The AP Poll is referenced in a lot of places, here's one:
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/ea..._id=1003526258
Here's one of the Creation vs Evolution Polls:
[URL="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/10/22/opinion/polls/main965223.shtml"]URL]
There are a lot of similar poll results out there, and I completely agree that the phrasing of the questions and the interpretation of the data needs to be closely examined, but anyway you slice it, those are big numbers.
I agree, onodrim, with the explanation you give for religion remaining pervasive. Fundamentalist religions have incorporated penalties that for prevent their followers from thinking outside the box and straying from the religion. I'm strange enough that I'm so interested in this topic, I've attended an evangelical event. It's...enlightening. The numbers of people, the topics, the propaganda tactics. At least that was what this heathen noted.
That looks like a must-read, SecretMethod70. Thanks for the suggestion. On a lighter (and more offensive <--warning!) note, I recommend
Welcome to Jesusland! It's hilarious, to a certain sense of humor.
Oh, and I started a separate thread for the age of earth discussion. Sorry for cramming multiple topics into one, and cool automerge feature!