Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201468%25%5%2%1%25,048
200766%26%6%2%1%28,279
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important15%32%30%23%16,653
Somewhat important22%34%27%16%5,920
Not too important22%34%26%18%1,414
Not at all important22%31%29%18%398
Don't know4%35%27%34%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.

Generational cohort among Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important9%11%27%35%15%2%16,653
Somewhat important15%13%28%33%10%1%5,920
Not too important15%12%29%32%11%1%1,414
Not at all important13%13%26%35%12%1%398
Don't know1%8%30%38%20%2%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.

Gender composition among Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important42%58%17,053
Somewhat important50%50%6,016
Not too important60%40%1,426
Not at all important69%31%410
Don't know47%53%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important62%16%2%16%4%16,822
Somewhat important72%7%2%17%3%5,962
Not too important82%4%3%10%2%1,413
Not at all important74%5%< 1%17%4%405
Don't know68%10%< 1%17%4%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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important15%8%77%16,839
Somewhat important13%11%76%5,954
Not too important9%11%79%1,416
Not at all important16%13%71%402
Don't know23%3%74%138
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important38%21%26%15%14,530
Somewhat important31%21%27%21%5,352
Not too important26%18%31%25%1,268
Not at all important35%17%27%21%368
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important44%32%15%9%16,952
Somewhat important42%32%17%9%5,986
Not too important37%29%21%13%1,418
Not at all important42%31%18%9%405
Don't know47%27%14%12%137
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important54%5%14%9%18%16,976
Somewhat important47%9%13%6%25%5,998
Not too important50%9%11%4%26%1,420
Not at all important39%9%18%8%27%407
Don't know54%3%19%9%14%137
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important30%70%16,982
Somewhat important30%70%5,998
Not too important25%75%1,422
Not at all important21%79%407
Don't know22%78%142
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

Belief in God among Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve 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
Very important89%9%1%1%< 1%< 1%17,053
Somewhat important55%37%5%1%1%1%6,016
Not too important25%44%18%1%6%5%1,426
Not at all important37%19%20%1%20%4%410
Don't know67%18%1%10%< 1%4%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important63%28%9%1%17,053
Somewhat important16%58%25%< 1%6,016
Not too important3%43%54%< 1%1,426
Not at all important11%21%67%1%410
Don't know45%20%21%13%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important83%12%2%2%1%17,053
Somewhat important40%31%12%16%1%6,016
Not too important18%17%13%51%< 1%1,426
Not at all important27%10%6%56%1%410
Don't know62%11%5%5%17%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important43%13%10%33%1%17,053
Somewhat important8%8%9%75%< 1%6,016
Not too important3%1%2%94%< 1%1,426
Not at all important10%3%6%80%< 1%410
Don't know24%9%14%42%12%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important54%7%3%34%2%17,053
Somewhat important26%10%6%57%1%6,016
Not too important20%9%5%66%1%1,426
Not at all important29%6%4%60%1%410
Don't know58%4%2%20%16%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important77%11%5%5%1%17,053
Somewhat important42%23%16%18%1%6,016
Not too important30%17%18%34%1%1,426
Not at all important41%10%10%38%1%410
Don't know58%13%8%10%11%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important49%15%11%23%2%17,053
Somewhat important36%18%17%29%1%6,016
Not too important35%16%17%31%1%1,426
Not at all important42%12%14%31%1%410
Don't know47%9%8%21%15%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important57%5%31%4%3%17,053
Somewhat important16%12%62%9%2%6,016
Not too important5%15%66%12%2%1,426
Not at all important9%16%56%17%3%410
Don't know33%7%33%3%23%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important44%54%2%1%17,053
Somewhat important28%70%1%1%6,016
Not too important25%73%2%1%1,426
Not at all important24%73%2%1%410
Don't know35%59%2%5%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important60%12%8%19%1%17,053
Somewhat important14%12%14%59%< 1%6,016
Not too important6%5%6%83%< 1%1,426
Not at all important16%6%4%73%1%410
Don't know39%7%11%28%15%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important51%32%4%8%6%17,053
Somewhat important17%40%2%33%9%6,016
Not too important7%21%< 1%64%8%1,426
Not at all important13%16%2%63%7%410
Don't know26%20%8%24%22%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important89%5%5%17,053
Somewhat important82%11%7%6,016
Not too important59%31%10%1,426
Not at all important48%46%6%410
Don't know64%7%29%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important76%16%8%17,053
Somewhat important62%30%8%6,016
Not too important43%48%9%1,426
Not at all important38%57%6%410
Don't know44%27%28%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important45%17%38%17,053
Somewhat important40%17%43%6,016
Not too important38%14%47%1,426
Not at all important34%19%46%410
Don't know27%38%35%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important49%29%15%6%17,053
Somewhat important33%39%23%5%6,016
Not too important27%41%28%5%1,426
Not at all important27%31%34%8%410
Don't know28%30%17%24%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important54%40%3%4%17,053
Somewhat important54%40%3%3%6,016
Not too important58%37%2%2%1,426
Not at all important53%39%4%4%410
Don't know47%29%7%17%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important49%45%4%2%17,053
Somewhat important48%48%3%1%6,016
Not too important48%48%3%1%1,426
Not at all important42%53%5%1%410
Don't know36%39%9%16%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important35%60%4%17,053
Somewhat important63%33%4%6,016
Not too important76%21%3%1,426
Not at all important68%28%4%410
Don't know34%40%27%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important44%47%5%4%17,053
Somewhat important73%21%4%3%6,016
Not too important81%15%2%2%1,426
Not at all important70%23%4%3%410
Don't know42%26%9%23%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important34%58%8%17,053
Somewhat important63%29%8%6,016
Not too important73%21%6%1,426
Not at all important61%32%7%410
Don't know32%39%29%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important44%50%3%4%17,053
Somewhat important39%56%2%2%6,016
Not too important36%61%1%2%1,426
Not at all important38%58%1%3%410
Don't know34%44%7%16%143
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 Christians by importance of religion

% of Christians 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 important13%29%3%50%6%17,053
Somewhat important34%33%4%26%3%6,016
Not too important59%19%5%14%3%1,426
Not at all important50%17%4%23%5%410
Don't know18%18%13%33%17%143
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.