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
201483%11%2%1%2%1%3,394
200788%8%1%1%1%1%3,101
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

Belief in God among blacks by religious group

% of blacks who say they…

Religious traditionBelieve 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
Catholic88%9%1%1%< 1%< 1%192
Evangelical Protestant89%8%1%1%< 1%1%495
Historically Black Protestant89%9%1%1%< 1%< 1%1,798
Mainline Protestant84%14%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%159
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")57%21%9%1%10%3%534
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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who are ages…

Belief in God18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain23%37%27%13%2,736
Believe in God; fairly certain42%30%20%8%372
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who are…

Belief in GodYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain14%16%30%31%8%1%2,736
Believe in God; fairly certain25%23%24%22%5%1%372
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who are…

Belief in GodMenWomenSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain42%58%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain49%51%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who are…

Belief in GodImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain10%5%85%2,748
Believe in God; fairly certain9%6%84%371
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks 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 certain51%21%19%9%2,502
Believe in God; fairly certain49%23%17%12%341
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who have completed…

Belief in GodHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain48%34%11%7%2,793
Believe in God; fairly certain52%30%11%6%376
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who are…

Belief in GodMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain31%7%17%8%37%2,802
Believe in God; fairly certain22%8%13%4%53%375
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who are…

Belief in GodParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain33%67%2,800
Believe in God; fairly certain24%76%376
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who say religion is…

Belief in GodVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain84%12%2%2%< 1%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain39%43%15%3%1%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks 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 certain52%35%13%< 1%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain23%47%29%1%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who pray…

Belief in GodAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain79%13%3%4%1%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain48%18%13%22%< 1%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks 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 certain44%15%9%32%1%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain18%11%9%61%< 1%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who meditate…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain56%8%3%31%2%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain33%11%5%51%< 1%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks 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 certain73%12%6%8%1%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain50%21%13%15%2%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks 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 certain45%14%10%29%2%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain45%17%10%26%2%378
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 blacks by belief in God

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

Belief in GodReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain48%6%40%4%2%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain17%10%61%10%1%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks 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 certain30%68%1%1%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain23%76%1%1%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks 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 certain61%14%7%18%1%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain28%11%12%48%< 1%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks 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 certain57%24%3%10%6%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain29%24%1%38%8%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who …in heaven

Belief in GodBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain91%6%4%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain77%17%6%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who …in hell

Belief in GodBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain79%16%6%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain58%35%8%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who identify as…

Belief in GodRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain10%13%78%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain14%11%75%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who are…

Belief in GodConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain34%33%25%9%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain21%40%35%5%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who would rather have…

Belief in GodSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain24%70%3%3%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain26%68%1%5%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks 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 certain28%65%4%2%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain27%68%3%2%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who say abortion should be…

Belief in GodLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain50%44%6%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain66%31%3%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who say homosexuality…

Belief in GodShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain50%42%5%3%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain71%23%3%2%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks who …same-sex marriage

Belief in GodStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain39%53%9%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain64%30%6%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks 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 certain35%60%2%4%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain28%70%2%1%378
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 blacks by belief in God

% of blacks 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 certain16%30%3%46%5%2,809
Believe in God; fairly certain35%31%4%27%3%378
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.