Survey: Billy Graham, Pat Robertson Most Well Known Religious Figures

The Rev. Billy Graham topped the list of most favorable religious leader in the nation, according to a new Barna report. But the evangelist fell well behind celebrities and other public figures who scored higher favorability with Americans.

The latest Barna research report evaluated American public opinion of 34 public figures from the fields of entertainment, politics and business and religion. Generating the highest favorability was actor Denzel Washington with 85 percent. Graham who was scored as most well-known among religious leaders only generated 64 percent of favorability.

Ahead of Graham were Oprah Winfrey (83 percent), Billy Gates (80 percent), Tim McGraw (72 percent), Faith Hill (71 percent), Mel Gibson (69 percent), George Clooney (67 percent) and Bill Clinton (64 percent).

Note: The final paragraph of this story is a very powerful and thought-provoking conclusion.

In regards to the born again population, Barna said, "The perceptions that born again adults have of public figures is nearly identical to that of people who are not born again. That suggests that their faith in Christ has little influence upon their decision-making, which explains why surveys find few distinctives in their lifestyle and values. Not only are most born again adults surprisingly oblivious to national religious leaders, but they apparently have the same perceptual filter as people who have not turned to Jesus Christ. If nothing else, this suggests that most born again adults are a work in progress, and that there is a lot of growth yet to experience in the renewing of their minds."

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