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, 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.