Religious composition of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201424%36%27%14%4,000
200723%42%23%11%5,296
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 say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201415%15%29%32%8%1%4,000
2007< 1%18%34%34%12%2%5,296
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 say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201448%52%4,060
200750%50%5,400
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.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201469%9%3%15%4%4,007
200777%7%2%10%3%5,346
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 say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201413%11%76%4,010
20079%9%82%5,359
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 say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201434%22%26%18%3,616
200726%23%32%19%4,632
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 say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201444%33%16%8%4,038
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 say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201445%9%14%5%26%4,047
200753%8%13%6%21%5,384
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 say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201430%70%4,049
200738%62%5,388
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 say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201415%55%30%< 1%4,060
200717%57%26%< 1%5,400
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.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201447%29%9%13%1%4,060
200746%30%10%13%1%5,400
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.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20149%9%9%73%< 1%4,060
20078%7%8%77%< 1%5,400
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.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201431%8%5%55%1%4,060
200727%8%4%59%1%5,400
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.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201448%22%14%15%1%4,060
200739%19%19%21%3%5,400
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.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201438%16%14%31%1%4,060
200732%15%18%33%3%5,400
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.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201418%11%61%8%2%4,060
200712%10%70%5%3%5,400
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.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201429%69%1%1%4,060
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 say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201418%13%14%55%1%4,060
200715%12%12%60%1%5,400
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.

Interpreting scripture among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord 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
201422%39%2%28%9%4,060
200722%39%3%27%10%5,400
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.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201485%10%6%4,060
200784%10%7%5,400
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.

Belief in Hell among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201465%28%7%4,060
200762%28%10%5,400
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201439%19%41%4,060
200736%17%47%5,400
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.

Political ideology among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201433%38%23%6%4,060
200731%43%20%5%5,400
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.

Views about size of government among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201454%41%3%3%4,060
200744%46%4%5%5,400
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.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201448%47%3%1%4,060
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 say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201460%36%4%4,060
200762%33%5%5,400
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.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201472%21%4%3%4,060
200760%30%5%4%5,400
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.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201461%31%8%4,060
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 say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201439%56%2%3%4,060
200731%63%3%4%5,400
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.

Views about human evolution among adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201428%35%4%30%3%4,060
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.