"Faith & Sports: What Influences Christians More?"

There is plenty of research to show the declining sway of the clergy, but who are Americans looking to instead? By more than a 3-to-1 margin, Americans believe professional sports players have more influence on society than do faith leaders. Overall, about two thirds of Americans (64%) say they think pro athletes have more influence; 19% think faith leaders are more influential; 8% say both and 10% say not sure.

Psorts figures are deemed most influential by those making more than %60K+/year, college grads, whites and parents. Those most likely to select faith leaders were weekly church attendees and those making less than $40K/year.