December 2014 – A Pew Research Center study found that many Americans believe Islam inspires violence more than other religions.
President Obama has worked to defend Islam by claiming “no religion condones the killing of innocents.” The flaunting of barbaric executions in recent months by members of Islamic State has led many Americans to conclude otherwise.
The numbers reflect a sweeping change in perception among Americans from February to September. In addition to high numbers in the older adults categories, 70% of white evangelical Protestants (not reflected in data at right), now believe “Islam encourages violence more than other religions.”
