I just came across a two interesting polls over at Christianity Today (CT) – their online site. The e-mail updates and information CT sends out regularly include links to the article and a poll. Source.
The First (most recent poll):
Do you sometimes avoid the label “evangelical?”

Yes, because I want to be simply a Christian. – 17%
Yes, because the word suggests I have political/social beliefs I disagree with. – 31%
Yes (other) – 9%
No, I embrace all the connotations of “evangelical.” – 9%
No, it’s a very useful term that describes my faith well. – 23%
No (other) – 8%
I’m not a born-again Christian. – 2%
Total Votes: 651

So far, over 50% answered “Yes” (readers avoid using the term “Evangelical”). It makes me wonder whether the majority of respondents are younger, since they tend to be more apt to read stuff on the Web and since they tend to be more opposed to the policies and tactics of the Religious Right. Since CT is “A Evangelical Magazine of Conviction,” it seems odd that so far a majority of respondents to the poll “sometimes avoid” using the label.
The Second:
Which candidate do you support?

Hillary Clinton – 5%
John McCain – 46%
Barack Obama – 25%
Ron Paul – 15%
Other – 8%
Total Votes: 2288

The Clinton and McCain numbers do not surprise me, but look at Ron Paul! He received 15% of the vote. Considering he was the Libertarian Party candidate during the last presidential election and a Republican candidate this time around, I wonder what is going on. I’m frankly very surprised by that number. Are Evangelicals becoming more Libertarian? Historically, I think it can make sense, but considering the rise of the Religious Right I’m just surprised.