Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201427%46%19%7%1%6,792
200722%49%20%7%1%5,816
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by religious group

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic39%46%13%2%< 1%1,854
Evangelical Protestant38%52%8%2%1%827
Historically Black Protestant54%41%4%< 1%< 1%175
Jewish23%56%17%4%< 1%231
Mainline Protestant23%57%17%2%1%1,550
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")9%35%36%20%1%1,614
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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important19%35%27%19%1,738
Somewhat important26%34%25%14%3,116
Not too important28%39%21%12%1,294
Not at all important25%40%24%12%481
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important10%16%28%31%13%1%1,738
Somewhat important17%16%28%30%9%1%3,116
Not too important17%19%31%26%7%1%1,294
Not at all important13%18%33%29%6%< 1%481
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important49%51%1,778
Somewhat important53%47%3,172
Not too important54%46%1,313
Not at all important52%48%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important46%9%3%39%3%1,763
Somewhat important70%6%5%15%3%3,141
Not too important81%5%4%7%3%1,306
Not at all important79%3%3%11%4%477
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important37%9%54%1,749
Somewhat important15%11%74%3,133
Not too important10%10%80%1,301
Not at all important11%12%77%478
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important50%18%17%14%1,490
Somewhat important30%20%28%22%2,830
Not too important25%22%31%22%1,182
Not at all important27%19%27%27%444
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important55%23%12%10%1,765
Somewhat important39%31%18%12%3,156
Not too important34%33%20%14%1,311
Not at all important32%34%20%15%483
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important49%9%13%7%23%1,770
Somewhat important46%11%12%5%27%3,160
Not too important47%11%10%3%28%1,309
Not at all important41%11%13%2%32%482
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important35%65%1,772
Somewhat important30%70%3,162
Not too important27%73%1,311
Not at all important25%75%484
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

Attendance at religious services among adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important48%35%16%< 1%1,778
Somewhat important12%55%32%< 1%3,172
Not too important2%35%63%< 1%1,313
Not at all important2%12%86%< 1%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important64%23%6%7%1%1,778
Somewhat important28%31%15%24%1%3,172
Not too important13%17%14%55%< 1%1,313
Not at all important13%9%8%69%< 1%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important28%15%11%45%1%1,778
Somewhat important5%7%9%79%< 1%3,172
Not too important1%2%3%93%< 1%1,313
Not at all important3%1%1%95%< 1%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important50%11%4%32%3%1,778
Somewhat important24%12%6%58%1%3,172
Not too important19%12%6%63%1%1,313
Not at all important31%10%5%54%< 1%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important62%15%11%10%2%1,778
Somewhat important37%23%17%22%1%3,172
Not too important30%20%17%33%1%1,313
Not at all important41%16%12%29%2%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important52%14%13%18%3%1,778
Somewhat important36%19%19%25%1%3,172
Not too important37%17%17%29%1%1,313
Not at all important46%15%14%25%< 1%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important36%10%39%12%2%1,778
Somewhat important9%14%63%11%2%3,172
Not too important2%17%68%11%1%1,313
Not at all important2%19%59%18%2%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important27%69%2%2%1,778
Somewhat important25%74%1%1%3,172
Not too important23%75%1%< 1%1,313
Not at all important17%83%< 1%< 1%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important37%15%11%36%1%1,778
Somewhat important9%11%12%68%1%3,172
Not too important3%4%6%87%< 1%1,313
Not at all important5%3%4%89%< 1%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord 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
Very important35%31%3%23%9%1,778
Somewhat important9%33%1%48%9%3,172
Not too important4%18%1%69%8%1,313
Not at all important5%6%< 1%84%5%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important81%13%6%1,778
Somewhat important75%16%9%3,172
Not too important57%33%11%1,313
Not at all important34%58%8%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important59%31%10%1,778
Somewhat important52%39%9%3,172
Not too important38%53%9%1,313
Not at all important23%70%7%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important28%23%49%1,778
Somewhat important35%17%47%3,172
Not too important38%18%45%1,313
Not at all important22%18%60%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important32%33%28%6%1,778
Somewhat important26%43%26%5%3,172
Not too important24%41%31%4%1,313
Not at all important13%32%49%6%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important35%58%4%3%1,778
Somewhat important52%43%2%3%3,172
Not too important58%37%2%3%1,313
Not at all important48%46%3%3%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important40%54%3%2%1,778
Somewhat important44%51%3%2%3,172
Not too important44%52%2%1%1,313
Not at all important35%61%3%< 1%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important46%49%5%1,778
Somewhat important68%29%3%3,172
Not too important75%21%4%1,313
Not at all important80%18%2%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important67%26%4%4%1,778
Somewhat important79%15%3%2%3,172
Not too important85%12%2%2%1,313
Not at all important86%10%2%2%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important54%36%10%1,778
Somewhat important71%22%7%3,172
Not too important79%15%5%1,313
Not at all important84%12%4%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter 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
Very important36%58%2%4%1,778
Somewhat important34%61%2%2%3,172
Not too important31%66%1%2%1,313
Not at all important28%68%3%1%484
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by importance of religion

% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important27%32%5%30%5%1,778
Somewhat important45%28%6%18%3%3,172
Not too important66%16%5%11%2%1,313
Not at all important69%11%5%12%3%484
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.