SWBTS Baptist Political Theology

Views of Individuals in Southern
Baptist Congregations on
Baptist Political Theology
A SURVEY OF SOUTHERN BAPTIST LAITY AND CONGREGATIONAL LEADERS
Methodology
The study was originated and commissioned by the Land Center for
Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Laity Sample
● The online survey of 500 Southern Baptist lay people was conducted
January 3-12, 2024, using a national pre-recruited panel
● Respondents were screened to include those who identified as Southern
Baptist and are not a senior pastor
● Quotas and slight weights were used to balance gender, age, region,
ethnicity, and education to more accurately reflect the population
● The sample provides 95% confidence that the sampling error does not
exceed +5.6% This margin of error accounts for the effect of weighting
● Margins of error are higher in sub-groups
2
Methodology
Key Leader Sample
● The online survey of 507 Southern Baptist key leaders (other than
senior pastor) was conducted January 9 to February 9, 2024, using a
list of congregation leaders identified as part of the Annual Church
Profile process
● Invitations were emailed to the following roles: Associate Pastor,
Minister of Music, Minister of Education, Minister of Youth, Minister of
Children, Minister of Preschool, Other Minister, Church Secretary,
Sunday School Director, WMU Director, Women’s Ministry Coordinator
● Respondents were screened to exclude senior pastors
● This sample of congregational leaders was not weighted
3
Importance of Religious Liberty
Among Individuals in Southern Baptist Congregations

100%
90%
78%
80%
70% 62%
60%
50%
40%
30% 26%
18%
20%
8%
10% 1% 0% 2% <1% 4%
0%
Not at All Not Very Somewhat Important Extremely
Important Important Important Important
Laity Key Leaders
Q11_1: “How important to you personally is each of the following national issues. Religious liberty” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 4
Importance of Abortion

100%
90%
80% 74%
70%
60% 53%
50%
40%
30% 21% 21%
20% 16%
10% 5% 5% 5%
0% 1%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q11_2: “How important to you personally is each of the following national issues. Abortion” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 5
Importance of Climate Change

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40% 32%
30% 25% 27%
20% 23% 20%
20% 15% 17% 17%
10% 4%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q11_3: “How important to you personally is each of the following national issues. Climate change” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 6
Importance of Immigration

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
48%
50% 43%
40% 36%
30%
30%
20% 15%18%
10% 6% 3%
1% <1%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q11_4: “How important to you personally is each of the following national issues. Immigration” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 7
Importance of National defense

100%
90%
80%
70%
60% 55%
50% 43%
39%
40% 31%
30%
20% 15%
11%
10% 1% 1% 2% 3%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q11_5: “How important to you personally is each of the following national issues. National defense” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 8
Importance of The national debt

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50% 47%
39%
40% 34% 32%
30% 22%
20% 15%
10% 2% 1% 3% 6%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q11_6: “How important to you personally is each of the following national issues. The national debt” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 9
Importance of Secularization of society

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40% 36% 37%
33%
30% 27%
19% 19%
20% 13%
8% 6%
10% 2%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q11_7: “How important to you personally is each of the following national issues. Secularization of society” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 10
Importance of Parents’ rights in education

100%
90%
80%
70% 61%
60% 51%
50%
40%
31% 28%
30%
20% 13%
9%
10% 2% 1% 3% 2%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q11_8 “How important to you personally is each of the following national issues. Parents’ rights in education” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 11
“Among the following rights included in the United
States’s Constitution, which are the five most
important to you? (Select up to 5)”
Freedom of speech 87%

91%
Freedom to exercise your religion 83%

97%
Keep and bear arms 63%

66%
Prohibition of unreasonable search 47%

and seizure 40%
Criminal trial by impartial jury 41%

39%
Freedom from laws establishing a 35%

religion 55%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Laity Key Leaders
Q12: “Among the following rights included in the United States’s Constitution, which are the five most important to you? (Select up to 5)”
12
n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders)
“Among the following rights included in the United
States’s Constitution, which are the five most
important to you? (Select up to 5)” continued
33%
Freedom of press 38%
Prohibition of cruel and unusual 32%

punishment 22%
20%
Speedy and public trial 12%
17%
Assemble to protest 13%
1%
Not sure 1%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Laity Key Leaders
Q12: “Among the following rights included in the United States’s Constitution, which are the five most important to you? (Select up to 5)”
13
77% of laity and 85% of key leaders think it is
important/extremely important that those they agree
with politically are heard in society
100%
90%
80%
70%
60% 51%
50%
39% 38%
40% 34%
30%
18%
20%
10%
10% 3% 1% 2% 4%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q13 “Those who agree with my political views are heard in our society.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 14
63% of laity and 77% of key leaders think it is
important/extremely important that those they
disagree with politically are heard in society
100%
90%
80%
70%
60% 55%
50%
38%
40%
29%
30% 25% 22%
20% 16%
10% 3% 1% 6% 5%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q14 “Those with political views I disagree with are heard in our society.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 15
58% of laity and 62% of key leaders believe
government should not favor any specific religion or
religious beliefs
Our government should not favor
58%
any specific religion or religious
62%
belief
Our government should favor 36%

Christianity 33%
Our government should favor a 1%

religion other than Christianity 0%
5%
Not sure
5%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Laity Key Leaders
Q15: “In general, how would you describe your views on the relationship between church and state? (Select One)” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 16
92% of laity and 95% of key leaders agree that
religious liberty should apply to all persons and
religions
100%
90%
80% 75%
68%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30% 24%
20%
20%
10% 3% 2% 3% 3% 2% <1%
0%
Strongly Somewhat Somewhat Strongly Not Sure
Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
Laity Key Leaders
Q16: “Religious liberty is a principle that should apply to all persons and religions.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 17
66% of laity and 75% of key leaders do not believe
that religious liberty should only advance
Christianity
100%
90%
80%
70%
60% 54%
50% 45%
40%
30% 21% 21%
20% 13% 14% 13%
7% 8% 5%
10%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q17: “Religious liberty is a principle that should advance only the Christian faith.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 18
government should not give one religion preference
over another
100%
90%
80%
70% 61%63%
60%
50%
40%
30% 21% 21%
20%
9% 9% 6% 4%
10% 4% 2%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q18: “Government should not give one religion preference over another religion.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 19
that the government should decide what type of
church people attend
100% 98%
93%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10% 5% 2% 1%
1% 1% 0% <1% 0%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q19: “The government should decide what type of church people attend.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 20
80% of laity and 86% of key leaders support
government that ensures people can freely practice
their religion, even false religions
100%
90%
80%
70%
60% 56%
48%
50%
40% 32% 29%
30%
20%
9% 7% 6% 6%
10% 5% 2%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q20: “I support government that ensures people can freely practice their religion, even when this includes false religions.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 21
that competing religions pose a threat to the church
and her mission
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50% 44%
40% 34%
30% 22% 21% 25%
22%
20% 11%
7% 8% 5%
10%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q21: “The presence of competing religions in a society poses a threat to the church and her mission.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 22
62% of key leaders say that America is a secular
nation, compared to only 11% of laity

100%
90%
80%
70% 62% 63%
60%
50%
40% 32%
30% 22%
20% 11%
10% 3% 4% 2%
0%
America is a America is a American is a Not Sure
secular nation nation of many Christian nation
religions
Laity Key Leaders
Q22: “Which of the following three statements best describes America today?” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 23
“Which, if any, of the following aspects of religious
freedom do you believe should be an American’s
right?”
Freedom to choose your religious 94%

beliefs 97%
Freedom to worship with others who 90%

share your faith 98%
Freedom to practice principles of 88%

your faith in everyday life 97%
84%
Freedom to build a house of worship
93%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Laity Key Leaders
Q23: “Which, if any, of the following aspects of religious freedom do you believe should be an American’s right? (Select all that apply)”
24
“Which, if any, of the following aspects of religious
freedom do you believe should be an American’s
right?” continued
Freedom to tell others about your 82%

religious beliefs 98%
Freedom to run your business in 71%

accordance with your beliefs 94%
<1%
None of these
0%
<1%
Not sure
<1%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Laity Key Leaders
Q23: “Which, if any, of the following aspects of religious freedom do you believe should be an American’s right? (Select all that apply)”
25
55% of laity and 87% of key leaders agree that God
has given authority to government leaders that
Christians should follow
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50% 42% 45%
40% 31%
30% 25%
21%
20% 14%
6% 9%
10% 4% 4%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q24: “God has given authority to government leaders that Christian citizens should follow.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 26
that God has given civil rulers the authority to guide
people in matters of religion
100%
90%
80%
70%
60% 51%
50%
40% 36%
30% 22%
20% 17% 16% 17% 17%
10% 9% 6%
10%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q25: “God establishes civil rulers and has given them authority to compel and guide people in matters of religion.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 27
Christians should pursue nonviolent resistance to
unjust leaders, laws, and/or systems
100%
90%
80%
70% 61%
60% 53%
50%
40% 35%
31%
30%
20%
10% 4% 4% 2% 1% 5% 3%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q26: “Christians should pursue nonviolent resistance to unjust leaders, laws, and/or systems.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 28
Christians should obey all laws unless they directly
conflict with commands in Scripture
100%
90% 86%
80%
70%
60% 55%
50%
40%
30% 26%
20% 12%
10% 7% 5% 6%
1% <1% 1%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q27: “Christians should obey all laws unless they directly conflict with following God’s commands in Scripture.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 29
Christians should advocate violent resistance to
severely unjust leaders, laws, and/or systems
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
50% 45%
40%
30%
23% 23%
20% 12%15% 12%
10% 7% 4% 7%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q28: “When the injustice is severe, Christians should advocate violent resistance to unjust leaders, laws, and/or systems.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 30
“Which of the following would you say are the strongest
factors in how your own views on the relationship
between government and religion developed?”
The views of my church 51%

41%
Personal experience with the issue 47%

39%
The views of my parents or family 46%

44%
The views of my pastor 23%

19%
The views of books I have read 17%

25%
Watching actions of groups that I 15%

dislike 19%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Laity Key Leaders
Q29: “Which of the following would you say are the strongest factors in how your own views on the relationship between government and 31
religion developed?” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders)
“Which of the following would you say are the strongest
factors in how your own views on the relationship
between government and religion developed?” continued
Watching actions of groups that I 14%
admire 20%
The views of close friends 13%

12%
The views of the political leaders or 13%

political party I support 11%
The views of news media I consume 8%

8%
Other 8%
30%
Not sure 9%
5%
Note: Most of the Other responses 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
from Key Leaders listed the Bible/
God’s Word/ Scripture Laity Key Leaders
Q29: “Which of the following would you say are the strongest factors in how your own views on the relationship between government and 32
religion developed?” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders)
Christians should pray and advocate for those facing
religious persecution in other countries
100% 95%
90%
80% 76%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
20%
10% 4% 2% <1% 1% 0% 1% <1%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q30: “Christians should pray for and advocate for those facing religious persecution in other countries.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 33
Christians support legislation encourages Christian
beliefs and practice
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50% 44%
38%
40% 33%
29%
30%
20% 13%12% 13%
10% 7% 7% 5%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q31: “Christians should fight secularism by encouraging legislation that encourages Christian beliefs and practice.” 34
loosening constitutional prohibitions on government
involvement in religion can slow moral decline
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40% 36%
30% 24%
19% 20% 18% 19% 20%
20% 14% 16% 14%
10%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q32: “Loosening U.S. constitutional prohibitions on government involvement in religion can stem the tide of moral decline.” 35
70% of laity and 57% of key leaders agree that every
public school should post the Ten Commandments
in their building
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
49%
50%
40% 35%
30%
21%23% 18%
20% 12% 12%15% 10%
10% 6%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q33: “Every public school should post the Ten Commandments in their building.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 36
Christians should stand with struggling and
oppressed people with the goal of their salvation
100%
90%
80% 74%
70%
60% 57%
50%
40% 34%
30% 22%
20%
10% 4% 1% 1% 4% 2%
<1%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q34: “Christians must stand in solidarity with the struggling and oppressed people in the world with the goal of their salvation.”
37
Christians can love their neighbor by being involved
in politics
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50% 44%
40%
30% 27%30% 29%
18%
20% 12% 13%
10% 7% 8%
10%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q35: “Involvement in politics is a way for Christians to love their neighbor.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders)
38
70% of laity and 92% of key leaders agree Christians
are obligated to participate in the election of leaders

100%
90%
80%
68%
70%
60%
50% 44%
40%
30% 26%24%
20% 13% 13%
10% 3% 3% 4% 2%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q36: “Christians are obligated to participate in the election of leaders.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 39
Distinctive Baptist Beliefs
Laity Key Leaders
Salvation (by faith, only through Christ) 15% 13%
Don’t know/Not sure 15% 4%
Baptism 13% 18%
None/Nothing 11% 3%
View of Scripture (inerrant, literal, God inspired) 9% 17%
Eternal Security 7% 11%
The person and work of Jesus Christ 5% 4%
Love all people 5% 1%
Priesthood of the believer - 4%
Morally conservative 3% 1%
Separation of church and state/Political involvement 3% 1%
Worship styles 3% -
The Trinity 2% 1%
Religious liberty 2% 3%
Cooperative Program - 2%
Belief in the one true God 1% <1%
Autonomy of the local church 1% 6%
Q37: “What is one belief that makes Baptists distinctive from other Christian groups?” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 40
Distinctive Baptist Beliefs continued
Laity Key Leaders
Prayer 1% <1%
Evangelical beliefs 1% <1%
Evangelism/Missions 1% 5%
Baptist Faith and Message - 1%
Role of men and women <1% 1%
Stance on homosexuality <1% 1%
Stance on abortion <1% <1%
The Ten Commandments <1% -
Q37: “What is one belief that makes Baptists distinctive from other Christian groups?” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 41
58% of laity and 71% of key leaders are at least somewhat
knowledgeable about how Baptist theology influenced
religion and politics when the U.S. was founded
Not knowledgeable at all 9%

5%
Not very knowledgeable 34%

24%
Somewhat knowledgeable 39%

48%
Knowledgeable 13%
21%
Extremely knowledgeable 5%
2%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Laity Key Leaders
Q38: “How knowledgeable are you about how Baptist theology influenced religion and politics at the time the United States 42
was established?” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders)
“Which of the following historical Baptist thought
leaders have you heard of?”
Martin Luther King, Jr. 90%

93%
Roger Williams 21%

43%
John Leland 14%

30%
Isaac Backus 10%

25%
None of these 5%
2%
Not sure 4%
2%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Laity Key Leaders
Q39: “Which of the following historical Baptist thought leaders have you heard of? (Select all that apply)” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 43
Christianity influenced the founding of the United
States
100%
90%
80% 74%
70% 62%
60%
50%
40%
29%
30% 23%
20%
10% 3% 1% 3% <1% 4% 1%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q40: “Christianity influenced the founding of the United States.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 44
Baptists have regularly advocated for the right to
worship freely regardless of religion
100%
90%
80%
70%
60% 54%
50%
50%
40% 32%34%
30%
20%
9% 11%
10% 4% 4% 2% 1%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q41: “Baptists have regularly advocated for the right to worship freely regardless of religion.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 45
Baptists have stood up for the freedom to follow
your conscience on religious beliefs
100%
90%
80%
70%
60% 52%
50% 44%
40% 33%35%
30%
20%
10%
10% 6% 6% 6%
2% 4%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q42: “Baptists have consistently stood up for the freedom to follow your conscience on religious beliefs.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 46
that Christianity deserves special privileges from the
American government
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40% 34%
28% 27%
30% 21% 21% 24%
20% 16%
12% 9%
10% 7%
0%
Laity Key Leaders
Q43: “Due to our history, Christianity deserves special privileges from the American government.” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 47
46% of laity and 62% of key leaders hear a sermon
on Baptists distinctives at least once a year

16%
Several times a month 13%
7%
About once a month 9%
20%
Several times a year 33%
4%
About once a year 7%
26%
Rarely 27%
Never 14%
4%
Not sure 15%

7%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Laity Key Leaders
Q44: “How often do you hear a sermon at your church that specifies the beliefs that make Baptists distinctive from other Christian groups?” 48
43% of laity and 38% of key leaders would like to
hear more about the relationship between church
and state in worship services they attend
Much more often 13%

9%
A little more often 30%

29%
Currently the right amount 46%

52%
A little less often 4%

4%
Much less often 6%

6%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Laity Key Leaders
Q45: “Do you wish the relationship between church and state would be spoken about by pastors or teachers in the
religious worship services you attend:” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders)
49
64% of laity and 90% of key leaders describe
themselves as politically conservative
28%
Very conservative 28%
28%
Conservative 52%
8%
Slightly conservative 10%
Moderate/middle-of-the-road 22%
7%
Slightly liberal 4%
1%
Liberal 5%
1%
Very liberal 6%
<1%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Laity Key Leaders
Q46: “How would you tend to describe yourself politically?” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 50
58% of laity and 75% of key leaders consider
themselves to be members of the Republican party
Democratic 26%
7%
58%
Republican 75%
15%
Independent 11%
Libertarian <1%
1%
0%
Constitution 1%
0%
Green 0%
<1%
Other 2%
<1%
Not sure 3%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Laity Key Leaders
Q47: “In which party are you registered to vote or do you consider yourself to be a member? (Select One)” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders) 51
96% of laity participants are not on staff at their
church. 63% of key leader participants are on staff at
their church
Minister (Other than senior 1%
pastor) 39%
Other staff member 3%

24%
Volunteer ministry leader 4%

23%
Church member 64%

13%
Church attender 29%

2%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Laity Key Leaders
Q9: “Which of the following best describes your title or role at your church?” n=500 (Laity), n=507 (Key Leaders)
52
Significant Differences - Laity
Gender
Age
Ethnicity
Region
Education Level
Political Views
Political Party
Worship Service Attendance
53
Significant Differences - Laity
Comparisons were made to determine if there are any significant
statistical differences among gender, age, ethnicity, region, and
education.
GENDER AGE ETHNICITY REGION EDUCATION
Northeast High School

Male 18-34 White (Sample too small to
report) graduate or less
Female 35-49 African American Midwest Some college
50-64 Other Ethnicities South Bachelor’s Degree

(Sample too small to report)
65+ West Graduate Degree
Note: Region is defined by the US Census locations
54
Significant Statistical Differences -
Laity
Comparisons were made to determine if there are any significant
statistical differences among political views, political party, and
worship service attendance.
WORSHIP SERVICE
POLTICAL VIEWS POLITICAL PARTY ATTENDANCE
Conservative Democratic Once a month
Moderate/middle of
Republican Twice a month
the road
Liberal Independent Three times a month
4 or more times a month
55
“How important to you personally is each of the following
national issues?”
Religious liberty
● Whites (90%) are more likely to select “Important/Extremely important” than
African Americans (80%)
● Those in the West (100%) are more likely to select “Important/Extremely
important” than those in the Midwest (86%) and South (87%)
● Those with conservative political views (94%) are more likely to select
“Important/Extremely important” than those with moderate political views
(78%) and liberal political views (81%)
● Republicans (92%) are more likely to select “Important/Extremely
important” than Democrats (81%)
● Those who attend a worship service 4 or more times a month (94%) are
more likely to select “Important/Extremely important” than those who attend
once a month (78%) or twice a month (76%)
56
national issues?”
Abortion
● Those in the South are the least likely to select “Important/Extremely
important” (70%)
● Those with conservative political views (10%) and moderate political views
(12%) are more likely to select “Not important at all/Not very important” than
those with liberal political views (2%)
● Republicans (10%) and Independents (16%) are more likely to select “Not
important at all/Not very important” than Democrats (4%)
● Those who attend a worship service twice a month (17%) are more likely to
select “Not important at all/Not very important” than those who attend three
times a month (5%) or 4 or more times a month (8%)
57
national issues?”
Climate change
● Those age 18-34 (66%) and 35-49 (52%) are more likely to select
“Important/Extremely important” than those 50-64 (29%) and 65+ (32%)
● Those age 65+ (48%) are more likely to select “Not important at all/Not very
important” than those 18-34 (26%) and 35-49 (29%)
● Whites (48%) are more likely to select “Not important at all/Not very
important” than African Americans (14%)
● Those with conservative political views (54%) are more likely to select “Not
important at all/Not very important” than those with moderate political views
● Democrats are the most likely to select “Important/Extremely important”
than (69%)
● Those who attend a worship service once a month (46%) are more likely to
select “Important/Extremely important” than those who attend 4 or more
times a month (32%)
58
national issues?”
Immigration
● Those age 65+ are the most likely to select “Important/Extremely important”
than those (88%)
● Those age 18-34 are the most likely to select “Not important at all/Not very
important” (27%)
● Republicans (85%) and Independents (85%) are more likely to select
“Important/Extremely important” than Democrats (58%)
twice a month (70%)
59
national issues?”
National defense
● Those age 65+ (91%) are more likely to select “Important/Extremely
important” than those 18-34 (77%) and 50-64 (84%)
important” than Democrats (74%) and Independents (81%)
60
national issues?”
The national debt

● Males are more likely to select “Important/Extremely important” than
females (86% v. 76%)
three times a month (73%)
61
national issues?”
Secularization of society
● Those age 18-34 (63%) are more likely to select “Important/Extremely
important” than those 50-64 (43%) and 65+ (45%)
● Those in the South (23%) and West (27%) are more likely to select “Not
important at all/Not very important” than those in the Midwest (9%)
once a month (34%)
62
national issues?”
Parents’ rights in education

● Those who are High School Graduates or less (85%) are more likely to
select “Important/Extremely important” than with a Graduate Degree (72%)
important” than Democrats (73%) and Independents (69%)
once a month (75%)
63
“Among the following rights included in the United States’s
Constitution, which are the five most important to you? (Select
up to 5)”
Freedom of speech
● Those in the South (89%) are more likely to select than those in the West
(70%)
● Those with a Bachelor’s Degree (93%) or a Graduate Degree (93%) are
more likely to select than with some college (80%)
64
up to 5)”
Freedom of press
● Males are more likely to select than females (42% v. 25%)
● Those age 18-34 (45%) are more likely to select than those 50-64 (29%)
● Those in the West (41%) are more likely to select than those in the Midwest
(21%)
● Those with liberal political views (45%) are more likely to select than those
with conservative political views (31%)
● Democrats (44%) are more likely to select than Republicans (28%)
65
up to 5)”
Assemble to protest
● Those age 18-34 are the most likely to select (44%)
● African Americans (32%) are more likely to select than Whites (13%)
● Those with a Bachelor’s Degree (25%) are more likely to select than with
some college (12%)
● Those with moderate political views (24%) and liberal political views (27%)
are more likely to select than those with conservative political views (12%)
● Republicans are the least likely to select (7%)
66
up to 5)”
Keep and bear arms

● Those age 50-64 (64%) and 65+ (67%) are more likely to select than those
35-49 (51%)
● Whites (72%) are more likely to select than African Americans (22%)
(46%)
● Those who are High School Graduates or less (67%) or with some college
(67%) are more likely to select than with a Graduate Degree (47%)
● Those with conservative political views (77%) are more likely to select than
those with moderate political views (49%) and liberal political views (18%)
● Republicans (80%) are more likely to select than Democrats (32%) and
Independents (49%)
67
up to 5)”
Prohibition of unreasonable search and seizure

● Those age 18-34 are the least likely to select (23%)
● Those with some college (52%) are more likely to select than with a
Bachelor’s Degree (39%)
● Those who attend a worship service once a month (59%) or three times a
month (56%) are more likely to select than those who attend 4 or more
times a month (41%)
68
up to 5)”
Speedy and public trial
with conservative political views (17%) and moderate political views (19%)
● Democrats (31%) are more likely to select than Republicans (16%)
select than those who attend three times a month (11%)
69
up to 5)”
Criminal trial by impartial jury
18-34 (20%)
● Those with some college (49%) or a Graduate Degree (55%) are more
likely to select than who are High School Graduates or less (35%)
● Those who attend a worship service once a month (52%) or three times a
times a month (35%)
70
up to 5)”
Prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment

● Those age 35-49 (44%) are more likely to select than those 65+ (25%)
Graduate Degree (23%)
with conservative political views (23%) and moderate political views (39%)
● Democrats (54%) are more likely to select than Republicans (25%) and
Independents (23%)
71
up to 5)”
Freedom from laws establishing a religion
● Those in the West (64%) are more likely to select than those in the Midwest
(36%) and South (30%)
● Those who are High School Graduates or less are the most likely to select
(43%)
those with liberal political views (23%)
Independents (30%)
● Those who attend a worship service once a month are the least likely to
select (19%)
72
up to 5)”
Freedom to exercise your religion
(70%)
● Those with a Graduate Degree (94%) are more likely to select than with
some college (78%) or a Bachelor’s Degree (78%)
● Republicans (89%) and Independents (85%) are more likely to select than
Democrats (69%)
select (63%)
73
“Those who agree with my political views are heard in our
society.”
● Those age 35-49 are the most likely to select “Not Important at all/Not very
important” (12%)
● Those in the West (16%) are more likely to select “Not Important at all/Not
very important” than those in the Midwest (0%) and South (4%)
● Those with a Graduate Degree (86%) are more likely to select
“Important/Extremely important” than with a Bachelor’s Degree (70%)
● Those who attend a worship service twice a month are the least likely to
select “Important/Extremely important” (62%)
74
“Those with political views I disagree with are heard in our
society.”
● Those with a Graduate Degree (76%) are more likely to select

“Important/Extremely important” than who are High School Graduates or
less (59%)
● Those with moderate political views (71%) are more likely to select
“Important/Extremely important” than those with conservative political views
(59%)
75
“In general, how would you describe your views on the
relationship between church and state?”
● Those age 65+ (65%) are more likely to select “Our government should not
favor any specific religion or religious belief” than those 50-64 (54%)
● African Americans (72%) are more likely to select “Our government should
not favor any specific religion or religious belief” than Whites (57%)
● Whites (37%) are more likely to select “Our government should favor
Christianity” than African Americans (22%)
select “Our government should favor Christianity” more than those with a
● Those with conservative political views are the most likely to select “Our
government should favor Christianity” (46%)
● Democrats (70%) and Independents (70%) are more likely to select “Our
government should not favor any specific religion or religious belief” than
Republicans (50%)
select “Our government should not favor any specific religion or religious
belief” than those who attend three times a month (51%)
76
“Religious liberty is a principle that should apply to all persons
and religions.”
● Those age 65+ (95%) are more likely to Agree than those 35-49 (88%)
● Democrats (97%) are more likely to Agree than Independents (85%)
Agree than those who attend twice a month (87%)
77
“Religious liberty is a principle that should advance only the
Christian faith.”
● Males are more likely to Disagree than females (71% v. 61%)

● African Americans (83%) are more likely to Disagree than Whites (65%)
● Those in the Midwest (73%) are more likely to Disagree than those in the
West (54%)
Agree than with a Bachelor’s Degree (20%) or a Graduate Degree (15%)
● Those with conservative political views (31%) are more likely to Agree than
● Democrats (77%) or Independents (75%) are more likely to Disagree than
Republicans (58%)
● Republicans (31%) are more likely to Agree than Democrats (19%)
● Those who attend a worship service three times a month (36%) are
more likely to Agree than those who attend once a month (18%) or twice a
month (19%)
78
“Government should not give one religion preference over
another religion.”
● Those age 50-64 (20%) are more likely to Disagree than those 18-34 (5%)
● African Americans (95%) are more likely to Agree than Whites (79%)
● Those with conservative political views (20%) are more likely to Disagree
than those with moderate political views (6%) and liberal political views
(3%)
● Democrats (98%) are more likely to Agree than Republicans (73%) and
Independents (83%)
79
“The government should decide what type of church people
attend.”
● Those age 50-64 (95%) and 65+ (97%) are more likely to Disagree than
those 18-34 (84%)
● Whites (97%) are more likely to Disagree than African Americans (86%)
80
“I support government that ensures people can freely practice
their religion, even when this includes false religions.”
and 65+ (14%)
● Those with some college (85%) or a Bachelor’s Degree (84%) are more
likely to Agree than who are High School Graduates or less (74%)
● Those with conservative political views (17%) are more likely to Disagree
than those with liberal political views (7%)
more likely to Agree than those who attend three times a month (70%)
81
“The presence of competing religions in a society poses a
threat to the church and her mission.”

● Those age 65+ (67%) are more likely to Disagree than those 35-49 (47%)
● Those in the South (35%) are more likely to Agree than those in the West
(20%)
likely to Disagree than who are High School Graduates or less (53%)
● Those with liberal political views (70%) are more likely to Agree than those
with conservative views (56%)
● Independents (71%) are more likely to Disagree than Republicans (55%)
82
“Which of the following three statements best describes
America today?”
● Those age 18-34 are the least likely to select “America is a Christian nation”
(7%)
● African Americans (80%) are more likely to select “America is a nation of
many religions” than Whites (63%)
● Those in the Midwest (77%) are more likely to select “America is a nation of
many religions” than those in the South (63%) and West (49%)
● Those in the South (23%) and West (33%) are more likely to select
“America is a Christian nation” than those in the Midwest (8%)
select “America is a nation of many religions” than with a Graduate Degree
(51%)
● Those with moderate political views (87%) and liberal political views (79%)
are more likely to select “America is a nation of many religions” than those
● Democrats are the most likely to select “America is a nation of many
religions” (83%)
more likely to select “America is a secular nation” than those who attend
once a month (6%) or twice a month (4%)
83
“Which, if any, of the following aspects of religious freedom do
you believe should be an American’s right?”
Freedom to choose your religious beliefs

● Those who attend a worship service once a month are the most likely to
select (100%)
84
Freedom to tell others about your religious beliefs

● Those age 65+ are the most likely to select (91%)
Democrats (64%)
● Those who attend a worship service once a month (83%) or 4 or more
times a month (89%) are more likely to select than those who attend twice a
month (68%)
85
Freedom to worship with others who share your faith

18-34 (77%) and 35-49 (82%)
Democrats (74%)
● Those who attend a worship service twice a month are the least likely to
select (79%)
86
Freedom to build a house of worship

35-49 (73%)
Democrats (72%)
87
Freedom to run your business in accordance with your beliefs

● Those with a Graduate Degree (83%) are more likely to select than with a
Independents (69%)
times a month (78%) are more likely to select than those who attend twice a
month (58%)
88
Freedom to practice principles of your faith in everyday life

● Those in the West (97%) are more likely to select than those in the South
(86%)
Democrats (77%)
more likely to select than those who attend twice a month (76%)
89
“God has given authority to government leaders that Christian
citizens should follow.”
● Those age 65+ (65%) are more likely to Agree than those 18-34 (44%) and
50-64 (51%)
● Those in the West are the most likely to Agree (85%)
more likely to Agree than who are High School Graduates or less (50%)
● Republicans (59%) and Independents (66%) are more likely to Agree than
Democrats (42%)
more likely to Agree than those who attend twice a month (47%)
90
“God establishes civil rulers and has given them authority to
compel and guide people in matters of religion.”
● Those age 65+ are the most likely to Disagree (64%)

West (42%)
● Those with a Graduate Degree (67%) are more likely to Disagree than who
are High School Graduates or less (47%)
91
“Christians should pursue nonviolent resistance to unjust
leaders, laws, and/or systems.”
● Males are more likely to Agree than females (94% v. 83%)

more likely to Agree than those who attend once a month (82%) or twice a
month (85%)
92
“Christians should obey all laws unless they directly conflict
with following God’s commands in Scripture.”

● Those age 65+ are the most likely to Agree (90%)
Democrats (62%)
more likely to Agree than those who attend twice a month (74%)
93
“When the injustice is severe, Christians should advocate
violent resistance to unjust leaders, laws, and/or systems.”
● Those age 65+ (79%) are more likely to Disagree than those 35-49 (66%)
● Those with liberal political views (80%) are more likely to Disagree than
those with moderate political views (65%)
more likely to Disagree than those who attend twice a month (64%)
94
“Which of the following would you say are the strongest factors
in how your own views on the relationship between
government and religion developed?”
The views of books I have read
more likely to select than those who twice a month (10%) or 4 or more
times a month (14%)
95
The views of news media I consume
● No meaningful significant differences
96
The views of the political leaders or political party I support
● Those who attend a worship service three times a month are the most likely
to select (22%)
97
Personal experience with the issue
● Those with some college (54%) are more likely to select than those who are
High School Graduates or less (40%)
98
The views of my parents or family
99
The views of close friends

100
The views of my church

35-49 (38%)
select than with a Graduate Degree (38%)
Independents (46%)
101
The views of my pastor

select (12%)
102
Watching actions of groups that I admire

● Those age 18-34 (25%) are more likely to select than those 50-64 (10%)
65+ (17%)
more likely to select than those who attend once a month (8%) or 4 or more
times a month (12%)
103
Watching actions of groups that I dislike

● Those who attend a worship service twice a month (20%) or three times a
times a month (8%)
104
“Christians should pray for and advocate for those facing
religious persecution in other countries.”
● Those age 18-34 are the most likely to Disagree (17%)

times a month (99%) are more likely to Agree than those who attend three
times a month (89%)
105
“Christians should fight secularism by encouraging legislation
that encourages Christian beliefs and practice.”

● Whites (69%) are more likely to Agree than African Americans (56%)
South (19%)
● Those with a Graduate Degree are the most likely to Disagree (43%)
Democrats (50%)
more likely to Agree than those who attend once a month (57%)
106
“Loosening U.S. constitutional prohibitions on government
involvement in religion can stem the tide of moral decline.”

● Those in the South (45%) are more likely to Agree than those in the West
(22%)
● Those with a Graduate Degree (57%) are more likely to Disagree than
those who are High School graduates or less (32%) and with some college
(37%)
● Republicans (49%) are more likely to Agree than Democrats (37%) and
Independents (33%)
107
“Every public school should post the Ten Commandments in
their building.”
● Those age 50-64 (71%) and 65+ (76%) are more likely to Agree than those
35-49 (59%)
● Those with a Graduate Degree are the most likely to Disagree (43%)
Independents (60%)
● Those who attend a worship service three times a month (80%) or 4 or
more times a month (71%) are more likely to Agree than those who attend
once a month (57%)
108
“Christians must stand in solidarity with the struggling and
oppressed people in the world with the goal of their salvation.”
Independents (84%)
109
“Involvement in politics is a way for Christians to love their
neighbor.”
● Those in the West (81%) are more likely to Agree than those in the Midwest
(37%) and South (54%)
● Those with a Bachelor’s Degree are the most likely to Agree (67%)
● Those who attend a worship service three times a month are the most likely
to Agree (71%)
110
“Christians are obligated to participate in the election of
leaders.”
● Those age 65+ (78%) are more likely to Agree than those 18-34 (62%) and
35-49 (61%)
● Republicans (81%) are more likely to Agree than Democrats (48%) or
Independents (65%)
● Those who attend a worship service twice a month are the most likely to
Disagree (37%)
111
“How knowledgeable are you about how Baptist theology
influenced religion and politics at the time the United States
was established?”
● Those age 18-34 (59%) are more likely to select “Somewhat
Knowledgeable” than those 50-64 (36%) and 65+ (35%)
● Those with a Bachelor’s Degree (23%) are more likely to select
“Knowledgeable” than who are High School Graduates or less (10%) or
with some college (10%)
● Those with liberal political views (17%) are more likely to select “Not
knowledgeable at all” than those with conservative political views (7%)
● Those who attend a worship service once a month (43%) or twice a month
(40%) are more likely to select “Not very knowledgeable” than those who
attend three times a month (20%)
112
“Which of the following historical Baptist thought leaders have
you heard of?”
Roger Williams
35-49 (13%) and 50-64 (17%)
more likely to select than who are High School Graduates or less (14%) or
(20%) are more likely to select than those with liberal political views (9%)
● Independents (34%) are more likely to select than Democrats (10%) and
Republicans (23%)
113
you heard of?”
John Leland
● Those in the West (24%) are more likely to select than those in the South
(12%)
likely to select than who are High School Graduates or less (8%)
● Those who attend a worship service 4 or more times a month are the
most likely to select (21%)
114
you heard of?”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

● Those who are High School Graduates or less are the least likely to select
(85%)
115
you heard of?”
Isaac Backus
● Those age 18-34 (23%) are more likely to select than those 50-64 (6%) and
65+ (9%)
● Those in the Midwest (14%) and South (11%) are more likely to select than
those in the West (0%)
● Democrats (13%) and Independents (18%) are more likely to select than
Republicans (6%)
116
“Christianity influenced the founding of the United States.”
117
“Baptists have regularly advocated for the right to worship
freely regardless of religion.”
● Democrats (89%) and Republicans (87%) are more likely to Agree than
Independents (73%)
118
“Baptists have consistently stood up for the freedom to follow
your conscience on religious beliefs.”
● Democrats (91%) and Republicans (86%) are more likely to Agree than
Independents (72%)
119
“Due to our history, Christianity deserves special privileges
from the American government.”
● Whites (55%) are more likely to Disagree than African Americans (43%)
● Those in the West (61%) are more likely to Agree than those in the Midwest
(21%) and South (37%)
● Those who are High School Graduates or less (40%) or with a Bachelor’s
Degree (41%) are more likely to Agree than with a Graduate Degree (24%)
Disagree than those who attend twice a month (42%)
120
“How often do you hear a sermon at your church that specifies
the beliefs that make Baptists distinctive from other Christian
groups?”
● Those age 18-34 (38%) and 65+ (34%) are more likely to select “Rarely”
than those 35-49 (19%) and 50-64 (19%)
● Those age 35-49 are the most likely to select “Several times a month”
(31%)
● African Americans (27%) are more likely to select “Several times a month”
than Whites (13%)
● Those in the West (35%) are more likely to select “Several times a year”
than those in the Midwest (13%) and South (17%)
● Those with a Graduate Degree (38%) are more likely to select “Rarely” than
● Those with liberal political views (30%) are more likely to select “Several
times a month” than those with conservative political views (14%) and
moderate political views (12%)
● Democrats (23%) are more likely to select “Several times a month” than
Republicans (15%) and Independents (7%)
● Those who attend a worship service twice a month (21%) are more likely to
select “Never” than those who attend 4 or more times a month (9%)
121
“Do you wish the relationship between church and state would
be spoken about by pastors or teachers in the religious
worship services you attend:”
● Females are more likely to select “Currently the right amount” than males
(53% v. 40%)
● Those age 18-34 are the most likely to select “A little more often” (51%)
● Whites (31%) are more likely to select “A little more often” than African
Americans (19%)
select “A little more often” than with some college (26%)
(29%) are more likely to select “A little more often” than those with liberal
political views (13%)
more likely to select “Currently the right amount” than those who attend
once a month (35%) or three times a month (36%)
122
Views of Individuals in Southern
Baptist Congregations on
Baptist Political Theology
A SURVEY OF SOUTHERN BAPTIST LAITY AND CONGREGATIONAL LEADERS

SWBTS Baptist Political Theology

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Views of Individuals in Southern

Among Individuals in Southern Baptist Congregations

Among Individuals in Southern Baptist Congregations

Among Individuals in Southern Baptist Congregations

Among Individuals in Southern Baptist Congregations

Among Individuals in Southern Baptist Congregations

Among Individuals in Southern Baptist Congregations

Among Individuals in Southern Baptist Congregations

Among Individuals in Southern Baptist Congregations

Freedom of speech 87%

Freedom to exercise your religion 83%

Keep and bear arms 63%

Prohibition of unreasonable search 47%

Criminal trial by impartial jury 41%

Freedom from laws establishing a 35%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Prohibition of cruel and unusual 32%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Our government should favor 36%

Our government should favor a 1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Among Individuals in Southern Baptist Congregations

Laity Key Leaders

Freedom to choose your religious 94%

Freedom to worship with others who 90%

Freedom to practice principles of 88%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Freedom to tell others about your 82%

Freedom to run your business in 71%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The views of my church 51%

Personal experience with the issue 47%

The views of my parents or family 46%

The views of my pastor 23%

The views of books I have read 17%

Watching actions of groups that I 15%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The views of close friends 13%

The views of the political leaders or 13%

The views of news media I consume 8%

Among Individuals in Southern Baptist Congregations

Not knowledgeable at all 9%

Not very knowledgeable 34%

Somewhat knowledgeable 39%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Martin Luther King, Jr. 90%

Roger Williams 21%

John Leland 14%

Isaac Backus 10%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Among Individuals in Southern Baptist Congregations

Not sure 15%

Much more often 13%

A little more often 30%

Currently the right amount 46%

A little less often 4%

Much less often 6%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%