Importance of religion in one's life among baby Boomers

% of baby Boomers who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201459%24%9%8%1%13,049
200758%26%9%7%1%13,662
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 among baby Boomers by religious group

% of baby Boomers who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Buddhist37%34%19%9%1%107
Catholic58%33%7%3%< 1%2,905
Evangelical Protestant81%16%2%1%< 1%3,416
Historically Black Protestant90%9%1%< 1%1%749
Jewish35%36%23%7%< 1%330
Mainline Protestant56%32%10%2%1%2,435
Mormon85%13%1%< 1%< 1%214
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")16%22%23%38%1%2,281
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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important< 1%< 1%84%16%7,361
Somewhat important< 1%< 1%84%16%3,086
Not too important< 1%< 1%84%16%1,233
Not at all important< 1%< 1%82%18%1,269
Don't know< 1%< 1%77%23%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important43%57%7,361
Somewhat important53%47%3,086
Not too important59%41%1,233
Not at all important63%37%1,269
Don't know59%41%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important67%16%2%12%4%7,245
Somewhat important79%5%3%10%4%3,051
Not too important87%3%4%5%2%1,222
Not at all important85%2%2%6%3%1,243
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important12%6%82%7,285
Somewhat important11%7%82%3,062
Not too important10%9%81%1,225
Not at all important11%10%80%1,261
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important35%20%27%17%6,443
Somewhat important30%19%28%24%2,773
Not too important21%15%33%30%1,132
Not at all important21%15%30%35%1,150
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important45%30%15%10%7,342
Somewhat important43%28%17%12%3,081
Not too important31%30%22%17%1,230
Not at all important30%26%23%20%1,261
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important62%3%19%7%9%7,335
Somewhat important60%6%19%6%10%3,074
Not too important60%7%19%4%10%1,231
Not at all important56%8%21%5%11%1,265
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important14%86%7,349
Somewhat important13%87%3,080
Not too important11%89%1,233
Not at all important9%91%1,267
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve 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
Very important89%9%1%1%< 1%< 1%7,361
Somewhat important54%37%5%1%2%2%3,086
Not too important24%36%17%1%15%6%1,233
Not at all important19%15%10%1%48%7%1,269
Don't know64%9%4%9%5%10%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important59%29%11%1%7,361
Somewhat important13%52%35%< 1%3,086
Not too important2%31%67%< 1%1,233
Not at all important3%9%88%< 1%1,269
Don't know23%23%40%14%100
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important83%12%2%2%1%7,361
Somewhat important38%30%12%19%1%3,086
Not too important17%13%10%60%< 1%1,233
Not at all important12%6%4%77%1%1,269
Don't know55%10%2%12%21%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important42%11%10%36%1%7,361
Somewhat important6%6%7%81%< 1%3,086
Not too important2%1%2%95%< 1%1,233
Not at all important3%1%1%95%< 1%1,269
Don't know19%7%7%52%15%100
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important56%7%3%32%2%7,361
Somewhat important30%9%5%54%1%3,086
Not too important25%9%6%60%< 1%1,233
Not at all important28%7%5%59%1%1,269
Don't know55%6%4%19%16%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important79%10%5%5%1%7,361
Somewhat important42%20%16%20%1%3,086
Not too important31%15%15%37%1%1,233
Not at all important39%11%8%38%3%1,269
Don't know58%14%7%8%12%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important52%14%10%21%2%7,361
Somewhat important38%17%16%29%1%3,086
Not too important38%17%15%29%1%1,233
Not at all important51%11%13%25%1%1,269
Don't know47%12%5%19%16%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important57%5%32%4%3%7,361
Somewhat important16%11%62%9%2%3,086
Not too important4%17%65%12%2%1,233
Not at all important3%18%57%20%2%1,269
Don't know23%7%41%7%23%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important45%52%2%1%7,361
Somewhat important30%68%1%1%3,086
Not too important27%70%3%< 1%1,233
Not at all important22%76%1%1%1,269
Don't know26%64%2%8%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important59%11%7%22%1%7,361
Somewhat important12%9%13%66%< 1%3,086
Not too important4%4%6%86%< 1%1,233
Not at all important5%2%2%91%< 1%1,269
Don't know27%2%6%47%17%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord 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
Very important51%28%4%11%7%7,361
Somewhat important16%33%2%39%9%3,086
Not too important6%13%1%73%7%1,233
Not at all important3%5%1%86%6%1,269
Don't know17%13%7%37%26%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important87%7%6%7,361
Somewhat important75%16%9%3,086
Not too important41%46%13%1,233
Not at all important17%76%7%1,269
Don't know52%17%31%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important73%19%8%7,361
Somewhat important54%36%10%3,086
Not too important27%63%10%1,233
Not at all important11%83%6%1,269
Don't know25%47%28%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important45%15%41%7,361
Somewhat important37%16%46%3,086
Not too important31%16%52%1,233
Not at all important23%17%60%1,269
Don't know30%32%38%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important50%29%16%6%7,361
Somewhat important35%38%23%4%3,086
Not too important23%38%34%6%1,233
Not at all important16%31%47%5%1,269
Don't know32%21%21%26%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important55%38%3%4%7,361
Somewhat important56%36%4%4%3,086
Not too important56%38%3%3%1,233
Not at all important49%43%4%4%1,269
Don't know55%20%6%19%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important48%46%4%2%7,361
Somewhat important46%49%4%2%3,086
Not too important40%55%3%2%1,233
Not at all important30%65%3%2%1,269
Don't know37%35%11%18%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important40%56%4%7,361
Somewhat important67%28%5%3,086
Not too important81%15%4%1,233
Not at all important86%11%3%1,269
Don't know50%26%24%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important44%47%5%4%7,361
Somewhat important71%22%4%3%3,086
Not too important79%16%2%3%1,233
Not at all important84%11%2%2%1,269
Don't know51%27%8%13%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important34%58%8%7,361
Somewhat important59%33%8%3,086
Not too important72%21%7%1,233
Not at all important80%15%5%1,269
Don't know39%35%26%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter 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
Very important46%49%2%3%7,361
Somewhat important39%55%2%3%3,086
Not too important32%65%1%2%1,233
Not at all important26%72%2%1%1,269
Don't know33%39%8%20%100
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 baby Boomers by importance of religion

% of baby Boomers who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important13%29%3%50%5%7,361
Somewhat important34%32%5%26%4%3,086
Not too important64%17%5%11%3%1,233
Not at all important75%9%3%10%2%1,269
Don't know29%18%8%28%17%100
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.