Importance of religion in one's life among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
20149%30%39%21%< 1%1,819
200711%29%37%22%1%1,189
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by religious group

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic16%42%32%10%< 1%310
Jewish9%47%30%14%< 1%118
Mainline Protestant6%37%42%15%< 1%277
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")5%19%44%31%1%850
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important22%35%25%17%147
Somewhat important32%36%21%11%538
Not too important39%32%18%11%699
Not at all important37%32%18%13%400
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important9%21%27%29%12%2%147
Somewhat important19%22%27%24%7%1%538
Not too important26%19%25%22%7%1%699
Not at all important27%18%25%22%8%1%400
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important59%41%152
Somewhat important61%39%546
Not too important57%43%703
Not at all important63%37%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important43%13%5%36%2%151
Somewhat important62%5%8%21%5%541
Not too important72%3%9%13%2%695
Not at all important73%5%8%11%3%400
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important44%8%49%148
Somewhat important21%17%61%538
Not too important16%14%70%698
Not at all important14%15%71%401
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important57%16%10%18%133
Somewhat important36%15%24%24%484
Not too important25%17%30%28%651
Not at all important29%18%26%27%364
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important63%19%8%11%149
Somewhat important39%27%18%15%545
Not too important32%31%23%15%701
Not at all important37%27%20%16%405
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important48%7%11%8%26%148
Somewhat important40%14%9%5%32%544
Not too important40%9%8%2%41%702
Not at all important36%10%10%4%39%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important38%62%151
Somewhat important28%72%543
Not too important23%77%702
Not at all important19%81%404
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Attendance at religious services among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important33%43%23%< 1%152
Somewhat important8%54%38%< 1%546
Not too important2%35%63%< 1%703
Not at all important3%10%86%1%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important64%16%8%12%< 1%152
Somewhat important23%21%18%38%1%546
Not too important5%10%10%74%< 1%703
Not at all important7%5%6%82%< 1%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important18%19%11%52%< 1%152
Somewhat important4%6%9%80%< 1%546
Not too important1%1%2%96%< 1%703
Not at all important3%1%< 1%96%< 1%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important47%18%4%31%< 1%152
Somewhat important23%12%9%55%< 1%546
Not too important17%10%6%66%1%703
Not at all important20%11%4%63%1%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important54%17%8%21%1%152
Somewhat important28%20%16%36%< 1%546
Not too important26%16%18%40%1%703
Not at all important31%16%11%41%1%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important56%11%9%24%1%152
Somewhat important51%14%16%19%1%546
Not too important39%20%17%24%1%703
Not at all important41%14%16%29%1%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important24%20%43%12%1%152
Somewhat important4%22%53%18%2%546
Not too important3%21%59%16%1%703
Not at all important2%19%62%15%1%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important20%75%3%2%152
Somewhat important21%76%2%1%546
Not too important19%80%1%< 1%703
Not at all important20%78%1%1%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important31%19%12%38%1%152
Somewhat important6%8%11%75%< 1%546
Not too important2%2%5%91%< 1%703
Not at all important2%5%1%91%< 1%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Very important25%19%2%46%8%152
Somewhat important6%14%< 1%70%9%546
Not too important2%6%< 1%86%6%703
Not at all important4%7%< 1%85%4%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important62%29%9%152
Somewhat important44%41%15%546
Not too important37%50%14%703
Not at all important29%61%10%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important48%43%10%152
Somewhat important33%55%12%546
Not too important26%63%11%703
Not at all important17%74%8%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important18%22%60%152
Somewhat important25%19%57%546
Not too important26%16%59%703
Not at all important22%17%61%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important33%25%38%4%152
Somewhat important22%37%35%5%546
Not too important13%43%38%6%703
Not at all important15%40%39%6%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important30%58%7%5%152
Somewhat important47%45%4%4%546
Not too important47%48%3%3%703
Not at all important48%46%4%3%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important38%54%5%3%152
Somewhat important34%61%3%1%546
Not too important38%58%3%1%703
Not at all important35%59%3%2%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important53%43%4%152
Somewhat important74%22%4%546
Not too important81%17%1%703
Not at all important85%13%3%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important69%24%3%4%152
Somewhat important79%16%2%2%546
Not too important87%8%2%3%703
Not at all important85%12%2%1%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important57%32%11%152
Somewhat important74%20%5%546
Not too important82%13%4%703
Not at all important83%12%5%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important37%58%2%3%152
Somewhat important29%66%3%1%546
Not too important28%70%1%1%703
Not at all important24%73%2%1%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important42%20%3%32%4%152
Somewhat important61%14%6%16%2%546
Not too important74%10%6%9%1%703
Not at all important74%7%3%11%4%407
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.