WASHINGTON (RNS)—The vast majority of Americans believe sin exists, but they differ on which behaviors are sinful, according to a new survey by Ellison Research.
The Phoenix-based marketing research company found 87 percent of Americans believe in the concept of sin. While most Americans think adultery is sinful (81 percent) and consider racism to be a sin (74 percent), far fewer Americans would put gambling (30 percent) or telling a “little white lie” (29 percent) in that category.
A majority agreed other activities described as sinful include:
• Using “hard” drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, LSD—65 percent.
• Not saying anything if a cashier gives you too much change back—63 percent.
• Having an abortion—56 percent.
• Homosexual activity or sex—52 percent.
• Underreporting income on your tax returns—52 percent.
But only 18 percent believe playing the lottery is sinful, and just 16 percent cited failure to tithe—to give 10 percent of income to a church or charity—as sinful. And only 4 percent named dancing as sinful behavior.
Ron Sellers, president of Ellison Research, said the survey showed inconsistent thought patterns.
“For instance, over a third of all Americans believe failing to take proper care of their bodies is sinful,” he said. “Yet far fewer believe tobacco or obesity are sins—even though medical science consistently shows using tobacco and being overweight are two of the most harmful things they can do to their bodies.”
The survey was based on a sample of 1,007 adults with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
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