Belief in God
% of adults who say they…
| Survey year | Believe in God; absolutely certain | Believe in God; fairly certain | Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | Believe in God; don't know | Do not believe in God | Other/don't know if they believe in God | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 63% | 20% | 5% | 1% | 9% | 2% | 35,071 |
| 2007 | 71% | 17% | 3% | 1% | 5% | 3% | 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: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God
Belief in God by religious group
% of adults who say they…
| Religious tradition | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buddhist | 29% | 29% | 10% | 1% | 27% | 4% | 264 |
| Catholic | 64% | 27% | 5% | 1% | 2% | 1% | 7,202 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 88% | 10% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 8,593 |
| Hindu | 41% | 34% | 13% | 1% | 10% | 2% | 199 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 89% | 9% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 1,916 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 90% | 8% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 1% | 245 |
| Jewish | 37% | 27% | 14% | 1% | 17% | 4% | 847 |
| Mainline Protestant | 66% | 25% | 4% | 1% | 2% | 1% | 6,083 |
| Mormon | 86% | 11% | 2% | < 1% | < 1% | 1% | 664 |
| Muslim | 84% | 12% | 3% | < 1% | 1% | < 1% | 237 |
| Orthodox Christian | 61% | 29% | 7% | < 1% | 3% | 1% | 186 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 27% | 22% | 11% | 1% | 33% | 6% | 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: 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: religious group by belief in God
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution by belief in God
% of adults who are ages…
| Belief in God | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 18% | 34% | 29% | 20% | 21,424 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 24% | 36% | 25% | 15% | 6,674 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 35% | 33% | 20% | 12% | 1,794 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 14% | 22% | 26% | 38% | 260 |
| Do not believe in God | 38% | 34% | 16% | 12% | 3,372 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 29% | 34% | 22% | 16% | 821 |
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: belief in God by age group
Generational cohort by belief in God
% of adults who are…
| Belief in God | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 11% | 12% | 28% | 34% | 13% | 1% | 21,424 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 15% | 17% | 29% | 29% | 9% | 1% | 6,674 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 23% | 20% | 26% | 23% | 8% | 1% | 1,794 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 7% | 12% | 17% | 30% | 26% | 8% | 260 |
| Do not believe in God | 26% | 21% | 25% | 20% | 7% | 1% | 3,372 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 17% | 19% | 26% | 26% | 10% | 2% | 821 |
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: belief in God by generational group
Gender composition by belief in God
% of adults who are…
| Belief in God | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 44% | 56% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 52% | 48% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 60% | 40% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 50% | 50% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 65% | 35% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 61% | 39% | 868 |
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: belief in God by gender
Racial and ethnic composition by belief in God
% of adults who identify as…
| Belief in God | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 64% | 15% | 3% | 14% | 4% | 21,559 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 66% | 7% | 4% | 20% | 3% | 6,731 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 66% | 5% | 8% | 17% | 3% | 1,797 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 61% | 10% | 4% | 21% | 4% | 260 |
| Do not believe in God | 77% | 3% | 7% | 9% | 3% | 3,372 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 80% | 5% | 3% | 7% | 5% | 830 |
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: belief in God by race/ethnicity
Immigrant status by belief in God
% of adults who are…
| Belief in God | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 13% | 9% | 78% | 21,614 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 20% | 10% | 70% | 6,704 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 20% | 15% | 66% | 1,796 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 24% | 11% | 66% | 263 |
| Do not believe in God | 13% | 15% | 72% | 3,376 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 10% | 10% | 80% | 840 |
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: belief in God by immigrant status
Income distribution by belief in God
% of adults who have a household income of…
| Belief in God | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 37% | 21% | 26% | 16% | 18,870 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 34% | 20% | 26% | 20% | 5,984 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 32% | 17% | 26% | 26% | 1,637 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 53% | 19% | 18% | 10% | 185 |
| Do not believe in God | 24% | 18% | 30% | 28% | 3,120 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 27% | 17% | 28% | 28% | 694 |
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: belief in God by household income
Educational distribution by belief in God
% of adults who have completed…
| Belief in God | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 43% | 33% | 15% | 9% | 21,772 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 42% | 29% | 17% | 12% | 6,760 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 38% | 28% | 19% | 15% | 1,809 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 53% | 27% | 10% | 10% | 268 |
| Do not believe in God | 28% | 30% | 25% | 17% | 3,403 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 27% | 33% | 22% | 17% | 856 |
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: belief in God by educational group
Marital status by belief in God
% of adults who are…
| Belief in God | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 51% | 6% | 14% | 8% | 21% | 21,804 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 47% | 10% | 12% | 5% | 26% | 6,766 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 40% | 10% | 9% | 4% | 36% | 1,810 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 37% | 8% | 20% | 18% | 16% | 267 |
| Do not believe in God | 38% | 11% | 9% | 2% | 39% | 3,403 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 44% | 8% | 12% | 5% | 32% | 841 |
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: belief in God by marital status
Parent of children under 18 by belief in God
% of adults who are…
| Belief in God | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 30% | 70% | 21,819 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 30% | 70% | 6,774 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 25% | 75% | 1,811 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 22% | 78% | 269 |
| Do not believe in God | 22% | 78% | 3,402 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 23% | 77% | 858 |
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: belief in God by parental status
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Importance of religion in one's life by belief in God
% of adults who say religion is…
| Belief in God | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 74% | 20% | 3% | 2% | 1% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 27% | 46% | 19% | 7% | 1% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 9% | 30% | 39% | 21% | < 1% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 51% | 24% | 8% | 9% | 7% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 3% | 8% | 23% | 66% | 1% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 10% | 20% | 33% | 34% | 3% | 868 |
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: belief in God by importance of religion
Attendance at religious services by belief in God
% of adults who attend religious services…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 49% | 33% | 17% | 1% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 20% | 43% | 37% | < 1% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 7% | 36% | 57% | < 1% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 35% | 30% | 33% | 3% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 2% | 17% | 81% | < 1% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 6% | 27% | 63% | 3% | 868 |
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: belief in God by religious attendance
Frequency of prayer by belief in God
% of adults who pray…
| Belief in God | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 74% | 15% | 4% | 6% | 1% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 34% | 25% | 12% | 28% | 1% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 16% | 13% | 11% | 59% | < 1% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 46% | 12% | 7% | 26% | 9% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 2% | 1% | 3% | 93% | < 1% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 12% | 7% | 6% | 70% | 5% | 868 |
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: belief in God by frequency of prayer
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups by belief in God
% of adults who attend prayer group…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 35% | 11% | 10% | 44% | 1% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 11% | 8% | 8% | 73% | < 1% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 4% | 4% | 5% | 87% | < 1% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 20% | 7% | 10% | 54% | 10% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 1% | 1% | 2% | 96% | < 1% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 5% | 3% | 4% | 86% | 3% | 868 |
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: belief in God by attendance at prayer groups
Frequency of meditation by belief in God
% of adults who meditate…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 49% | 7% | 3% | 39% | 2% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 31% | 11% | 5% | 51% | 1% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 22% | 12% | 7% | 59% | 1% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 47% | 7% | 2% | 37% | 7% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 18% | 8% | 5% | 67% | 1% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 24% | 9% | 5% | 57% | 4% | 868 |
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: belief in God by frequency of meditation
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing by belief in God
% of adults who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 71% | 13% | 7% | 8% | 1% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 43% | 20% | 15% | 21% | 1% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 30% | 17% | 15% | 37% | 1% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 57% | 8% | 9% | 15% | 12% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 30% | 15% | 9% | 44% | 2% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 37% | 13% | 10% | 33% | 8% | 868 |
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: belief in God by frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe by belief in God
% of adults who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 47% | 15% | 11% | 25% | 2% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 41% | 17% | 16% | 24% | 1% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 44% | 16% | 15% | 24% | 1% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 46% | 7% | 9% | 29% | 9% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 46% | 18% | 13% | 23% | 1% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 47% | 17% | 14% | 18% | 3% | 868 |
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: belief in God by frequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe
Sources of guidance on right and wrong by belief in God
% of adults who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Belief in God | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 47% | 7% | 38% | 5% | 3% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 15% | 14% | 57% | 12% | 2% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 5% | 21% | 56% | 16% | 2% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 21% | 11% | 50% | 7% | 11% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 1% | 19% | 51% | 27% | 1% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 5% | 19% | 56% | 14% | 6% | 868 |
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: belief in God by sources of guidance on right and wrong
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong by belief in God
% of adults who say…
| Belief in God | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 40% | 57% | 2% | 1% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 24% | 73% | 1% | 1% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 20% | 78% | 1% | 1% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 28% | 61% | 4% | 7% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 16% | 82% | 1% | 1% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 17% | 78% | 3% | 1% | 868 |
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
Switch Display To: belief in God by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
Frequency of reading scripture by belief in God
% of adults who read scripture…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 50% | 12% | 8% | 29% | 1% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 15% | 10% | 10% | 64% | 1% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 6% | 6% | 6% | 81% | < 1% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 31% | 7% | 8% | 47% | 7% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 2% | 3% | 5% | 90% | < 1% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 9% | 5% | 6% | 78% | 3% | 868 |
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: belief in God by frequency of reading scripture
Interpreting scripture by belief in God
% of adults who say the holy scripture is…
| Belief in God | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 43% | 32% | 4% | 14% | 7% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 15% | 28% | 1% | 48% | 8% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 6% | 10% | < 1% | 77% | 7% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 33% | 11% | 8% | 26% | 22% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 1% | 2% | < 1% | 94% | 3% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 3% | 4% | 1% | 73% | 18% | 868 |
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: belief in God by interpretation of scripture
Belief in Heaven by belief in God
% of adults who …in heaven
| Belief in God | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 87% | 7% | 6% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 70% | 21% | 9% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 40% | 47% | 13% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 64% | 18% | 18% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 6% | 91% | 3% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 18% | 45% | 36% | 868 |
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: belief in God by belief in heaven
Belief in Hell by belief in God
% of adults who …in hell
| Belief in God | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 72% | 20% | 7% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 49% | 42% | 9% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 28% | 61% | 11% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 47% | 31% | 23% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 5% | 93% | 3% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 15% | 56% | 29% | 868 |
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: belief in God by belief in hell
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation by belief in God
% of adults who identify as…
| Belief in God | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 43% | 18% | 39% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 33% | 19% | 48% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 24% | 18% | 58% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 26% | 33% | 41% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 18% | 17% | 65% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 25% | 26% | 49% | 868 |
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: belief in God by political party
Political ideology by belief in God
% of adults who are…
| Belief in God | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 45% | 31% | 17% | 7% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 26% | 39% | 29% | 5% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 18% | 39% | 37% | 6% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 31% | 23% | 27% | 18% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 13% | 31% | 50% | 6% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 17% | 36% | 35% | 12% | 868 |
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: belief in God by political ideology
Views about size of government by belief in God
% of adults who would rather have…
| Belief in God | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 54% | 39% | 3% | 4% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 48% | 46% | 3% | 3% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 45% | 47% | 4% | 4% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 37% | 43% | 7% | 12% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 43% | 51% | 3% | 3% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 49% | 35% | 7% | 9% | 868 |
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: belief in God by views about size of government
Views about government aid to the poor by belief in God
% of adults who say government aid to the poor…
| Belief in God | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 48% | 45% | 4% | 2% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 42% | 53% | 3% | 2% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 36% | 59% | 3% | 2% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 36% | 43% | 9% | 13% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 29% | 66% | 3% | 1% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 36% | 53% | 7% | 4% | 868 |
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: belief in God by views about government aid to the poor
Views about abortion by belief in God
% of adults who say abortion should be…
| Belief in God | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 42% | 53% | 5% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 64% | 32% | 4% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 77% | 20% | 3% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 38% | 39% | 23% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 86% | 11% | 3% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 76% | 17% | 7% | 868 |
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: belief in God by views about abortion
Views about homosexuality by belief in God
% of adults who say homosexuality…
| Belief in God | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 50% | 41% | 5% | 4% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 77% | 17% | 3% | 3% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 83% | 13% | 2% | 3% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 50% | 27% | 11% | 12% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 91% | 6% | 2% | 1% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 78% | 13% | 5% | 5% | 868 |
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: belief in God by views about homosexuality
Views about same-sex marriage by belief in God
% of adults who …same-sex marriage
| Belief in God | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 41% | 51% | 8% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 69% | 24% | 7% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 78% | 17% | 6% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 44% | 31% | 25% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 89% | 8% | 3% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 75% | 16% | 9% | 868 |
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: belief in God by views about same-sex marriage
Views about environmental regulation by belief in God
% of adults who say…
| Belief in God | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 43% | 51% | 3% | 4% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 34% | 62% | 2% | 3% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 28% | 68% | 2% | 2% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 35% | 43% | 6% | 16% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 19% | 77% | 1% | 2% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 27% | 63% | 4% | 6% | 868 |
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: belief in God by views about environmental protection
Views about human evolution by belief in God
% of adults who say humans…
| Belief in God | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 16% | 30% | 3% | 45% | 5% | 21,904 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 46% | 25% | 5% | 20% | 3% | 6,792 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 67% | 12% | 5% | 14% | 2% | 1,819 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 32% | 16% | 11% | 26% | 14% | 274 |
| Do not believe in God | 88% | 4% | 1% | 6% | 1% | 3,414 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 69% | 6% | 12% | 8% | 5% | 868 |
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: belief in God by views about human evolution
