Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

Pew Research’s Gregory A. Smith on What Americans Really Believe—and Why the Data Might Surprise You

2025-12-09

Forget what you think you know about religion in America. The latest research from Pew reveals a story that’s more complex—and more hopeful—than the headlines suggest. Corey sits down with Gregory A. Smith, who’s spent over two decades studying how faith and identity shape American public life. In this no-fluff conversation, Greg unpacks the surprising stabilization of religious affiliation, the myths about Gen Z’s spiritual life, and how a well-worded survey can teach us more than a pundit ever could. They also explore the emotional courage it takes to ...

Forget what you think you know about religion in America. The latest research from Pew reveals a story that’s more complex—and more hopeful—than the headlines suggest.

Corey sits down with Gregory A. Smith, who’s spent over two decades studying how faith and identity shape American public life. In this no-fluff conversation, Greg unpacks the surprising stabilization of religious affiliation, the myths about Gen Z’s spiritual life, and how a well-worded survey can teach us more than a pundit ever could. They also explore the emotional courage it takes to study religion without evangelizing it—and why 80% of Christians say you don’t have to agree about Trump to be a “good Christian.”

🧭 If you’re new to TP&R, this is an eye-opening intro to how data, faith, and civic life intersect—grounded in transparency, humility, and curiosity.

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⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics

[00:00] Meet Greg Smith — and why Pew’s research matters in polarized times
[00:04] From political science to religion & politics: Greg’s unexpected career path
[00:07] Personal roots: Growing up Catholic, noticing politics in the pews
[00:12] Designing good survey questions: clarity, neutrality, and transparency
[00:20] The art & science of polling: how sample sizes actually work
[00:34] The rise of the “nones” and the plateau of religious decline
[00:40] What the pandemic revealed about faith, habits & resilience
[00:49] Gender, politics, and religion: surprising shifts in who’s leaving faith
[00:54] Can good Christians disagree about Donald Trump? (Short answer: yes!)
[01:01] Pew’s mission of nonpartisanship—and how to spot bad data
[01:05] Talking across differences: assume good intent, ask good questions

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Faith is changing—but not disappearing. After decades of decline, American religiosity has surprisingly leveled off.
• Young people aren’t flocking to church—but they’re not abandoning it at the same rate anymore either.
• Survey design matters. A question’s wording can shape the narrative. Pew’s commitment to transparency lets the data speak for itself.
• Data ≠ dogma. Pew doesn’t advocate policy or religion—they provide tools for understanding.
• People surprise us. 80% of U.S. Christians agree: good Christians can disagree about Donald Trump.

💬 Notable Quotes

“If you want to measure change, you cannot change the measures.”
“Religion’s decline is real—but in the last five years, it's stopped declining.”
“Being transparent doesn’t just build trust; it lets people decide for themselves.”
“Our surveys aren’t about converting anyone. They’re about understanding everyone.”

🔗 Pew Research Resources

Pew Research Center – Religion & Public Life
Explore data-driven insights on faith, identity, and public life in America.
pewresearch.org/topic/religion
Religious Landscape Study (2007, 2014, 2023‑24)
A definitive, multi-decade survey tracking American religious beliefs, behaviors, and affiliations.
pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study
📄 Religion Holds Steady in America (2025)
The latest research: no clear evidence of a religious revival among young adults—just enduring complexity.
Read the report