Religious Gridlock: American Christians May Not Vote
October 11, 2024.png)
Key Takeaways
- Widespread political disillusionment, especially toward Democrats, fuels both negative sentiment and voter apathy among Christians.
- Christian voters are divided on issues like abortion, religious freedom, and economic justice, with factions prioritizing different theological concerns.
- Many Christians, especially evangelicals, want a leader who embodies biblical virtues and moral clarity in governance, rooted in religious principles.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters, Christians
Sample Size
70,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
7 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
Christian voter intentions revealed in online discussions are divided. Various religious groups have varying priorities, concerns, and theological underpinnings influencing their desire to vote.
Recent reporting suggests only 51% of “people of faith” plan to vote in the election. MIG Reports analysis indicates some of the reasons for this divide.
NEW—According to new survey data by George Barna, only 51% of “people of faith” plan to vote this November.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) October 7, 2024
TRANSLATION:
- 41 million born-again Christians WILL NOT VOTE
- 32 million mainline Christians WILL NOT VOTE
This is a five-alarm fire.
The local church must be…
.png)
Christian Voter Issues
While some issues overlap, there are several major concerns across various Christian voter groups.
35% of Christians prioritize abortion and pro-life values
- Christians, particularly evangelicals, rank abortion as one of the most critical moral and political issues.
- Many view it as religious more than political, saying candidate positions on abortion determine their suitability for leadership.
- Pro-life Christians voice their faith as a driving force for voting decisions.
- Approximately 40% of pro-life discussions commit to vote for a pro-life candidate.
30% of Christians prioritize religious freedom and morality
- Christians worry about protecting religious liberties, with a noticeable fear of increasing secularism.
- Many say candidates should defend the rights of religious institutions.
- Around 30% of discussions center on preserving Christian values in public policy.
- Christians view these issues as not both political and theological, tied directly to their biblical interpretations.
20% of Christians prioritize social justice and economic concerns
- Economic issues regarding middle-class and lower-income families drive Christian discussion.
- These voters want candidates who address economic stability, taxation, and social equity.
- About 20% of comments prioritize economic and social concerns in voting decisions.
- Many Christians view economic issues through compassion, particularly when discussing poverty and economic disparities.
25% of Christians prioritize border security
- Immigration is divisive, with 20-30% of comments voicing concerns over government policies.
- Christians who emphasize national identity and family integrity see strict immigration policies as defending Christian values.
- They aim to protect the social fabric and Christian identity of America.
15% of Christians prioritize cultural and moral decline
- Concerns over societal decay, particularly on issues like gender identity and sexual orientation, are critical for many Christians.
- 10-15% focus on the need for candidates to uphold traditional family values, with a strong emphasis on cultural preservation.
10% of Christians prioritize environmental stewardship
- A smaller group discusses environmental stewardship, particularly younger Christians.
- These voters frame their desire for climate-conscious candidates through a theological lens, viewing environmentalism as a biblical responsibility.
.png)
Issues Discouraging Voting
40-45% of Christians cite disillusionment with politics
- Many Christians feel neither political party adequately represents their values.
- A feeling of disenfranchisement drives almost half of Christians to abstain from voting.
- Concerns about political corruption and a lack of genuine Christian principles in politics are frequently complaints.
10-15% of Christians cite partisan divides
- Polarization within Christianity, especially between evangelicals and mainline Protestants, contributes to a sense of sadness and resignation.
- These divisions cause frustration over the inability to unite on moral and theological issues.
.png)
Trending Sentiments
60-70% voice negative sentiment toward current leadership
- Most Christians express dissatisfaction with the Biden-Harris administration.
- 60-70% of discussions reflect negative sentiments, often using terms like "gaslighting" and accusations of dishonesty.
- These voters view Democrats as advancing policies that undermine Christian values, particularly on issues like abortion and religious freedom.
30% voice hope for a Christian leader
- Despite widespread disillusionment, 30% of Christians say they hope for a leader who aligns with biblical principles.
- There is desire for a leader who represents a more biblically faithful ethos, with many discussions invoking a desire for a “Christian king” figure.
Denominational Perspectives
Evangelicals
- More than half of the discussion is among evangelicals.
- This group focuses on issues like abortion, religious freedom, and traditional family values.
- They vocally support conservative candidates and are more likely to vote, viewing it as a moral obligation.
Mainline Protestants
- This group represents 20-25% of the discussion.
- Protestants are focused on social justice, climate change, and economic inequality.
- While still critical of current leadership, they are often frustrated with hyper-partisanship and seek a broader, more compassionate platform.
Catholics
- 20% of discussion is among Catholics.
- They often have a split perspective, with some emphasizing social justice and others pro-life values.
- They navigate a complicated political space, often considering candidates from both sides based on how well they articulate these issues.
Desire for Biblical Leadership
Most Christians discuss wanting a leader who embodies biblical values, sometimes voicing a desire for a "Christian king" or a leader who reflects Christian ethics and doctrines. This sentiment aligns with a desire to return to “biblical leadership,” which resonates deeply with Christian communities, particularly evangelicals.
Theology and Leadership
Discussions often invoke scriptural justifications for voter desires for a leader who rules in accordance with Christian doctrine. Christians who want a biblically faithful leader tie that idea to a belief that leadership must be guided by God’s law, reflecting both theological and moral commitments.
_.png)
_.png)
_.png)
_.png)
_.png)
_.png)
_.png)
_.png)
_.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)