Final answer:
In the United States, 65 percent of adults consider religion important in their daily lives, and this sentiment carries into the political realm with many Americans supporting religious influence on politics. Areas of the U.S show varying rates of religious adherence, reflecting the diverse landscape of religious importance in American society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Religion plays an important role in the lives of many Americans and influences their political decisions. In a 2009 Gallup survey, 65 percent of U.S. adults stated that religion was an important part of their daily lives – a figure that is quite high when compared to other democratic, industrialized nations such as Spain, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. Political candidates, such as Senator Ted Cruz, often engage with religious communities to garner support, reflecting the significant overlap between religious affiliation and political leanings in the United States.
Furthermore, religious socialization extends beyond personal belief systems to political actions. Religious leaders teach on a variety of moral and ethical issues that have direct political implications, influencing views on topics like abortion, euthanasia, social services, the death penalty, and military involvement. Approximately 54 percent of Americans believe that churches should be politically involved, emphasizing the entwining of religion and politics in American society.
There is also considerable diversity in religious adherence across different regions of the United States, with areas like Utah and the Great Plains states showcasing adherence rates above 75 percent, while other regions have significantly lower rates. The importance of religion is not only a mark of personal faith but also a defining characteristic of cultural and community identity across the nation.