Poll: Fewer Americans Believe Islam Inspires Terrorism
Recent Bombings May Not Have Had Noticeable Impact On Public View
POSTED: 5:30 pm PDT July 26, 2005
UPDATED: 3:54 am PDT July 27, 2005
WASHINGTON -- The percentage of Americans who believe Islam is more likely to inspire violence than other religions has declined in the past two years, according to a poll taken after the London bombings.
The Pew Research Center poll found that 36 percent of Americans now say Islam is more likely to inspire violence compared to 44 percent in July 2003.
The poll suggests that recent terrorist bombings in London haven't had any noticeable impact on the public's view of Muslim-Americans or of Islam.
The 55 percent who now say they have a positive view of Muslim-Americans is roughly equal to the 57 percent who have a favorable view of evangelical Christians.
Three-fourths say they have favorable views of Jews and Catholics.
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