Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201417%9%5%69%1%8,123
200715%6%5%73%1%6,160
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of meditation among adults who seldom or never pray by religious group

% of adults who seldom or never pray who meditate…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic11%6%4%78%1%893
Evangelical Protestant13%7%4%75%1%326
Jewish14%8%6%71%1%408
Mainline Protestant13%8%5%73%1%903
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")17%9%5%67%1%4,941
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who seldom or never pray by frequency of meditation

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

Frequency of meditation18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week28%36%23%13%1,417
Once or twice a month38%35%17%10%667
Several times a year37%33%17%14%470
Seldom/never34%34%19%13%5,374
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who are…

Frequency of meditationYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least once a week17%20%27%27%8%1%1,417
Once or twice a month24%24%25%19%7%1%667
Several times a year25%20%25%22%8%1%470
Seldom/never22%19%27%24%8%1%5,374
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who are…

Frequency of meditationMenWomenSample size
At least once a week63%37%1,436
Once or twice a month58%42%674
Several times a year63%37%480
Seldom/never65%35%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

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

Frequency of meditationWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least once a week69%7%4%14%5%1,411
Once or twice a month72%4%7%13%4%662
Several times a year75%5%5%12%2%475
Seldom/never76%4%6%11%3%5,402
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who are…

Frequency of meditationImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week16%11%73%1,415
Once or twice a month15%14%71%665
Several times a year14%15%71%476
Seldom/never13%13%74%5,399
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who have a household income of…

Frequency of meditationLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
At least once a week29%19%27%25%1,294
Once or twice a month28%16%30%26%616
Several times a year25%23%28%24%433
Seldom/never27%21%28%24%4,873
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 pray by frequency of meditation

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

Frequency of meditationHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week31%30%22%16%1,430
Once or twice a month24%38%21%17%673
Several times a year27%30%25%19%477
Seldom/never39%29%20%12%5,439
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who are…

Frequency of meditationMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week39%12%13%4%32%1,429
Once or twice a month37%11%11%2%38%672
Several times a year36%11%9%3%41%478
Seldom/never42%10%9%3%35%5,437
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who are…

Frequency of meditationParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week26%74%1,429
Once or twice a month21%79%673
Several times a year19%81%479
Seldom/never24%76%5,443
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 pray by frequency of meditation

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

Frequency of meditationBelieve 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
At least once a week19%23%12%2%36%7%1,436
Once or twice a month12%29%15%1%36%7%674
Several times a year14%24%18%< 1%38%7%480
Seldom/never16%24%14%1%38%6%5,460
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.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who seldom or never pray by frequency of meditation

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

Frequency of meditationVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week10%21%25%43%1%1,436
Once or twice a month8%22%33%36%1%674
Several times a year5%26%32%37%< 1%480
Seldom/never6%24%31%40%< 1%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who attend religious services…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week6%22%72%< 1%1,436
Once or twice a month3%33%63%< 1%674
Several times a year3%32%64%< 1%480
Seldom/never4%24%72%< 1%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who attend prayer group…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week3%2%3%91%1%1,436
Once or twice a month1%3%5%91%< 1%674
Several times a year1%2%5%92%< 1%480
Seldom/never1%1%2%96%< 1%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week56%14%8%19%2%1,436
Once or twice a month39%26%11%23%1%674
Several times a year28%22%25%24%1%480
Seldom/never23%14%13%49%2%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week62%14%9%15%1%1,436
Once or twice a month56%18%13%13%< 1%674
Several times a year50%18%20%12%< 1%480
Seldom/never33%16%16%34%1%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of meditationReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
At least once a week5%23%51%18%3%1,436
Once or twice a month4%26%52%17%2%674
Several times a year1%19%59%19%2%480
Seldom/never5%14%60%19%1%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who say…

Frequency of meditationThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week18%80%1%1%1,436
Once or twice a month16%83%1%< 1%674
Several times a year15%84%1%1%480
Seldom/never20%78%1%1%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who read scripture…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week6%5%7%81%< 1%1,436
Once or twice a month3%5%10%81%< 1%674
Several times a year1%2%13%83%< 1%480
Seldom/never2%2%3%93%< 1%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who say the holy scripture is…

Frequency of meditationWord 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
At least once a week6%7%1%79%6%1,436
Once or twice a month3%7%< 1%84%6%674
Several times a year4%9%1%81%5%480
Seldom/never6%12%< 1%75%6%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

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

Frequency of meditationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week25%66%8%1,436
Once or twice a month24%67%9%674
Several times a year27%64%9%480
Seldom/never35%55%9%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

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

Frequency of meditationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week17%77%7%1,436
Once or twice a month19%75%6%674
Several times a year16%75%9%480
Seldom/never27%65%8%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

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

Frequency of meditationRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week20%23%58%1,436
Once or twice a month22%17%61%674
Several times a year15%16%69%480
Seldom/never29%19%52%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who are…

Frequency of meditationConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least once a week15%32%47%6%1,436
Once or twice a month15%35%43%7%674
Several times a year13%37%47%3%480
Seldom/never20%37%36%7%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

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

Frequency of meditationSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week46%45%5%4%1,436
Once or twice a month46%48%2%3%674
Several times a year42%51%3%4%480
Seldom/never49%44%3%3%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who say government aid to the poor…

Frequency of meditationDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week30%65%3%2%1,436
Once or twice a month29%67%3%1%674
Several times a year26%69%4%2%480
Seldom/never41%54%4%1%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

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

Frequency of meditationLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week78%18%4%1,436
Once or twice a month82%15%3%674
Several times a year85%13%2%480
Seldom/never77%20%3%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

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

Frequency of meditationShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week84%11%3%2%1,436
Once or twice a month90%6%3%1%674
Several times a year88%9%2%1%480
Seldom/never84%12%3%2%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

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

Frequency of meditationStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week80%14%6%1,436
Once or twice a month86%10%4%674
Several times a year83%15%3%480
Seldom/never79%16%5%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who say…

Frequency of meditationStricter 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
At least once a week24%70%2%4%1,436
Once or twice a month20%76%3%1%674
Several times a year16%80%3%1%480
Seldom/never30%65%2%2%5,460
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 pray by frequency of meditation

% of adults who seldom or never pray who say humans…

Frequency of meditationEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
At least once a week69%11%6%10%3%1,436
Once or twice a month74%12%4%9%1%674
Several times a year80%10%4%6%1%480
Seldom/never70%12%4%12%2%5,460
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.