Religious Landscape Study

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Religious composition of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

  • Christian 68%
  • Evangelical Protestant 19%
    • Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 6%
      • Southern Baptist Convention 4%
      • Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
      • Missionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Conservative Baptist Association of America < 1%
      • Free Will Baptist < 1%
      • General Association of Regular Baptist Churches < 1%
      • Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
    • Methodist Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Nondenominational Family (Evangelical Trad.) 5%
      • Nondenominational evangelical 3%
      • Nondenominational fundamentalist < 1%
      • Nondenominational charismatic 1%
      • Nondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
      • Community Church (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Other Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
    • Lutheran Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
      • Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 1%
      • Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod < 1%
      • Other Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
      • Presbyterian Church in America 1%
      • Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
    • Pentecostal Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
      • Assemblies of God 1%
      • Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) < 1%
      • Foursquare Church < 1%
      • Pentecostal Church of God < 1%
      • Pentecostal Holiness Church < 1%
      • Calvary Chapel < 1%
      • Apostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Nondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Church of God of the Apostolic Faith < 1%
      • Other Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Restorationist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
      • Churches of Christ 1%
      • Christian Churches and Churches of Christ < 1%
      • Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Congregationalist Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Conservative Congregational Christian Conference < 1%
      • Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Holiness Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
      • Church of the Nazarene < 1%
      • Wesleyan Church < 1%
      • Free Methodist Church < 1%
      • Christian and Missionary Alliance < 1%
      • Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) < 1%
      • Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Reformed Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Christian Reformed Church < 1%
      • Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Adventist Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Seventh-day Adventist < 1%
      • Other Adventist (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Anabaptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Pietist Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Other evangelical/fundamentalist family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Nonspecific Protestant Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
  • Mainline Protestant 22%
    • Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
      • American Baptist Churches USA 1%
      • Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.) < 1%
    • Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 7%
      • United Methodist Church 6%
      • Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.) < 1%
    • Nondenominational Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
      • Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.) 1%
      • Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.) 1%
    • Lutheran Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
      • Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 2%
      • Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.) 1%
    • Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
      • Presbyterian Church (USA) 2%
      • Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.) 1%
    • Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
      • Episcopal Church 3%
      • Anglican Church < 1%
      • Other Episcopalian/Anglican (Mainline Trad.) < 1%
    • Restorationist Family (Mainline Trad.) < 1%
      • Disciples of Christ < 1%
      • Other Restorationist (Mainline Trad.) < 1%
    • Congregationalist Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
      • United Church of Christ 1%
      • Other Congregationalist (Mainline Trad.) < 1%
    • Reformed Family (Mainline Trad.) < 1%
      • Reformed Church in America < 1%
      • Other Reformed (Mainline Trad.) < 1%
    • Anabaptist Family (Mainline Trad.) < 1%
    • Friends Family (Mainline Trad.) < 1%
    • Nonspecific Protestant Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
  • Historically Black Protestant 4%
    • Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 2%
      • National Baptist Convention 1%
      • Progressive Baptist Convention < 1%
      • Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
      • Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
      • Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
    • Methodist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
      • African Methodist Episcopal Church < 1%
      • African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church < 1%
      • Christian Methodist Episcopal Church < 1%
      • Other Methodist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
    • Pentecostal Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
      • Church of God in Christ < 1%
      • Apostolic Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
      • United Pentecostal Church International < 1%
      • Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
    • Holiness Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
    • Nondenominational Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
    • Nonspecific Protestant Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
  • Catholic 19%
  • Mormon 2%
    • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2%
    • Other Mormon < 1%
  • Orthodox Christian < 1%
    • Greek Orthodox < 1%
    • Russian Orthodox < 1%
    • Orthodox Church in America < 1%
    • Other Orthodox Christian < 1%
  • Jehovah's Witness < 1%
  • Other Christian 1%
    • Metaphysical Family < 1%
      • Spiritualist < 1%
      • Unity Church < 1%
      • Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.) < 1%
    • Others in the "Other Christian" Tradition < 1%
  • Non-Christian Faiths 9%
  • Jewish 5%
  • Muslim < 1%
  • Buddhist 1%
  • Hindu < 1%
  • Other World Religions < 1%
  • Other Faiths 2%
    • Unitarians and other liberal faiths in the "Other Faiths" Tradition 2%
      • Unitarian 1%
      • Humanist < 1%
      • Deist < 1%
      • Spiritual but not religious < 1%
      • Eclectic, a bit of everything, "I have my own beliefs" < 1%
      • Other in the "Unitarian and other liberal faiths" family < 1%
    • New Age < 1%
      • Pagan or Wiccan < 1%
      • Other in the New Age family < 1%
    • Native American Religions < 1%
  • Unaffiliated (religious "nones") 23%
  • Atheist 5%
  • Agnostic 6%
  • Nothing in particular 12%
    • Nothing in particular (religion not important) 9%
    • Nothing in particular (religion important) 3%
  • Don't know 1%

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who say they…

Survey year Believe in God; absolutely certain Believe in God; fairly certain Believe in God; not too/not at all certain Believe in God; don't know Do not believe in God Other/don't know if they believe in God Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 54% 21% 7% 1% 14% 3% 4,509

Compare: belief in God by immigrant statusbelief in God by educational group

Importance of religion in one's life among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who say religion is…

Survey year Very important Somewhat important Not too important Not at all important Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 49% 23% 13% 15% 1% 4,509

Compare: importance of religion by immigrant statusimportance of religion by educational group

Attendance at religious services among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who attend religious services…

Survey year At least once a week Once or twice a month/a few times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 39% 32% 29% < 1% 4,509

Compare: religious attendance by immigrant statusreligious attendance by educational group

Frequency of prayer among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who pray…

Survey year At least daily Weekly Monthly Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 51% 15% 5% 27% 1% 4,509

Compare: frequency of prayer by immigrant statusfrequency of prayer by educational group

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who attend prayer group…

Survey year At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 22% 9% 9% 60% < 1% 4,509

Compare: attendance at prayer groups by immigrant statusattendance at prayer groups by educational group

Frequency of meditation among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who meditate…

Survey year At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 43% 10% 5% 41% 1% 4,509

Compare: frequency of meditation by immigrant statusfrequency of meditation by educational group

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey year At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 59% 17% 10% 13% 1% 4,509

Compare: frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by immigrant statusfrequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by educational group

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey year At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 51% 19% 15% 15% 1% 4,509

Compare: frequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by immigrant statusfrequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by educational group

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey year Religion Philosophy/reason Common sense Science Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 31% 16% 38% 13% 3% 4,509

Compare: sources of guidance on right and wrong by immigrant statussources of guidance on right and wrong by educational group

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who say…

Survey year There are clear standards for what is right and wrong Right or wrong depends on the situation Neither/both equally Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 34% 64% 2% < 1% 4,509

Compare: belief in existence of standards for right and wrong by immigrant statusbelief in existence of standards for right and wrong by educational group

Frequency of reading scripture among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who read scripture…

Survey year At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 31% 10% 10% 48% < 1% 4,509

Compare: frequency of reading scripture by immigrant statusfrequency of reading scripture by educational group

Interpreting scripture among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who say the holy scripture is…

Survey year Word of God; should be taken literally Word of God; not everything taken literally Word of God; other/don't know Not the word of God Other/don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 14% 30% 2% 47% 7% 4,509

Compare: interpretation of scripture by immigrant statusinterpretation of scripture by educational group

Belief in Heaven among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who …in heaven

Survey year Believe Don't believe Other/don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 59% 33% 9% 4,509

Compare: belief in heaven by immigrant statusbelief in heaven by educational group

Belief in Hell among adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are third generation or higher who …in hell

Survey year Believe Don't believe Other/don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 4,509. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 41% 49% 9% 4,509

Compare: belief in hell by immigrant statusbelief in hell by educational group