Survey yearBelieve 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
201464%27%5%1%2%1%7,202
200772%21%4%1%1%2%8,054
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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who are ages…

Belief in God18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain15%33%30%23%4,674
Believe in God; fairly certain20%35%29%16%1,820
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain28%39%21%12%308
Do not believe in God28%30%27%15%112
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who are…

Belief in GodYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain10%9%28%36%15%2%4,674
Believe in God; fairly certain12%14%29%34%10%1%1,820
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain19%16%32%24%7%2%308
Do not believe in God20%16%23%33%9%< 1%112
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who are…

Belief in GodMenWomenSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain42%58%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain52%48%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain66%34%310
Do not believe in God79%21%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who identify as…

Belief in GodWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain62%4%3%30%2%4,702
Believe in God; fairly certain53%1%3%42%1%1,845
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain49%1%6%43%1%307
Do not believe in God77%1%4%17%1%113
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who are…

Belief in GodImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain24%15%61%4,728
Believe in God; fairly certain35%14%51%1,833
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain36%14%50%305
Do not believe in God16%19%66%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who have a household income of…

Belief in GodLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain34%20%26%19%4,040
Believe in God; fairly certain39%18%24%18%1,592
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain43%15%23%20%280
Do not believe in God29%13%36%22%106
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who have completed…

Belief in GodHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain44%29%17%10%4,750
Believe in God; fairly certain52%23%16%9%1,842
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain51%22%14%13%308
Do not believe in God38%25%27%10%112
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who are…

Belief in GodMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain53%6%12%8%20%4,758
Believe in God; fairly certain50%11%11%5%22%1,849
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain43%11%11%3%32%310
Do not believe in God41%10%10%2%36%113
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who are…

Belief in GodParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain29%71%4,756
Believe in God; fairly certain35%65%1,848
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain32%68%310
Do not believe in God19%81%112
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

Importance of religion in one's life among Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who say religion is…

Belief in GodVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain70%26%3%1%< 1%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain39%46%13%2%< 1%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain16%42%32%10%< 1%310
Do not believe in God7%18%30%44%< 1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who attend religious services…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain47%37%15%< 1%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain29%46%24%< 1%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain10%52%38%1%310
Do not believe in God9%29%62%< 1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who pray…

Belief in GodAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain70%19%5%6%1%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain43%26%11%19%1%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain26%17%15%42%< 1%310
Do not believe in God2%7%5%86%< 1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who attend prayer group…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain20%10%11%58%1%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain13%8%8%70%1%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain4%8%5%83%< 1%310
Do not believe in God3%2%3%93%< 1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who meditate…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain45%8%4%41%1%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain34%12%6%47%2%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain21%13%6%60%< 1%310
Do not believe in God8%5%1%86%< 1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain65%16%9%9%1%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain46%19%15%19%1%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain29%14%16%40%1%310
Do not believe in God20%11%12%56%1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain44%15%13%27%1%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain39%16%18%25%2%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain39%14%19%27%1%310
Do not believe in God36%18%10%36%< 1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

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

Belief in GodReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain36%9%46%7%3%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain21%10%52%15%2%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain12%15%52%20%1%310
Do not believe in God3%7%57%31%2%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who say…

Belief in GodThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain33%64%1%1%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain25%72%1%2%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain25%74%1%< 1%310
Do not believe in God18%81%< 1%1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who read scripture…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain31%13%11%45%1%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain17%9%10%63%1%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain6%8%7%79%< 1%310
Do not believe in God1%1%9%89%< 1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in GodWord 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
Believe in God; absolutely certain29%42%3%18%7%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain22%29%2%40%8%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain9%15%< 1%66%9%310
Do not believe in God6%6%1%86%2%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who …in heaven

Belief in GodBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain92%5%3%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain81%13%6%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain53%35%13%310
Do not believe in God9%88%3%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who …in hell

Belief in GodBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain70%23%7%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain58%34%9%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain39%50%11%310
Do not believe in God9%88%2%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who identify as…

Belief in GodRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain41%18%41%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain32%20%47%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain23%21%56%310
Do not believe in God41%8%51%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who are…

Belief in GodConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain41%36%18%5%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain30%37%29%4%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain25%34%34%6%310
Do not believe in God25%34%40%1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who would rather have…

Belief in GodSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain51%43%3%3%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain41%54%2%3%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain40%53%3%3%310
Do not believe in God46%50%2%2%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in GodDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain48%47%4%2%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain45%50%3%2%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain38%56%4%1%310
Do not believe in God44%52%3%< 1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who say abortion should be…

Belief in GodLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain43%52%5%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain55%41%4%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain67%27%6%310
Do not believe in God79%20%1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who say homosexuality…

Belief in GodShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain66%26%4%4%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain77%17%3%3%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain79%16%4%2%310
Do not believe in God80%18%< 1%1%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who …same-sex marriage

Belief in GodStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain52%38%10%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain65%27%8%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain65%26%9%310
Do not believe in God72%26%2%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who say…

Belief in GodStricter 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
Believe in God; absolutely certain40%54%2%4%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain39%57%2%2%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain34%61%2%2%310
Do not believe in God32%64%1%3%114
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 Catholics by belief in God

% of Catholics who say humans…

Belief in GodEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain22%36%4%33%5%4,775
Believe in God; fairly certain42%26%4%23%4%1,854
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain56%14%4%24%3%310
Do not believe in God73%14%1%13%< 1%114
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.