Candy vs. Sex: What Christians Say They Give Up For Lent
When President Barack Obama meets with Pope Francis Thursday, the president might want to ask the Pope for a few pointers about how to attain a high approval rating.
Pope Francis enjoys an 85 percent approval rating among American Catholics, and at 63 percent approval rating among all Americans, according to a new survey by the Saint Leo University Polling Institute. Just 5 percent of Catholics, and 8 percent of all Americans, hold a negative view of how Pope Francis is handling his duties as Pope.
The President’s approval rating in the same survey is a more modest 47 percent, with 49 percent disapproving of his job performance.
The Saint Leo University survey also asked Christians whether they gave something up for Lent. Giving up something for Lent “is a memory of Jesus taking 40 days at the beginning of his ministry and going into the desert to fast and pray,” explained Dr. Michael Anthony Novak, assistant professor of theology and religion at Saint Leo University. “For Christians today, it is a way of focusing ourselves and looking towards the celebration of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus. It is a spiritual discipline that is meant to renew ourselves, or free up more time for prayers,” continued Dr. Novak.
Among Catholics, 31 percent said they have given something up for Lent this year. Among other Christians, 11 percent are observing Lent by giving something up. Another 40 percent of Catholics, and 19 percent of other Christians, say they have given something up for Lent in the past but did not do this year.
What do Americans give up for Lent? Respondents told Saint Leo University the following:
|
Percent |
Item |
Catholics |
Other Christians |
|
|
32 |
Candy or sweets |
35 |
28 |
|
|
28 |
Chocolate |
31 |
22 |
|
|
23 |
Soda |
19 |
28 |
|
|
22 |
Meat |
23 |
20 |
|
|
21 |
Alcohol |
19 |
22 |
|
|
19 |
Swearing |
22 |
14 |
|
|
19 |
Fast food |
20 |
19 |
|
|
17 |
Ice cream |
21 |
13 |
|
|
13 |
Smoking |
15 |
10 |
|
|
11 |
Sex |
10 |
12 |
|
|
11 |
Coffee |
13 |
9 |
|
|
9 |
Television |
11 |
7 |
|
|
7 |
Social media such as Facebook or Twitter |
8 |
5 |
|
|
8 |
Other |
10 |
6 |
|
|
9 |
Not sure / don’t know |
7 |
13 |
About the Saint Leo University Polling Institute/Methodology
The data is derived from a national poll of 1,009 people conducted by the Saint Leo University Polling Institute between March 16 and 18, 2014. The margin of error is approximately three percent +/- with a 95 percent confidence level.
To view the Florida political and policy results, including methodology, visit the polling institute’s website, http://polls.saintleo.edu You can also follow the institute on Twitter @saintleopolls. Saint Leo’s main website is www.saintleo.edu
The Saint Leo University Polling Institute conducts its surveys using cutting-edge online methodology, which is rapidly transforming the field of survey research. Sample is drawn from large online panels, which allow for random selections that reflect accurate cross sections of all demographic groups. Online methodology has the additional advantages of allowing participants to respond to the survey at a time, place, and speed that is convenient to them, which may result in more thoughtful answers. The Saint Leo University Polling Institute develops the questionnaires, administers the surveys, and conducts analysis of the results. Panel participants typically receive a token incentive – usually 50 cents deposited into an iTunes or Amazon account – for their participation. The institute’s executive director is Dr. Andrew (Drew) Gold, associate professor of management at Saint Leo University.
To view poll results click here.