(RNS) More Americans believe a statement about giving “justice to the poor and homeless” came from President Obama instead of its true source, the Bible.
A survey conducted by Harris Interactive for the American Bible Society found that 54 percent of U.S. adults polled believe the statement — “You must defend those who are helpless and have no hope.
Be fair and give justice to the poor and homeless” — came from a celebrity or politician, when the statement actually comes from Proverbs 31:8.
Of the 1,001 adults surveyed, 16 percent believed the statement came from Obama; 13 percent said it came from the Bible. Other popular answers included the Dalai Lama, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Oprah Winfrey.
Other questions in the survey also addressed poverty and the Bible.
In a question about the teachings of the Bible, 40 percent said the Bible offers the most teaching on heaven, pride or adultery, even though poverty is actually mentioned more than any of these subjects.
The survey was developed to coincide with the release of the society’s new Poverty and Justice Bible, which highlights verses about poverty and justice and provides tips on helping people in need.
By Angela Abbamonte
Religion News Service
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