Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Newsletters Press Donate My Account Contacted By Us?

Religious Landscape Study

Religious Landscape Study

ReligionsGeographyTopics & QuestionsUser Guide

Religious composition of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

Christian 14%
Evangelical Protestant 2%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Southern Baptist Convention 1%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Missionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Baptist Association of America< 1%
Free Will Baptist< 1%
General Association of Regular Baptist Churches< 1%
Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Methodist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational evangelical< 1%
Nondenominational fundamentalist< 1%
Nondenominational charismatic< 1%
Nondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Community Church (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Lutheran Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod< 1%
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod< 1%
Other Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Presbyterian Church in America< 1%
Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Assemblies of God< 1%
Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)< 1%
Foursquare Church< 1%
Pentecostal Church of God< 1%
Pentecostal Holiness Church< 1%
Calvary Chapel< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Church of God of the Apostolic Faith< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Churches of Christ< 1%
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Church of the Nazarene< 1%
Wesleyan Church< 1%
Free Methodist Church< 1%
Christian and Missionary Alliance< 1%
Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)< 1%
Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Christian Reformed Church< 1%
Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Adventist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Seventh-day Adventist< 1%
Other Adventist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pietist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other evangelical/fundamentalist family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Mainline Protestant 7%
Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
American Baptist Churches USA< 1%
Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
United Methodist Church 1%
Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Nondenominational Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Lutheran Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)< 1%
Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Church (USA)< 1%
Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Episcopal Church 1%
Anglican Church< 1%
Other Episcopalian/Anglican (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Disciples of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
United Church of Christ< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Church in America< 1%
Other Reformed (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Friends Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Historically Black Protestant< 1%
Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
National Baptist Convention< 1%
Progressive Baptist Convention< 1%
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Methodist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church< 1%
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
Other Methodist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Church of God in Christ< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
United Pentecostal Church International< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Catholic 4%
Mormon< 1%
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints< 1%
Other Mormon< 1%
Orthodox Christian< 1%
Greek Orthodox< 1%
Russian Orthodox< 1%
Orthodox Church in America< 1%
Other Orthodox Christian< 1%
Jehovah's Witness< 1%
Other Christian< 1%
Metaphysical Family< 1%
Spiritualist< 1%
Unity Church< 1%
Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.)< 1%
Others in the "Other Christian" Tradition< 1%
Non-Christian Faiths 15%
Jewish 8%
Muslim< 1%
Buddhist 2%
Hindu< 1%
Other World Religions< 1%
Other Faiths 5%
Unitarians and other liberal faiths in the "Other Faiths" Tradition 4%
Unitarian 3%
Humanist 1%
Deist< 1%
Spiritual but not religious< 1%
Eclectic, a bit of everything, "I have my own beliefs"< 1%
Other in the "Unitarian and other liberal faiths" family< 1%
New Age 1%
Pagan or Wiccan 1%
Other in the New Age family< 1%
Native American Religions< 1%
Unaffiliated (religious "nones") 68%
Atheist 20%
Agnostic 17%
Nothing in particular 32%
Nothing in particular (religion not important) 28%
Nothing in particular (religion important) 4%
Don't know 2%

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who are ages…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
2014< 1%< 1%< 1%100%434
2007< 1%< 1%22%78%320
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.

Compare: age group by belief in Godage group by generational group

Gender composition among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201467%33%434
200770%30%320
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.

Compare: gender by belief in Godgender by generational group

Racial and ethnic composition among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who identify as…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201489%1%1%5%4%428
200789%2%1%5%3%312
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.

Compare: race/ethnicity by belief in Godrace/ethnicity by generational group

Immigrant status among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20149%21%70%432
200711%14%76%318
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.

Compare: immigrant status by belief in Godimmigrant status by generational group

Income distribution among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who have a household income of…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201425%17%34%25%381
200723%25%25%26%262
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: household income by belief in Godhousehold income by generational group

Educational distribution among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who have completed…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201428%23%22%27%434
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.

Compare: educational group by belief in Godeducational group by generational group

Marital status among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201465%3%12%14%5%434
200756%5%15%15%9%320
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.

Compare: marital status by belief in Godmarital status by generational group

Parent of children under 18 among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
20144%96%433
20076%94%320
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.

Compare: parental status by belief in Godparental status by generational group

BeliefsandPractices

Importance of religion in one's life among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who say religion is…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
20144%13%16%67%< 1%434
20076%10%14%70%< 1%320
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.

Compare: importance of religion by belief in Godimportance of religion by generational group

Attendance at religious services among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who attend religious services…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20144%16%80%< 1%434
20073%13%83%1%320
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.

Compare: religious attendance by belief in Godreligious attendance by generational group

Frequency of prayer among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who pray…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20143%2%3%91%< 1%434
20075%1%4%88%1%320
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.

Compare: frequency of prayer by belief in Godfrequency of prayer by generational group

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who attend prayer group…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%1%2%96%< 1%434
20071%2%1%95%1%320
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.

Compare: attendance at prayer groups by belief in Godattendance at prayer groups by generational group

Frequency of meditation among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who meditate…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201419%6%7%68%1%434
200720%3%6%68%3%320
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.

Compare: frequency of meditation by belief in Godfrequency of meditation by generational group

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201426%7%7%54%5%434
200727%5%8%52%8%320
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.

Compare: frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by belief in Godfrequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by generational group

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201441%15%13%29%2%434
200737%11%14%37%2%320
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.

Compare: frequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by belief in Godfrequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by generational group

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20142%19%51%27%1%434
20074%19%55%18%4%320
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.

Compare: sources of guidance on right and wrong by belief in Godsources of guidance on right and wrong by generational group

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who say…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201416%83%1%< 1%434
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.

Compare: belief in existence of standards for right and wrong by belief in Godbelief in existence of standards for right and wrong by generational group

Frequency of reading scripture among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who read scripture…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20143%1%5%92%< 1%434
20073%2%4%91%1%320
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.

Compare: frequency of reading scripture by belief in Godfrequency of reading scripture by generational group

Interpreting scripture among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who say the holy scripture is…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearWord 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
20141%2%< 1%90%8%434
20071%2%< 1%90%8%320
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.

Compare: interpretation of scripture by belief in Godinterpretation of scripture by generational group

Belief in Heaven among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who …in heaven

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
20142%97%1%434
20074%94%3%320
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.

Compare: belief in heaven by belief in Godbelief in heaven by generational group

Belief in Hell among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who …in hell

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
20141%97%1%434
20075%92%3%320
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.

Compare: belief in hell by belief in Godbelief in hell by generational group

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who identify as…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201420%8%72%434
200721%19%60%320
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.

Compare: political party by belief in Godpolitical party by generational group

Political ideology among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201420%26%49%5%434
200717%31%43%9%320
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.

Compare: political ideology by belief in Godpolitical ideology by generational group

Views about size of government among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who would rather have…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201442%46%5%7%434
200750%38%4%8%320
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.

Compare: views about size of government by belief in Godviews about size of government by generational group

Views about government aid to the poor among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who say government aid to the poor…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201430%65%3%2%434
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.

Compare: views about government aid to the poor by belief in Godviews about government aid to the poor by generational group

Views about abortion among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who say abortion should be…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201487%10%3%434
200783%12%6%320
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.

Compare: views about abortion by belief in Godviews about abortion by generational group

Views about homosexuality among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who say homosexuality…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201485%10%4%1%434
200774%19%4%3%320
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.

Compare: views about homosexuality by belief in Godviews about homosexuality by generational group

Views about same-sex marriage among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who …same-sex marriage

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201474%17%9%434
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.

Compare: views about same-sex marriage by belief in Godviews about same-sex marriage by generational group

Views about environmental regulation among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who say…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearStricter 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
201423%73%2%2%434
200721%75%2%3%320
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.

Compare: views about environmental protection by belief in Godviews about environmental protection by generational group

Views about human evolution among adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they do not believe in God who say humans…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201481%2%2%11%4%434
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.

Compare: views about human evolution by belief in Godviews about human evolution by generational group

Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center About Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Settings Reprints, Permissions & Use Policy Feedback Careers