2002 Survey

Poll: Millions of Americans Thinking More About the Spiritual Side

The unexpectedness and finality of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 had a tremendous impact on the spirituality of Americans. The Barnabas Institute report, Americans Respond to Unexpected Terror, details the findings on the anniversary of 9/11. The report is based on a national telephone survey of over 3,000 adults.

More than 40% of respondents said they were thinking more about the religious or spiritual side of their lives since 9/11. That figure translates into more than 84 million American adults who are considering their spirituality more seriously since the attacks.

The survey also found that:

  • More than one in four Americans who are not active in any faith now said they are concerned about the spiritual.
  • 68% of those thinking more about their spirituality are taking action.
  • The most common action mentioned by those seeking to be more spiritual was “Trying harder to live as my faith requires.”

 

You can view some excerpts of the report in PDF format, or purchase the report online in a choice of formats.