Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

September 2018 – “The Good News About Global Poverty,” published by Barna, puts the spotlight on a persistent global issue. The study details differences in how people react to the issue, the opinions they hold, their political views, and whether or not they are practicing Christians.

The research also reveals drastically different responses across political and religious lines. For example, 37% of liberals are extremely concerned about global poverty, as compared to only 19% of conservatives, and 71% of liberals believe personally volunteering or donating for international poverty is important, a belief only 43% of conservatives share.

Religion also has an effect on people’s involvement in reaching impoverished people around the world. Christians, both conservative and liberal, are on average more likely to help with the needy in their community, the poor in the U.S., and the poor in other countries than their non-religious counterparts. Christians are more likely to donate to a church or place of worship, missions organizations, local food banks and shelters, individuals in need, and medical aid.

barna.org, 6/19/18