Importance of religion in one's life
% of adults who say religion is…
| Survey year | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 53% | 24% | 11% | 11% | 1% | 35,071 |
| 2007 | 56% | 26% | 9% | 7% | 1% | 35,556 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important
Importance of religion in one's life by religious group
% of adults who say religion is…
| Religious tradition | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buddhist | 33% | 39% | 15% | 10% | 2% | 264 |
| Catholic | 58% | 32% | 8% | 2% | < 1% | 7,202 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 79% | 17% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 8,593 |
| Hindu | 26% | 53% | 15% | 6% | < 1% | 199 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 85% | 12% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | 1,916 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 90% | 8% | < 1% | < 1% | 1% | 245 |
| Jewish | 35% | 36% | 20% | 9% | < 1% | 847 |
| Mainline Protestant | 53% | 34% | 10% | 2% | 1% | 6,083 |
| Mormon | 84% | 12% | 3% | 1% | < 1% | 664 |
| Muslim | 64% | 24% | 8% | 2% | 1% | 237 |
| Orthodox Christian | 52% | 33% | 12% | 3% | < 1% | 186 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 13% | 21% | 26% | 39% | 1% | 7,556 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important
Switch Display To: religious group by importance of religion
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution by importance of religion
% of adults who are ages…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 16% | 33% | 29% | 22% | 18,272 |
| Somewhat important | 25% | 35% | 25% | 14% | 8,174 |
| Not too important | 32% | 35% | 21% | 11% | 3,743 |
| Not at all important | 32% | 36% | 19% | 12% | 3,904 |
| Don't know | 14% | 32% | 27% | 27% | 252 |
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: 18-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65+
Switch Display To: importance of religion by age group
Generational cohort by importance of religion
% of adults who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 10% | 12% | 28% | 34% | 15% | 2% | 18,272 |
| Somewhat important | 16% | 16% | 28% | 30% | 9% | 1% | 8,174 |
| Not too important | 21% | 19% | 28% | 25% | 7% | 1% | 3,743 |
| Not at all important | 21% | 20% | 28% | 23% | 7% | 1% | 3,904 |
| Don't know | 7% | 13% | 26% | 36% | 17% | 2% | 252 |
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: Younger Millennial, Older Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent, Greatest
Switch Display To: importance of religion by generational group
Gender composition by importance of religion
% of adults who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 43% | 57% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 51% | 49% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 56% | 44% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 63% | 37% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 56% | 44% | 279 |
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.
Switch Display To: importance of religion by gender
Racial and ethnic composition by importance of religion
% of adults who identify as…
| Importance of religion in one's life | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 61% | 16% | 2% | 16% | 4% | 18,442 |
| Somewhat important | 69% | 7% | 5% | 15% | 4% | 8,208 |
| Not too important | 75% | 5% | 7% | 10% | 4% | 3,749 |
| Not at all important | 77% | 4% | 5% | 11% | 4% | 3,902 |
| Don't know | 67% | 9% | 2% | 16% | 6% | 248 |
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: White, Black, Asian, Latino, Other/Mixed
Switch Display To: importance of religion by race/ethnicity
Immigrant status by importance of religion
% of adults who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 16% | 8% | 76% | 18,465 |
| Somewhat important | 14% | 11% | 74% | 8,204 |
| Not too important | 12% | 13% | 75% | 3,746 |
| Not at all important | 12% | 13% | 75% | 3,916 |
| Don't know | 17% | 12% | 71% | 262 |
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: Immigrants, Second generation, Third generation or higher
Switch Display To: importance of religion by immigrant status
Income distribution by importance of religion
% of adults who have a household income of…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 39% | 21% | 25% | 15% | 15,940 |
| Somewhat important | 33% | 20% | 27% | 20% | 7,379 |
| Not too important | 27% | 20% | 29% | 24% | 3,397 |
| Not at all important | 26% | 18% | 29% | 27% | 3,589 |
| Don't know | 44% | 19% | 26% | 11% | 185 |
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: Less than $30,000, $30,000-$49,999, $50,000-$99,999, $100,000 or more
Switch Display To: importance of religion by household income
Educational distribution by importance of religion
% of adults who have completed…
| Importance of religion in one's life | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 45% | 31% | 15% | 9% | 18,611 |
| Somewhat important | 41% | 31% | 17% | 10% | 8,270 |
| Not too important | 32% | 33% | 21% | 14% | 3,775 |
| Not at all important | 32% | 31% | 22% | 15% | 3,950 |
| Don't know | 38% | 34% | 18% | 10% | 262 |
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: High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree
Switch Display To: importance of religion by educational group
Marital status by importance of religion
% of adults who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 53% | 5% | 14% | 9% | 20% | 18,631 |
| Somewhat important | 45% | 10% | 13% | 5% | 27% | 8,280 |
| Not too important | 42% | 9% | 10% | 3% | 35% | 3,772 |
| Not at all important | 38% | 11% | 12% | 3% | 36% | 3,949 |
| Don't know | 47% | 5% | 16% | 9% | 22% | 259 |
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: Married, Living with a partner, Divorced/separated, Widowed, Never married
Switch Display To: importance of religion by marital status
Parent of children under 18 by importance of religion
% of adults who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 31% | 69% | 18,648 |
| Somewhat important | 29% | 71% | 8,284 |
| Not too important | 25% | 75% | 3,780 |
| Not at all important | 23% | 77% | 3,950 |
| Don't know | 19% | 81% | 271 |
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: Parents, Non-parents
Switch Display To: importance of religion by parental status
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God by importance of religion
% of adults who say they…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 87% | 10% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 51% | 37% | 7% | 1% | 3% | 2% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 19% | 35% | 19% | 1% | 20% | 7% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 14% | 12% | 10% | 1% | 56% | 7% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 55% | 16% | 3% | 8% | 7% | 10% | 279 |
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
Switch Display To: importance of religion by belief in God
Attendance at religious services by importance of religion
% of adults who attend religious services…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 60% | 28% | 11% | 1% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 13% | 54% | 32% | < 1% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 2% | 34% | 63% | < 1% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 2% | 10% | 88% | < 1% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 26% | 19% | 40% | 15% | 279 |
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/a few times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: importance of religion by religious attendance
Frequency of prayer by importance of religion
% of adults who pray…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 82% | 13% | 2% | 3% | 1% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 37% | 28% | 12% | 21% | 1% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 13% | 13% | 10% | 64% | < 1% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 9% | 4% | 3% | 83% | < 1% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 49% | 11% | 5% | 18% | 17% | 279 |
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 daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: importance of religion by frequency of prayer
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups by importance of religion
% of adults who attend prayer group…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 42% | 13% | 10% | 34% | 1% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 7% | 8% | 9% | 76% | < 1% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 2% | 2% | 3% | 93% | < 1% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 2% | 1% | 1% | 95% | < 1% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 16% | 8% | 9% | 51% | 15% | 279 |
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
Switch Display To: importance of religion by attendance at prayer groups
Frequency of meditation by importance of religion
% of adults who meditate…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 53% | 7% | 3% | 34% | 2% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 28% | 10% | 6% | 56% | 1% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 21% | 11% | 6% | 62% | 1% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 24% | 8% | 5% | 63% | 1% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 52% | 8% | 2% | 24% | 15% | 279 |
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
Switch Display To: importance of religion by frequency of meditation
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing by importance of religion
% of adults who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 76% | 11% | 6% | 6% | 1% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 42% | 22% | 15% | 20% | 1% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 32% | 17% | 15% | 34% | 1% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 36% | 14% | 9% | 39% | 2% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 62% | 8% | 6% | 12% | 12% | 279 |
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
Switch Display To: importance of religion by frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe by importance of religion
% of adults who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 49% | 15% | 11% | 23% | 2% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 39% | 17% | 16% | 28% | 1% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 40% | 18% | 16% | 25% | 1% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 47% | 15% | 13% | 24% | 1% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 50% | 12% | 6% | 16% | 16% | 279 |
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
Sources of guidance on right and wrong by importance of religion
% of adults who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Importance of religion in one's life | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 55% | 6% | 32% | 4% | 3% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 13% | 14% | 61% | 10% | 2% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 3% | 18% | 62% | 15% | 1% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 2% | 19% | 54% | 23% | 2% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 23% | 11% | 39% | 6% | 21% | 279 |
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: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science
Switch Display To: importance of religion by sources of guidance on right and wrong
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong by importance of religion
% of adults who say…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 42% | 55% | 2% | 1% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 26% | 72% | 1% | 1% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 20% | 78% | 1% | < 1% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 18% | 81% | 1% | 1% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 28% | 63% | 2% | 7% | 279 |
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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation
Frequency of reading scripture by importance of religion
% of adults who read scripture…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 58% | 13% | 8% | 21% | 1% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 13% | 11% | 13% | 62% | 1% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 4% | 4% | 6% | 85% | < 1% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 4% | 3% | 3% | 89% | < 1% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 29% | 7% | 9% | 40% | 14% | 279 |
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
Switch Display To: importance of religion by frequency of reading scripture
Interpreting scripture by importance of religion
% of adults who say the holy scripture is…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 49% | 31% | 4% | 10% | 6% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 15% | 34% | 2% | 41% | 9% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 5% | 13% | < 1% | 74% | 8% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 3% | 4% | < 1% | 88% | 5% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 19% | 15% | 5% | 36% | 25% | 279 |
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: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God
Switch Display To: importance of religion by interpretation of scripture
Belief in Heaven by importance of religion
% of adults who …in heaven
| Importance of religion in one's life | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 88% | 7% | 6% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 75% | 17% | 8% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 42% | 46% | 12% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 17% | 76% | 7% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 47% | 20% | 33% | 279 |
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, Don't believe
Switch Display To: importance of religion by belief in heaven
Belief in Hell by importance of religion
% of adults who …in hell
| Importance of religion in one's life | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 74% | 18% | 8% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 55% | 36% | 9% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 30% | 61% | 9% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 12% | 82% | 6% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 33% | 36% | 31% | 279 |
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, Don't believe
Switch Display To: importance of religion by belief in hell
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation by importance of religion
% of adults who identify as…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 43% | 18% | 39% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 36% | 19% | 45% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 30% | 18% | 53% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 20% | 20% | 60% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 23% | 41% | 36% | 279 |
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: Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.
Switch Display To: importance of religion by political party
Political ideology by importance of religion
% of adults who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 47% | 29% | 17% | 7% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 29% | 39% | 26% | 6% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 20% | 40% | 35% | 6% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 14% | 32% | 47% | 7% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 26% | 26% | 25% | 23% | 279 |
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: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal
Switch Display To: importance of religion by political ideology
Views about size of government by importance of religion
% of adults who would rather have…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 52% | 41% | 3% | 4% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 52% | 42% | 3% | 3% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 51% | 42% | 3% | 4% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 47% | 46% | 4% | 4% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 46% | 30% | 8% | 16% | 279 |
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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services
Switch Display To: importance of religion by views about size of government
Views about government aid to the poor by importance of religion
% of adults who say government aid to the poor…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 48% | 46% | 4% | 2% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 45% | 50% | 4% | 2% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 39% | 56% | 4% | 1% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 33% | 62% | 4% | 2% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 30% | 42% | 12% | 16% | 279 |
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm
Switch Display To: importance of religion by views about government aid to the poor
Views about abortion by importance of religion
% of adults who say abortion should be…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 37% | 58% | 5% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 65% | 31% | 4% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 79% | 18% | 3% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 82% | 15% | 3% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 44% | 32% | 24% | 279 |
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: Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases
Switch Display To: importance of religion by views about abortion
Views about homosexuality by importance of religion
% of adults who say homosexuality…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 46% | 45% | 5% | 4% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 75% | 18% | 4% | 3% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 84% | 11% | 2% | 2% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 88% | 8% | 2% | 2% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 51% | 21% | 11% | 18% | 279 |
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: Should be accepted, Should be discouraged
Switch Display To: importance of religion by views about homosexuality
Views about same-sex marriage by importance of religion
% of adults who …same-sex marriage
| Importance of religion in one's life | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 36% | 56% | 8% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 66% | 26% | 8% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 80% | 15% | 5% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 84% | 11% | 5% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 44% | 29% | 27% | 279 |
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: Strongly favor/favor, Oppose/strongly oppose
Switch Display To: importance of religion by views about same-sex marriage
Views about environmental regulation by importance of religion
% of adults who say…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy | Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 43% | 50% | 3% | 4% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 36% | 59% | 2% | 3% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 29% | 67% | 2% | 2% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 23% | 73% | 2% | 2% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 30% | 46% | 8% | 17% | 279 |
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: Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Switch Display To: importance of religion by views about environmental protection
Views about human evolution by importance of religion
% of adults who say humans…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Evolved; due to natural processes | Evolved; due to God's design | Evolved; don't know how | Always existed in present form | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 14% | 29% | 3% | 49% | 6% | 18,725 |
| Somewhat important | 39% | 29% | 5% | 24% | 3% | 8,311 |
| Not too important | 67% | 14% | 5% | 11% | 2% | 3,790 |
| Not at all important | 77% | 8% | 3% | 9% | 2% | 3,966 |
| Don't know | 28% | 16% | 15% | 24% | 17% | 279 |
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: Evolved; due to natural processes, Evolved; due to God's design, Always existed in present form
Switch Display To: importance of religion by views about human evolution
