Faith in Numbers: Can we Trust Quantitative Data on Religious Affiliation and Religious Freedom?. Issue 3 (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Birdsall, Judd; Beaman, Lori
• Is Part Of: Review of faith & international affairs. Volume 18:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Religion -- religious freedom -- religious affiliation -- quantification -- qualitative data; Law -- Periodicals; Religion and politics -- Periodicals; Law; Religion and politics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 201.705
• DOI: 10.1080/15570274.2020.1795401
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1557-0274

Abstract

Abstract : In this essay we attempt to do four things. First, we discuss the appeal of quantitative data generally and the particular salience of the Pew Research Center data on religious identification and religious restrictions. Second, we examine Pew's data on religious identification. Third, we examine Pew's data on religious restrictions. Fourth, we provide some recommendations for diplomats and other international affairs practitioners as they engage with quantitative data on religion.