Religion and New Jersey

by: Juan Melli

Fri Apr 14, 2006 at 11:52:06 AM EDT

That's not too surprising, but this might be: New Jersey Democrats (59%) and Republicans (60%) believe equally in the literal account of Jesus' resurrection and the account of Moses parting the red sea (39% vs 40%). 20% of Republicans and 18% of Democrats describe themselves as "born again or evangelical Christian," while 38% from each party say they "seldom or never  attend church, synagogue, or other worship services." 20% of Republicans and 22% of Democrats say they've had an experience of feeling "close to a powerful spiritual force that seemed to lift you out of yourself."

Even more interesting is that those who identify themselves as politically independent are less likely to attend worship services once a week, view religion as very important in their lives and believe in the literal interpretation of the biblical account of the resurrection, than partisan voters - regardless of party. Murray Edelman, director of the poll notes:

“The conventional wisdom is that Republicans trump Democrats when it comes to  involvement in religion. But, at least in New Jersey, the greater difference  may be between political partisans and those who do not identify with either party.”

It's no coincidence that we don't see the religious pandering during election time that happens in national elections. Our voters are just as likely to attend worship services as the rest of the country, yet they seem to value and respect the separation of church and state.