Jews are the most favorably viewed religious group in the United States, followed by Catholics, according to a new poll from the non-partisan think-tank Pew Research Center.
In a survey, the Center asked more than 3,200 Americans to rate, from 0 to 100, how favorably they viewed eight of the largest religious groups in the country. Responders gave Jews an average rating of 63, closely followed by Catholics with 62, and Evangelical Christians with 61. ;
Three other religious groups received neutral marks. Responders gave Buddhists a 53 favorable rating, 50 for Hindus, and 48 for Mormons. The bottom two groups, receiving negative marks, are atheists with 41, and Muslims, rated at 40.
The poll showed that participants who identified as Jewish gave Catholics a 58 rating. Meanwhile, Protestants of all denominations gave Catholicism a 60; and those who had no religious affiliation gave Catholics a 52 favorable rating.
The United States has the fourth-largest Catholic population in the world, estimated at more than 75 million. That also makes it the largest religious denomination in the country. According to the Pew Research Center, the Church's large size contributed to its favorable views. In fact, Catholic responders to the survey rated themselves with an approval mark of 80.
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