Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201476%17%4%3%1%11,374
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 say humans always existed in present form by religious group

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic70%25%4%1%< 1%1,959
Evangelical Protestant87%11%1%1%< 1%4,973
Historically Black Protestant92%6%< 1%1%< 1%853
Jehovah's Witness95%5%< 1%< 1%< 1%182
Jewish65%21%6%7%< 1%110
Mainline Protestant71%24%3%1%1%1,626
Mormon94%6%< 1%< 1%< 1%345
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")32%31%17%19%1%959
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 say humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important15%33%30%22%8,625
Somewhat important19%37%27%16%1,756
Not too important29%38%21%13%359
Not at all important26%35%22%17%309
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important9%11%28%36%15%2%8,625
Somewhat important13%11%32%32%10%1%1,756
Not too important18%16%32%25%7%2%359
Not at all important18%14%30%26%11%2%309
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important42%58%8,846
Somewhat important47%53%1,781
Not too important52%48%363
Not at all important63%37%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important63%16%2%14%4%8,716
Somewhat important67%8%3%18%4%1,766
Not too important61%10%9%16%4%359
Not at all important58%11%8%19%4%311
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important14%7%78%8,739
Somewhat important15%10%75%1,748
Not too important17%12%71%354
Not at all important15%13%72%311
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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%23%26%13%7,528
Somewhat important41%21%24%14%1,588
Not too important42%22%23%13%311
Not at all important40%23%23%14%267
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important47%33%14%7%8,797
Somewhat important54%31%10%5%1,773
Not too important54%29%9%8%362
Not at all important54%30%11%6%319
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important56%4%14%9%18%8,804
Somewhat important43%10%16%7%24%1,771
Not too important44%6%10%6%34%359
Not at all important32%6%20%6%36%316
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important31%69%8,807
Somewhat important31%69%1,779
Not too important24%76%362
Not at all important22%78%317
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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%6%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%8,846
Somewhat important64%29%5%1%1%1%1,781
Not too important38%34%15%1%10%1%363
Not at all important37%16%13%1%31%3%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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 important68%23%9%< 1%8,846
Somewhat important17%53%30%< 1%1,781
Not too important6%37%58%< 1%363
Not at all important9%15%75%1%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important86%10%1%2%1%8,846
Somewhat important44%27%13%16%1%1,781
Not too important27%13%11%49%1%363
Not at all important30%8%5%56%1%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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 important51%13%9%26%1%8,846
Somewhat important10%9%11%69%< 1%1,781
Not too important4%3%6%86%< 1%363
Not at all important12%2%3%82%1%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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 important55%6%3%33%2%8,846
Somewhat important27%8%5%59%1%1,781
Not too important24%8%6%61%1%363
Not at all important33%9%4%52%3%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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 important80%10%5%4%1%8,846
Somewhat important43%21%13%22%1%1,781
Not too important34%14%15%34%2%363
Not at all important39%10%9%39%3%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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 important48%16%10%24%2%8,846
Somewhat important33%15%14%37%1%1,781
Not too important29%10%16%43%1%363
Not at all important40%8%12%40%1%320
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 say humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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 important66%4%26%3%2%8,846
Somewhat important24%8%60%8%1%1,781
Not too important12%11%63%13%1%363
Not at all important9%16%60%13%2%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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 important51%46%2%1%8,846
Somewhat important31%67%1%1%1,781
Not too important28%69%3%< 1%363
Not at all important24%74%2%< 1%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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 important68%11%6%15%1%8,846
Somewhat important19%13%14%55%< 1%1,781
Not too important11%8%6%74%1%363
Not at all important20%5%1%73%1%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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 important61%26%4%5%4%8,846
Somewhat important29%39%2%23%7%1,781
Not too important20%27%< 1%48%5%363
Not at all important14%14%1%63%7%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important89%6%6%8,846
Somewhat important83%11%6%1,781
Not too important60%32%7%363
Not at all important43%52%5%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important79%14%7%8,846
Somewhat important66%27%7%1,781
Not too important49%44%6%363
Not at all important36%59%5%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important51%17%32%8,846
Somewhat important39%20%41%1,781
Not too important39%21%40%363
Not at all important34%29%36%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important57%25%12%7%8,846
Somewhat important40%36%19%5%1,781
Not too important28%39%22%11%363
Not at all important28%31%28%13%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important58%36%2%3%8,846
Somewhat important54%41%2%3%1,781
Not too important54%42%3%1%363
Not at all important56%38%2%3%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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 important54%41%4%2%8,846
Somewhat important52%44%3%1%1,781
Not too important52%45%2%2%363
Not at all important47%45%6%2%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important28%68%4%8,846
Somewhat important55%41%4%1,781
Not too important56%40%4%363
Not at all important52%44%4%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important33%59%4%4%8,846
Somewhat important61%31%5%3%1,781
Not too important64%30%2%4%363
Not at all important66%27%6%2%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important24%69%7%8,846
Somewhat important50%42%8%1,781
Not too important55%38%7%363
Not at all important59%32%8%320
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 humans always existed in present form by importance of religion

% of adults who say humans always existed in present form 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 important49%45%3%3%8,846
Somewhat important46%49%2%4%1,781
Not too important48%50%1%1%363
Not at all important43%51%2%4%320
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.