The Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) is a helpful resource for, well... data and research on religion. For those interested in such research the ARDA website is a place to spend a few hours.

Last night, I was on their site preparing for an upcoming meeting. Roger Finke, ARDA director, and I will be leading a panel this September at the Religion Newswriters Association on "Surveying Surveys." The description:

Reporters are bombarded with purported poll and survey results on religious belief and practice. But how do we know which studies are trustworthy and how to interpret what they say? We look at sound and faulty data and help you find ways to tell which is which. Moderated by Jacqui Salmon, The Washington Post.

The ARDA is one of the best sites for people who are interested in religious research (which, if you read this blog, should include you!)

You might want to take a look at the "Generation Next" survey which features,

...an oversample of members of "Generation Next" (young adults ages 18-25), this Pew survey examines this generation's outlook, lifestyle, and politics. Respondents were asked to compare their own generation to others in several areas including opportunities, challenges, and lifestyle choices. Other topics covered include technology usage, news consumption, political attitudes and behavior, and personal aspirations. Religion variables include religious affiliation, church attendance, and the importance of spirituality.

The survey includes answers to questions like:

What ONE WORD OR PHRASE best describes your generation?

Now thinking about your generation compared with young adults 20 years ago, for each of the things I mention please tell me if you think your generation does more of it, less of it, OR about the same amount as young adults 20 years ago did: Binge drinking.

From what you have seen, would you say it is easy, hard, or probably impossible to have a good marriage today?

This is a very interesting survey from 2006. You can look over the Generation Next data here.

You can also check out the The Faith Communities Today (FACT) survey. This was coordinated by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research at the Hartford Seminary and included forty-one faith groups and denominations (including NAMB, my former employer).

Get the breakdown of responses to questions like:

How well does each of the following statements describe your congregation? Our congregation is spiritually vital and alive.

How well does each of the following statements describe your congregation? Our congregation is working for social justice.

How well does each of the following statements describe your congregation? Our congregation is trying to increase its racial/ethnic diversity.

Check it out here.

All that to say... it is worth a visit.