christian. >> reporter: in washington, of the 12 people who talked to a fox news crew, eight called the president a christian. three were unsure. one labelled him a muslim. >> there is no tactical demonstration of that fact, that he is anything other than christian. >> no question or doubt about it, he is christian. >> so american public would like to know a little bit more about where he stands on his faith. >> time magazine poll taken after the ground zero mosque debate flared found 47% believe mr. obama is a christian. but 24% believe again incorrectly that he is a muslim. the president has attended christian services sparingly and given up on a vow to find a permanent church in washington. this is after a campaign season decision to quit his chicago church and sever ties to long time pastor jeremiah wright. he prefers private christian services at camp david. mr. obama plays a lot of golf on sundays. still, scholars find the new poll numbers baffling. >> it just seems ridiculous