Importance of religion in one's life among adults who seldom or never meditate

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201440%30%15%15%< 1%15,172
200743%34%13%10%1%15,447
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 seldom or never meditate by religious group

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic43%42%11%4%< 1%3,119
Evangelical Protestant71%25%3%1%< 1%3,202
Historically Black Protestant78%19%3%< 1%< 1%538
Jewish28%37%23%11%< 1%487
Mainline Protestant42%41%13%3%< 1%2,679
Mormon68%21%10%1%< 1%175
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")9%20%27%43%1%4,330
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important22%36%28%13%5,808
Somewhat important27%36%25%12%4,387
Not too important35%34%20%11%2,255
Not at all important34%36%18%12%2,387
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important13%15%29%33%8%1%5,808
Somewhat important18%16%29%30%7%1%4,387
Not too important23%19%27%24%6%1%2,255
Not at all important22%20%27%22%8%1%2,387
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important43%57%5,936
Somewhat important52%48%4,463
Not too important58%42%2,283
Not at all important66%34%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important69%14%2%12%4%5,864
Somewhat important73%7%4%13%3%4,418
Not too important76%5%7%8%3%2,261
Not at all important79%3%5%10%3%2,387
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important11%8%81%5,850
Somewhat important11%11%77%4,404
Not too important12%12%76%2,257
Not at all important11%14%75%2,396
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 important34%21%28%18%5,080
Somewhat important30%21%28%21%3,952
Not too important25%21%30%24%2,053
Not at all important26%18%29%27%2,186
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important45%32%15%8%5,900
Somewhat important44%32%15%9%4,439
Not too important36%32%20%12%2,277
Not at all important35%29%22%14%2,410
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important54%5%12%5%23%5,914
Somewhat important47%10%11%4%28%4,448
Not too important44%9%9%3%36%2,276
Not at all important39%11%10%3%38%2,414
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important35%65%5,909
Somewhat important31%69%4,449
Not too important25%75%2,277
Not at all important22%78%2,413
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

Belief in God among adults who seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Very important88%9%1%1%1%< 1%5,936
Somewhat important50%38%7%1%3%2%4,463
Not too important15%35%20%1%21%7%2,283
Not at all important8%11%10%< 1%63%7%2,419
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.

Attendance at religious services among adults who seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 important50%35%14%1%5,936
Somewhat important11%54%34%< 1%4,463
Not too important2%33%65%< 1%2,283
Not at all important1%8%91%< 1%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important73%18%3%5%1%5,936
Somewhat important31%28%13%27%1%4,463
Not too important8%10%10%72%< 1%2,283
Not at all important3%3%3%91%< 1%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 important29%12%11%47%< 1%5,936
Somewhat important5%6%8%81%< 1%4,463
Not too important1%1%2%96%< 1%2,283
Not at all important1%< 1%1%98%< 1%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 important67%14%8%9%1%5,936
Somewhat important32%22%17%27%1%4,463
Not too important22%16%16%44%1%2,283
Not at all important25%13%9%51%2%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 important37%16%14%33%1%5,936
Somewhat important29%17%17%36%1%4,463
Not too important30%19%17%33%1%2,283
Not at all important37%16%14%32%1%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 important51%5%37%4%3%5,936
Somewhat important12%11%65%10%1%4,463
Not too important3%15%66%15%1%2,283
Not at all important1%16%57%25%2%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 important41%57%2%1%5,936
Somewhat important28%71%1%< 1%4,463
Not too important21%77%1%< 1%2,283
Not at all important19%80%1%1%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 important43%15%10%32%1%5,936
Somewhat important9%10%11%70%< 1%4,463
Not too important2%3%4%92%< 1%2,283
Not at all important1%2%2%94%< 1%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 important45%35%4%10%6%5,936
Somewhat important16%37%1%37%8%4,463
Not too important5%15%< 1%72%8%2,283
Not at all important2%4%< 1%89%5%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important89%6%5%5,936
Somewhat important80%13%7%4,463
Not too important46%43%12%2,283
Not at all important15%78%7%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important76%17%7%5,936
Somewhat important61%31%8%4,463
Not too important34%57%9%2,283
Not at all important11%83%6%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important47%17%37%5,936
Somewhat important39%19%42%4,463
Not too important34%17%49%2,283
Not at all important22%19%58%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important48%31%15%7%5,936
Somewhat important31%40%23%6%4,463
Not too important22%39%33%6%2,283
Not at all important15%34%44%8%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important56%39%2%3%5,936
Somewhat important54%41%2%3%4,463
Not too important52%42%3%3%2,283
Not at all important48%46%3%3%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 important52%43%3%2%5,936
Somewhat important48%47%3%1%4,463
Not too important44%52%4%1%2,283
Not at all important36%60%3%1%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important38%59%4%5,936
Somewhat important63%34%3%4,463
Not too important78%19%3%2,283
Not at all important83%14%3%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important50%42%5%4%5,936
Somewhat important75%19%4%2%4,463
Not too important84%12%2%2%2,283
Not at all important88%8%2%2%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important40%52%8%5,936
Somewhat important66%27%7%4,463
Not too important79%16%4%2,283
Not at all important85%10%5%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 important45%50%2%3%5,936
Somewhat important39%57%2%2%4,463
Not too important32%64%2%2%2,283
Not at all important25%71%2%2%2,419
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 seldom or never meditate by importance of religion

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 important14%30%3%48%5%5,936
Somewhat important38%29%5%25%3%4,463
Not too important68%14%5%11%2%2,283
Not at all important81%7%2%8%2%2,419
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.