I appreciated the analyses of a recent poll of evangelical Christians, reported in the Washington Times today, more than the findings themselves. Beyond the routine “offended by culture” and “outside the mainstream” questions were insights into what evangelicals think about their perceived “leaders.” From the article:

Some of America’s best-known evangelical leaders don’t necessarily resonate with their followers, the poll said.

Favorability ratings for Liberty University chancellor the Rev. Jerry Falwell (44.1 percent) and Christian Broadcasting Network founder the Rev. Pat Robertson (54.2 percent) were low compared with the world’s best-known religious leader, Pope John Paul II, who had a 59.4 percent favorability rating. Focus on the Family founder James Dobson scored 73.3, and evangelist the Rev. Franklin Graham registered a favorability rating of 73.1 percent.

“Many evangelicals have mixed feelings toward their leaders,” (Anna) Greenberg (who conducted the poll) said. “Evangelicals are discerning about their leadership, and we should not assume every evangelical leader is liked by their constituency.”

Indeed, I cringe every time I see Falwell or Robertson interviewed as the representative of evangelicals. More from the Times:

“Many elites don’t know anything about evangelicals,” said John Green, a University of Akron political science professor who provided an analysis of the report. “And many evangelicals are their own worst publicists.”

Amen!