The Nation - News from June 2, 1985

A growing number of Americans believe religion is increasing its influence on American life, with 48% holding this opinion compared to 39% who think religion is losing its influence, the Gallup Poll found. The proportion who see religion gaining influence is more than three times the proportion recorded in 1969, when 14% said religion was increasing its influence and 70% said it was losing. The survey, in which 91% of the respondents stated a religious preference, found a slight upturn in those who believe that religion can answer all or most of today’s problems--from 56% in 1984 to 61% now.