Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Large partisan differences on whether religion’s influence in American life is positive or negative


Large partisan differences on whether religion’s influence in American life is positive or negative
U.S. adults’ views toward religion, based on combined responses about whether religion’s influence is growing or declining and whether this is a good or bad thing
Note: Estimates are based on responses to two questions: whether religion is gaining or losing influence in American life and whether its growing/declining influence is a good or bad thing. The “NET Positive view of religion” figures include those who said religion’s influence is growing and this is a good thing, or that it is declining and this is a bad thing. The “NET Negative view of religion” figures include those who said religion’s influence is growing and this is a bad thing, or that it is declining and this is a good thing. The “NET Neutral or unclear view” figures include those who said religion’s growing/declining influence doesn’t make a difference or did not answer at least one of these questions.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted April 6-12, 2026.
“How Americans Feel About Religion’s Influence in Government and Public Life”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER


Large partisan differences on whether religion’s influence in American life is positive or negative
U.S. adults’ views toward religion, based on combined responses about whether religion’s influence is growing or declining and whether this is a good or bad thing
NET Positive NET Negative NET Neutral or unclear view
Rep/lean Rep75%7%18%
Dem/lean Dem38%37%25%

Note: Estimates are based on responses to two questions: whether religion is gaining or losing influence in American life and whether its growing/declining influence is a good or bad thing. The “NET Positive view of religion” figures include those who said religion’s influence is growing and this is a good thing, or that it is declining and this is a bad thing. The “NET Negative view of religion” figures include those who said religion’s influence is growing and this is a bad thing, or that it is declining and this is a good thing. The “NET Neutral or unclear view” figures include those who said religion’s growing/declining influence doesn’t make a difference or did not answer at least one of these questions.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted April 6-12, 2026.
“How Americans Feel About Religion’s Influence in Government and Public Life”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

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