Belief in God among widowed adults

% of widowed adults who say they…

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
201475%15%3%2%3%2%3,218
200781%11%2%1%2%2%3,705
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God

Belief in God among widowed adults by religious group

% of widowed adults 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
Catholic75%20%2%2%< 1%< 1%721
Evangelical Protestant87%8%1%1%1%1%923
Historically Black Protestant92%5%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%196
Mainline Protestant72%18%3%3%2%1%791
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")36%24%11%1%20%6%338
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who are ages…

Belief in God18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain< 1%6%22%72%2,286
Believe in God; fairly certain< 1%6%24%69%490
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain1%11%20%68%102
Do not believe in God1%12%14%73%139
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who are…

Belief in GodYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain< 1%1%6%31%52%11%2,286
Believe in God; fairly certain< 1%1%5%32%49%12%490
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain< 1%1%11%26%47%15%102
Do not believe in God< 1%1%12%25%45%17%139
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who are…

Belief in GodMenWomenSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain22%78%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain32%68%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain30%70%108
Do not believe in God43%57%140
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.

Racial and ethnic composition among widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who identify as…

Belief in GodWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain74%15%1%7%3%2,307
Believe in God; fairly certain76%5%1%15%3%505
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain78%6%9%4%3%108
Do not believe in God90%4%< 1%1%5%135
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who are…

Belief in GodImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain7%10%83%2,301
Believe in God; fairly certain16%11%73%496
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain10%25%66%107
Do not believe in God4%21%75%139
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults 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 certain62%20%12%5%1,884
Believe in God; fairly certain54%25%14%7%419
Do not believe in God37%24%26%13%120
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who have completed…

Belief in GodHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain59%27%8%6%2,325
Believe in God; fairly certain57%24%9%10%503
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain51%28%14%7%108
Do not believe in God31%29%21%19%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who are…

Belief in GodParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain7%93%2,334
Believe in God; fairly certain7%93%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain13%87%107
Do not believe in God5%95%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who say religion is…

Belief in GodVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain82%13%1%2%1%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain37%45%14%3%1%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain18%35%21%22%4%108
Do not believe in God2%11%25%62%< 1%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults 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 certain54%26%19%1%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain33%32%34%1%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain5%34%59%2%108
Do not believe in God6%8%85%< 1%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who pray…

Belief in GodAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain81%11%2%4%1%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain49%20%9%21%1%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain31%13%1%53%1%108
Do not believe in God2%2%2%93%< 1%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults 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 certain37%9%10%43%2%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain16%5%7%72%1%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain6%< 1%8%86%< 1%108
Do not believe in God1%1%1%97%< 1%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who meditate…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain63%6%2%24%4%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain40%9%5%45%2%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain26%8%5%60%2%108
Do not believe in God26%7%3%64%< 1%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults 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 certain76%8%5%9%2%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain49%14%13%22%2%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain33%8%8%49%2%108
Do not believe in God25%9%6%57%3%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults 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 certain48%11%11%28%3%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain37%15%14%31%3%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain36%5%17%41%< 1%108
Do not believe in God41%7%12%39%1%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

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

Belief in GodReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain49%4%39%3%4%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain21%12%57%6%4%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain5%12%71%11%1%108
Do not believe in God1%16%57%23%4%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults 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 certain34%61%2%3%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain22%74%2%2%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain15%83%< 1%2%108
Do not believe in God19%77%3%2%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults 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 certain56%9%7%27%2%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain23%11%11%54%1%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain9%5%12%74%< 1%108
Do not believe in God3%1%2%94%< 1%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults 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 certain52%25%5%10%8%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain22%28%4%35%11%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain8%15%1%58%17%108
Do not believe in God3%< 1%< 1%93%4%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who …in heaven

Belief in GodBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain90%5%5%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain74%16%10%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain37%57%6%108
Do not believe in God7%92%2%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who …in hell

Belief in GodBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain71%20%9%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain42%44%14%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain24%65%11%108
Do not believe in God4%96%< 1%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who identify as…

Belief in GodRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain38%17%45%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain34%17%49%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain24%17%59%108
Do not believe in God22%12%66%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who are…

Belief in GodConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain44%33%15%8%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain28%42%22%9%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain25%37%35%3%108
Do not believe in God15%29%45%10%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who would rather have…

Belief in GodSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain52%38%4%6%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain51%41%5%4%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain39%42%12%7%108
Do not believe in God41%42%6%11%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults 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 certain43%48%5%4%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain43%52%3%2%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain29%57%6%8%108
Do not believe in God35%62%1%2%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who say abortion should be…

Belief in GodLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain41%52%8%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain57%38%5%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain71%20%8%108
Do not believe in God79%19%2%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who say homosexuality…

Belief in GodShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain40%49%5%5%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain64%27%4%6%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain73%12%4%11%108
Do not believe in God77%17%5%1%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults who …same-sex marriage

Belief in GodStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain29%60%11%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain52%33%15%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain62%20%18%108
Do not believe in God76%20%4%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults 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 certain41%47%4%9%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain40%52%4%5%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain23%70%1%5%108
Do not believe in God28%67%2%4%140
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 widowed adults by belief in God

% of widowed adults 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 certain13%23%4%49%10%2,337
Believe in God; fairly certain29%22%9%31%10%506
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain63%7%1%24%5%108
Do not believe in God81%< 1%5%12%2%140
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.