| Survey year | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 49% | 26% | 12% | 13% | 1% | 24,900 |
| 2007 | 52% | 28% | 11% | 8% | 1% | 27,309 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important
Importance of religion in one's life among whites by religious group
% of whites who say religion is…
| Religious tradition | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buddhist | 30% | 33% | 20% | 13% | 4% | 141 |
| Catholic | 53% | 34% | 10% | 3% | < 1% | 4,827 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 78% | 18% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 6,633 |
| Jewish | 33% | 37% | 20% | 10% | < 1% | 782 |
| Mainline Protestant | 52% | 35% | 10% | 2% | 1% | 5,322 |
| Mormon | 84% | 12% | 3% | 1% | < 1% | 575 |
| Orthodox Christian | 49% | 33% | 14% | 4% | < 1% | 153 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 8% | 20% | 27% | 44% | 1% | 5,490 |
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: religious group among whites by importance of religion
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who are ages…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 13% | 28% | 31% | 27% | 12,209 |
| Somewhat important | 20% | 34% | 29% | 18% | 6,033 |
| Not too important | 27% | 36% | 24% | 14% | 2,956 |
| Not at all important | 29% | 36% | 21% | 15% | 3,109 |
| Don't know | 12% | 27% | 26% | 34% | 163 |
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: importance of religion among whites by age group
Generational cohort among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 8% | 10% | 24% | 38% | 19% | 2% | 12,209 |
| Somewhat important | 12% | 13% | 28% | 35% | 11% | 1% | 6,033 |
| Not too important | 17% | 16% | 29% | 29% | 8% | 1% | 2,956 |
| Not at all important | 18% | 19% | 27% | 26% | 9% | 1% | 3,109 |
| Don't know | 6% | 10% | 24% | 36% | 21% | 2% | 163 |
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: importance of religion among whites by generational group
Gender composition among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 43% | 57% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 51% | 49% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 57% | 43% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 61% | 39% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 51% | 49% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by gender
Immigrant status among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 3% | 6% | 90% | 12,357 |
| Somewhat important | 4% | 8% | 88% | 6,078 |
| Not too important | 5% | 9% | 86% | 2,961 |
| Not at all important | 6% | 9% | 84% | 3,127 |
| Don't know | 4% | 7% | 89% | 172 |
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: importance of religion among whites by immigrant status
Income distribution among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who have a household income of…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 29% | 21% | 31% | 19% | 10,632 |
| Somewhat important | 27% | 20% | 29% | 24% | 5,448 |
| Not too important | 24% | 19% | 31% | 26% | 2,701 |
| Not at all important | 25% | 17% | 30% | 28% | 2,883 |
| Don't know | 36% | 18% | 32% | 14% | 123 |
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: importance of religion among whites by household income
Educational distribution among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who have completed…
| Importance of religion in one's life | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 39% | 33% | 17% | 11% | 12,406 |
| Somewhat important | 38% | 32% | 19% | 11% | 6,101 |
| Not too important | 31% | 33% | 22% | 14% | 2,979 |
| Not at all important | 30% | 31% | 23% | 17% | 3,145 |
| Don't know | 32% | 35% | 20% | 13% | 172 |
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: importance of religion among whites by educational group
Marital status among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 61% | 4% | 12% | 10% | 13% | 12,408 |
| Somewhat important | 50% | 9% | 13% | 6% | 22% | 6,104 |
| Not too important | 46% | 10% | 11% | 4% | 30% | 2,976 |
| Not at all important | 41% | 12% | 12% | 3% | 31% | 3,146 |
| Don't know | 54% | 6% | 12% | 9% | 19% | 170 |
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: importance of religion among whites by marital status
Parent of children under 18 among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 27% | 73% | 12,424 |
| Somewhat important | 27% | 73% | 6,107 |
| Not too important | 25% | 75% | 2,980 |
| Not at all important | 22% | 78% | 3,146 |
| Don't know | 15% | 85% | 175 |
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: importance of religion among whites by parental status
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who say they…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 90% | 8% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 51% | 38% | 6% | 1% | 3% | 2% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 17% | 38% | 18% | < 1% | 19% | 7% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 10% | 13% | 10% | 1% | 59% | 8% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 54% | 17% | 4% | 9% | 7% | 10% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by belief in God
Attendance at religious services among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who attend religious services…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 61% | 27% | 11% | 1% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 12% | 55% | 33% | < 1% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 2% | 33% | 65% | < 1% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 1% | 8% | 90% | < 1% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 24% | 21% | 44% | 11% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by religious attendance
Frequency of prayer among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who pray…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 83% | 12% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 34% | 30% | 13% | 22% | 1% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 11% | 13% | 11% | 65% | < 1% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 7% | 4% | 3% | 86% | < 1% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 50% | 13% | 4% | 19% | 14% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by frequency of prayer
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who attend prayer group…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 40% | 12% | 11% | 36% | 1% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 5% | 6% | 8% | 80% | < 1% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 1% | 1% | 2% | 95% | < 1% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 2% | < 1% | 1% | 97% | < 1% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 13% | 6% | 10% | 61% | 10% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by attendance at prayer groups
Frequency of meditation among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who meditate…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 50% | 7% | 3% | 38% | 2% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 25% | 10% | 5% | 59% | 1% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 20% | 11% | 6% | 63% | 1% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 22% | 8% | 5% | 64% | 1% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 49% | 7% | 3% | 29% | 13% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by frequency of meditation
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 77% | 11% | 5% | 5% | 1% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 40% | 23% | 16% | 20% | 1% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 30% | 18% | 15% | 36% | 1% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 33% | 14% | 9% | 42% | 2% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 60% | 9% | 7% | 15% | 10% | 176 |
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 whites by importance of religion
% of whites who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 49% | 16% | 11% | 22% | 2% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 38% | 18% | 15% | 28% | 1% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 40% | 19% | 15% | 26% | 1% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 48% | 15% | 13% | 24% | 1% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 49% | 15% | 7% | 17% | 13% | 176 |
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 whites by importance of religion
% of whites who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Importance of religion in one's life | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 58% | 6% | 30% | 3% | 3% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 12% | 13% | 64% | 8% | 2% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 3% | 18% | 64% | 14% | 1% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 1% | 18% | 56% | 23% | 2% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 22% | 9% | 45% | 5% | 19% | 176 |
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 whites by importance of religion
% of whites who say…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 48% | 49% | 2% | 1% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 28% | 70% | 1% | 1% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 22% | 76% | 1% | < 1% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 18% | 81% | 1% | 1% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 30% | 62% | 2% | 5% | 176 |
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 whites by importance of religion
% of whites who read scripture…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 57% | 12% | 8% | 22% | 1% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 11% | 11% | 13% | 65% | < 1% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 3% | 4% | 5% | 88% | < 1% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 3% | 2% | 3% | 92% | < 1% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 26% | 5% | 6% | 49% | 14% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by frequency of reading scripture
Interpreting scripture among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who say the holy scripture is…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 45% | 34% | 4% | 10% | 6% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 13% | 37% | 1% | 40% | 9% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 4% | 13% | < 1% | 75% | 8% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 2% | 3% | < 1% | 91% | 4% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 19% | 14% | 7% | 43% | 18% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by interpretation of scripture
Belief in Heaven among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who …in heaven
| Importance of religion in one's life | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 88% | 6% | 6% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 76% | 16% | 8% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 43% | 45% | 12% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 14% | 79% | 7% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 43% | 24% | 33% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by belief in heaven
Belief in Hell among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who …in hell
| Importance of religion in one's life | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 74% | 18% | 8% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 55% | 36% | 9% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 29% | 61% | 9% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 9% | 85% | 6% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 29% | 44% | 28% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by belief in hell
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who identify as…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 59% | 15% | 27% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 43% | 17% | 40% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 32% | 17% | 51% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 22% | 18% | 61% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 33% | 31% | 36% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by political party
Political ideology among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 54% | 28% | 12% | 6% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 31% | 40% | 24% | 5% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 21% | 40% | 34% | 5% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 14% | 32% | 48% | 7% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 33% | 29% | 22% | 17% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by political ideology
Views about size of government among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who would rather have…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 69% | 25% | 3% | 4% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 60% | 33% | 3% | 4% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 54% | 39% | 3% | 3% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 49% | 44% | 4% | 4% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 49% | 27% | 8% | 16% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by views about size of government
Views about government aid to the poor among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who say government aid to the poor…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 56% | 38% | 4% | 2% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 48% | 47% | 3% | 1% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 40% | 56% | 3% | 1% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 33% | 62% | 3% | 2% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 35% | 41% | 11% | 13% | 176 |
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 whites by importance of religion
% of whites who say abortion should be…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 34% | 62% | 4% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 66% | 30% | 4% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 79% | 18% | 3% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 85% | 12% | 3% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 52% | 27% | 21% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by views about abortion
Views about homosexuality among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who say homosexuality…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 42% | 49% | 5% | 4% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 75% | 18% | 4% | 3% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 85% | 11% | 2% | 2% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 90% | 7% | 2% | 1% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 54% | 23% | 8% | 15% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by views about homosexuality
Views about same-sex marriage among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who …same-sex marriage
| Importance of religion in one's life | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 33% | 59% | 7% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 67% | 26% | 7% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 80% | 15% | 5% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 86% | 9% | 5% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 50% | 30% | 20% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by views about same-sex marriage
Views about environmental regulation among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who say…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 47% | 47% | 3% | 3% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 38% | 58% | 2% | 2% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 29% | 68% | 2% | 2% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 23% | 73% | 1% | 2% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 31% | 47% | 9% | 13% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by views about environmental protection
Views about human evolution among whites by importance of religion
% of whites who say humans…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 12% | 29% | 3% | 50% | 5% | 12,458 |
| Somewhat important | 38% | 30% | 5% | 23% | 3% | 6,124 |
| Not too important | 70% | 14% | 5% | 9% | 2% | 2,988 |
| Not at all important | 82% | 6% | 3% | 7% | 2% | 3,154 |
| Don't know | 31% | 15% | 15% | 23% | 16% | 176 |
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: importance of religion among whites by views about human evolution
