The integrity of the media is being questioned frequently these days. Other American institutions, such as colleges, banks, and labor unions have also received criticism recently. One institution that actually has a positive reputation, however, is the church.
While the church certainly receives its share of criticism, a report from the Pew Research Center has actually revealed that the church has a more positive reputation than any of the above-mentioned institutions.
Fifty-nine percent of Americans view the church positively.
Christianity Today reports that “The church’s positivity ratings are more than twice as high as the media, which 28 percent of Americans view positively and 63 percent negatively.”
Although Americans view the church more favorably than other institutions, there is ample skepticism surrounding ministers. Journalists’ confidence ratings are still lower than pastors, but only 44 percent of Americans said they trust pastors.
“For the fourth year in a row—in a nation where religion is an important part of life for three-fourths of the population—less than half of Americans think religious leaders have high ethical standards,” according to a Gallup poll. “Meanwhile, two groups of professionals linked to the bitter political battles of 2016—college teachers and journalists—are at or near their all-time lows, with views split along partisan lines.”