The adage that the more things change, the more they stay the same is especially true for American society. With the growing acceptance of secular humanism and the questioning of traditional values, American culture seems to be leaning towards a more liberal and lenient worldview. However, while this trend is indeed more prevalent in some parts of the country, evidence shows that large swathes of the population hold fast to traditional beliefs. The acceptance of religious-based laws and customs, whether voluntary or forced, is widespread throughout the country. This is not to say that people are happy with their churches and other religious institutions, but that enough people are willing to uphold them despite their lack of popularity in modern society.

The religious-based laws and customs that Americans often uphold include the Ten Commandments, the idea of God, and marriage. A Pew Research poll from 2014 found that 72% of Americans agreed that God exists. Though this figure is down from 81% in 2008 and 79% in 2001, it remains very high. A similar poll was taken in 2015, and 56% of Americans agreed that the Bible is the “true word of God.” Although this number has declined from 65% in 2009, it is still relatively high. The Ten Commandments are also upheld by many, with 62% of Americans saying that they should be kept, down from 63% in 2009. Many Americans also uphold marriage. A Gallup poll from 2015 found that 72% of adults say that marriage should be limited to one man and one woman, though this number is also down from 77% in 2009. In addition, 62% of people believe that children should obey their parents, with 29% of people saying that children should abide by them 100% of the time. These figures all suggest that religion is still quite strong throughout the country and that many Americans still uphold traditional religious values.

These figures about religious-based laws and customs were not the only polls taken about religious values during this election. A Pew Research poll from 2011 found that 45% of the population is Protestant, 32% are Roman Catholic, and 3% are Mormon. A Gallup poll from the same year found similar numbers: 44% are Protestant, 34% are Roman Catholic, and 2% are Mormon. In addition, Gallup found that 76% of people attend church once a week or more, and 47% of people say that religion is vital in their lives. These figures suggest that religious values are still as prevalent as they were in the past. However, it is essential to recognize that this does not necessarily mean that most Americans hold fast to traditional religious values. Many people, especially young people, do not attend church regularly. This could be due to either the lack of religious options in their area or simply because young people have less time on their hands than previous generations due to increased education, work, and childcare responsibilities.

The acceptance of religious-based laws and customs does not mean that society has become more tolerant. A Pew Research poll from 2011 found that 77% of Americans say that homosexuality should be accepted by society, and 68% say that abortion should be legal in all or most cases. A Gallup poll from 2011 found a similar result: 73% of Americans say that homosexuality should be accepted by society, and 60% say that abortion should be legal in all or most cases. This increase in acceptance is likely due to a greater acceptance of homosexuality among younger generations and the increased use of contraception and birth control by women. In addition, the acceptance of same-sex relationships has increased due to expanded television shows and movies in which homosexual relationships are featured. Despite these increases in favor, 53% of Americans say that homosexuality is morally wrong. This means that many Americans do not yet accept homosexuals, which may lead to discrimination against them. The acceptance of abortion is also relatively low. A Gallup poll from 2011 found that 38% of Americans say that abortion should be illegal in all or most cases, and 28% say that abortion should be legal in all or most cases. This percentage has not changed much over time; in 2008, the number was 40%, and in 2009 it was 37%. This shows that many Americans still oppose abortion. However, it is essential to note that the opposition to abortion is not particularly prevalent among younger generations. A Gallup poll from 2011 found that 57% of adults under 30 say that abortion should be legal in all or most cases, and 58% of adults 30 to 49 say that abortion should be legal in all or most cases. This increase in acceptance of abortion among younger generations shows that religious-based laws and customs are not being passed along from one generation to the next. Thus society is not becoming more accepting of homosexuality and abortion.

Although some Americans question authority, it is clear that most people do not. A Gallup poll from 2015 found that 65% of adults say that they trust the government to do what’s right, and 80% say that they trust their friends to do what’s right. This shows that most people trust their friends and their government to do what’s right, which could lead to people being less distrustful of each other. This lack of distrust could, in turn, lead to more cooperation among individuals and groups.