Survey yearBelieve 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
201462%20%5%1%9%3%5,658
200768%17%4%1%5%5%5,770
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: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God

Belief in God among independents and those who don't lean to either party by religious group

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they…

Religious traditionBelieve 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
Catholic61%29%6%2%1%2%1,158
Evangelical Protestant87%11%1%1%< 1%< 1%1,230
Historically Black Protestant85%12%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%184
Jehovah's Witness94%6%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%188
Mainline Protestant64%25%5%2%1%2%822
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")34%22%10%1%27%6%1,474
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: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are ages…

Belief in God18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain21%39%25%15%3,348
Believe in God; fairly certain27%40%21%11%1,077
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain39%35%16%9%268
Do not believe in God44%35%16%6%457
Other/don't know if they believe in God31%32%24%13%168
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

Belief in GodYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain12%16%32%30%10%1%3,348
Believe in God; fairly certain15%21%32%25%6%1%1,077
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain26%23%26%19%6%1%268
Do not believe in God29%23%27%18%3%< 1%457
Other/don't know if they believe in God19%21%23%29%7%1%168
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

Belief in GodMenWomenSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain44%56%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain50%50%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain62%38%276
Do not believe in God71%29%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God68%32%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who identify as…

Belief in GodWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain56%11%4%22%6%3,412
Believe in God; fairly certain55%4%3%33%4%1,091
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain60%6%5%24%5%272
Do not believe in God67%3%13%15%3%458
Other/don't know if they believe in God81%2%3%9%5%170
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

Belief in GodImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain23%9%69%3,413
Believe in God; fairly certain32%8%61%1,083
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain23%13%64%271
Do not believe in God18%14%68%458
Other/don't know if they believe in God13%9%79%176
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have a household income of…

Belief in GodLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain49%21%20%10%2,664
Believe in God; fairly certain52%18%19%12%890
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain45%17%23%16%226
Do not believe in God40%18%26%15%398
Other/don't know if they believe in God44%15%23%18%123
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have completed…

Belief in GodHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain51%31%11%6%3,461
Believe in God; fairly certain56%28%10%6%1,100
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain51%29%15%5%272
Do not believe in God48%29%15%8%470
Other/don't know if they believe in God34%37%21%8%187
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

Belief in GodMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain48%7%16%7%22%3,485
Believe in God; fairly certain42%13%13%4%27%1,103
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain29%12%11%4%44%272
Do not believe in God32%12%10%2%44%470
Other/don't know if they believe in God44%7%14%1%33%176
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

Belief in GodParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain34%66%3,497
Believe in God; fairly certain36%64%1,107
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain24%76%274
Do not believe in God26%74%470
Other/don't know if they believe in God24%76%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.

BeliefsandPractices

Importance of religion in one's life among independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is…

Belief in GodVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain70%21%4%4%1%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain33%42%18%7%1%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain12%33%34%20%1%276
Do not believe in God2%10%18%68%1%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God16%18%26%32%8%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain45%31%23%1%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain20%40%40%< 1%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain8%34%57%1%276
Do not believe in God1%13%85%1%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God9%24%58%9%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray…

Belief in GodAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain71%14%4%9%2%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain37%22%11%29%1%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain18%13%15%54%< 1%276
Do not believe in God3%< 1%4%93%< 1%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God16%6%6%61%11%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend prayer group…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain34%10%9%45%1%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain14%7%7%72%1%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain5%5%3%86%< 1%276
Do not believe in God1%< 1%2%96%< 1%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God6%3%5%79%7%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who meditate…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain51%6%3%37%3%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain32%11%5%50%2%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain21%14%5%59%1%276
Do not believe in God21%6%5%66%1%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God25%9%2%54%11%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain70%12%6%10%2%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain45%18%11%23%3%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain31%12%17%39%1%276
Do not believe in God32%9%7%49%3%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God39%14%8%29%10%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain49%12%10%26%3%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain41%15%15%26%2%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain45%12%12%28%2%276
Do not believe in God45%9%10%34%1%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God46%13%11%22%7%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in GodReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain43%7%40%5%5%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain19%12%55%11%3%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain8%21%59%9%3%276
Do not believe in God1%16%55%26%2%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God8%11%60%10%11%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…

Belief in GodThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain34%61%2%2%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain22%73%2%2%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain24%73%1%2%276
Do not believe in God19%78%1%1%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God17%76%5%3%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain49%10%8%31%2%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain18%8%9%64%1%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain5%10%6%79%< 1%276
Do not believe in God2%2%5%91%< 1%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God12%8%4%68%8%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in GodWord 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
Believe in God; absolutely certain41%27%6%16%10%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain22%25%2%41%10%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain6%15%1%67%11%276
Do not believe in God1%3%< 1%89%7%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God6%8%2%52%32%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in heaven

Belief in GodBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain81%11%9%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain71%19%10%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain44%34%21%276
Do not believe in God7%89%5%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God23%36%41%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in hell

Belief in GodBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain63%27%10%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain51%38%11%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain39%41%20%276
Do not believe in God5%90%5%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God23%42%36%193
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

Political ideology among independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

Belief in GodConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain29%31%17%23%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain23%36%25%17%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain18%42%21%19%276
Do not believe in God11%40%27%21%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God13%38%19%30%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have…

Belief in GodSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain45%42%5%8%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain44%48%4%5%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain50%40%4%7%276
Do not believe in God58%33%5%4%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God49%26%9%16%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in GodDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain42%48%6%4%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain42%49%6%3%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain40%47%8%5%276
Do not believe in God40%51%5%3%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God43%42%8%7%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say abortion should be…

Belief in GodLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain40%52%8%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain53%40%6%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain65%28%7%276
Do not believe in God74%18%8%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God60%27%13%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say homosexuality…

Belief in GodShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain49%37%7%7%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain73%17%6%4%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain79%11%4%6%276
Do not believe in God83%10%4%3%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God65%18%8%9%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …same-sex marriage

Belief in GodStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain40%45%15%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain63%24%13%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain72%15%12%276
Do not believe in God82%10%8%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God61%21%17%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…

Belief in GodStricter 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
Believe in God; absolutely certain36%53%5%7%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain36%56%3%5%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain37%55%4%4%276
Do not believe in God27%65%4%5%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God32%51%5%12%193
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say humans…

Belief in GodEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain16%27%5%43%8%3,530
Believe in God; fairly certain41%23%6%23%7%1,114
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain58%15%7%14%6%276
Do not believe in God79%7%3%10%1%473
Other/don't know if they believe in God53%8%18%14%8%193
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.