A more diverse and tolerant attitude by Americans toward religion is getting big play in the media, leading the network news Monday and morning newspapers. A major survey by the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life finds a non-dogmatic approach to faith. A majority of those affiliated with a religion, for instance, do not believe their religion is the only way to salvation and also believe that there is more than one true way to interpret their religion's teachings. This openness to a range of religious viewpoints is in line with the greater diversity of religious affiliation, beliefs and practices, as documented in a survey of more than 35,000 Americans. The survey also shows that religion is closely linked to political ideology.

This is not to suggest that Americans do not take religion seriously. The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey also shows that more than half of Americans say religion is very important in their lives, attend religious services regularly and pray daily. A plurality of adults who are affiliated with a religion want their religion to preserve its traditional beliefs and practices rather than either adjust to new circumstances or adopt modern beliefs and practices. Also, significant minorities across nearly all religious traditions see a conflict between being a devout person and living in a modern society.

The report details social and political attitudes of the American public along with the religious makeup, religious beliefs and practices. Pew's Web site contains an online section with charts and maps and other dynamic tools that complement the report. The Web site also provides the extensive press coverage under "resource page."

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