

But during the last 3 decades, our trend began to change
to the idol of materialism, and a nation of rebellion
against God who blessed us so abundently. We need to
turn to God for our sins, and God will pour out His
blessings upon us again. Until the U.S. economy is
not started moving, the world economy will not start
moving. Those preachers who are the prophets to proclaim
God's commission to motivate others to be compassionate
to the suffering people, lost their vision and start
preaching a new gospel of self gratifying prosperity
gospel and began to enjoy the lifestyle of royal
families. It is the right time to change our mindset
and attitude toward God and our fellow human beings all all over the world, whether
they are of the same faith or not. I can tell about
the special blessings of God upon this nation became I
was born and brought up in another country and could see
both sides of life.
Online4Him »

Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:18 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

Civil and religious liberty is a fundamental principle of the United States. So long as these twin pillars are not tampered with we shall continue to receive blessings; however, from a biblical standpoint, all nations, including our own will eventually be arrayed against the Lord of hosts.

For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the WHOLE WORLD, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty (Revelation 16:14).
big german »

Thu Oct 23, 2008 5:26 pm Agree: 3 Disagree: 1

There is no biblical basis for this thought or idea.In Genesis God cursed the land including this one.Jesus said Blessed are the peace makers,the poor in spirit,and those persecuted in His name.None of these are discriptions of America.America is and will continue to be a part of this world until the LORD returns,so it can not possibly be a truly "christian"Nation.No nation with a human head can be a christian nation no matter haw much they claim to be.
Lilyamongthorns »

Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:48 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

Thank you, believer,
for your kind words. That message and Evanglist who preached the message truly gave all of us that day much to ponder. I cannot do it justice - wish you could have heard the sermon. Carter was President at the time and sermon was given on 4th of July. I have tried giving it as an example when my children first started out in this world and we talked about "responsibilities" of Christians in this world.

Lily
believer »

Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:08 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

lily, a very thought provoking and on target post!
believer »

Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:06 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

steveh20, although it's true what you said, my post was truly focused on this article and nothing else.
steveh20 »

Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:41 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

I like the cut of your jib mike...
steveh20 »

Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:40 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

believer, I have to be honest with you, I feel like I've heard the God will withdraw his blessing message at every election for the past 30 years, it really is true there is nothing new under the Sun. I understand why you write that but in a historical context, it is said by certain Christian streams at every election.
Steve
Lilyamongthorns »

Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:28 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

I have notes from a sermon I once heard approximately 20 years ago. The sermon centered around Ecc 10:7 - "I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth." The jest of the message was that this world (and our country) is turning upside down much the same way it would be if a "servant" were riding, while the "prince" were walking. To Believers, the message was that when we allow ourselves to become too complacent, too matter-of-fact, and are not placing our complete trust in God, but rather in the ignorance of the world around us (whether it be men/job/fulfilling our wants, rather than our needs) ... this nation will suffer the consequences.

Twenty years have passed since I first heard that message and the upcoming elections, the fights over who is or is not a Christian candidate, the conditions and suffering this nation is facing are reminders that if we, as Christians, do not bend our knees and pray for His holy guidance and begin placing our complete trust in God and our Saviour, we would not be able to recognize or be able to discern the Christians from those who are unbelievers, and the servants will ride this nation, while the princes (leaders) are cast aside.

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