Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201488%10%1%1%1%11,754
200790%8%1%1%< 1%10,833
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

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious group

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic83%16%1%< 1%< 1%2,203
Evangelical Protestant92%7%< 1%< 1%< 1%5,299
Historically Black Protestant95%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%929
Jehovah's Witness95%4%< 1%< 1%1%194
Jewish85%14%1%< 1%< 1%126
Mainline Protestant85%13%1%< 1%1%1,825
Mormon96%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%428
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")58%25%8%7%2%441
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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important15%33%30%22%10,194
Somewhat important21%33%30%16%1,036
Not too important21%39%27%14%124
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important9%11%28%36%15%2%10,194
Somewhat important14%11%28%37%9%1%1,036
Not too important14%16%29%32%7%1%124
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important40%60%10,442
Somewhat important49%51%1,053
Not too important49%51%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important64%16%2%15%4%10,308
Somewhat important64%8%3%20%5%1,038
Not too important58%10%8%20%4%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important14%8%78%10,314
Somewhat important16%9%75%1,034
Not too important22%12%66%124
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important36%21%27%15%8,926
Somewhat important39%21%23%17%940
Not too important36%16%39%9%115
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important43%33%15%9%10,387
Somewhat important50%30%14%7%1,046
Not too important40%30%16%14%124
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important57%3%13%8%18%10,394
Somewhat important46%9%15%5%25%1,049
Not too important36%8%11%6%39%125
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important31%69%10,397
Somewhat important28%72%1,046
Not too important23%77%126
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 adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important92%7%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%10,442
Somewhat important70%26%2%1%1%1%1,053
Not too important52%23%18%2%3%2%126
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 adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important72%21%7%1%10,442
Somewhat important21%53%25%1%1,053
Not too important15%36%47%2%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important88%9%1%2%1%10,442
Somewhat important52%28%9%11%< 1%1,053
Not too important37%15%15%33%< 1%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important53%13%9%24%1%10,442
Somewhat important13%11%9%66%< 1%1,053
Not too important10%7%9%74%< 1%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important57%7%3%31%3%10,442
Somewhat important31%11%6%52%1%1,053
Not too important28%9%2%56%4%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important82%9%4%4%1%10,442
Somewhat important50%21%13%14%1%1,053
Not too important43%10%11%33%2%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important51%15%10%22%2%10,442
Somewhat important35%17%15%31%1%1,053
Not too important43%5%11%36%4%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important52%45%2%1%10,442
Somewhat important38%61%< 1%1%1,053
Not too important35%65%< 1%< 1%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important71%10%5%12%1%10,442
Somewhat important27%14%12%47%1%1,053
Not too important16%9%4%69%2%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important58%29%4%4%4%10,442
Somewhat important32%41%3%19%6%1,053
Not too important25%24%1%42%8%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important89%5%6%10,442
Somewhat important86%8%5%1,053
Not too important66%22%12%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important80%13%7%10,442
Somewhat important73%21%6%1,053
Not too important49%45%6%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important50%17%33%10,442
Somewhat important42%20%38%1,053
Not too important35%18%47%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important56%26%12%7%10,442
Somewhat important40%32%21%7%1,053
Not too important25%24%31%19%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important58%36%3%3%10,442
Somewhat important52%44%2%2%1,053
Not too important42%49%4%4%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important51%43%4%2%10,442
Somewhat important50%45%3%2%1,053
Not too important46%48%3%2%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important27%69%4%10,442
Somewhat important50%46%4%1,053
Not too important46%46%7%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important34%57%5%4%10,442
Somewhat important60%31%5%4%1,053
Not too important54%34%1%10%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important25%68%7%10,442
Somewhat important49%42%9%1,053
Not too important52%43%5%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important47%47%3%3%10,442
Somewhat important43%50%2%5%1,053
Not too important42%56%< 1%2%126
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 say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by importance of religion

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 important8%26%2%59%5%10,442
Somewhat important20%31%4%42%4%1,053
Not too important30%20%5%41%3%126
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.