Christians among adults who say religion is very important
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Trends
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Survey year
Christian
All Non-Christians
Sample size
2014
90%
10%
18,725
2007
92%
8%
20,547
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.
Age distribution among adults who say religion is very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who are ages…
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Christians
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Christian
15%
32%
30%
23%
16,653
All Non-Christians
28%
37%
23%
11%
1,619
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Christians
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Christian
9%
11%
27%
35%
15%
2%
16,653
All Non-Christians
16%
20%
31%
27%
7%
1%
1,619
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Christians
Men
Women
Sample size
Christian
42%
58%
17,053
All Non-Christians
52%
48%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…
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Christians
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Christian
62%
16%
2%
16%
4%
16,822
All Non-Christians
49%
19%
10%
17%
6%
1,620
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Christians
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Christian
15%
8%
77%
16,839
All Non-Christians
26%
11%
64%
1,626
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who have a household income of…
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Christians
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Christian
38%
21%
26%
15%
14,530
All Non-Christians
46%
19%
19%
16%
1,410
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who have completed…
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Christians
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Christian
44%
32%
15%
9%
16,952
All Non-Christians
47%
27%
14%
12%
1,659
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Christians
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Christian
54%
5%
14%
9%
18%
16,976
All Non-Christians
43%
8%
14%
4%
32%
1,655
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Christians
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Christian
30%
70%
16,982
All Non-Christians
34%
66%
1,666
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 God among adults who say religion is very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who say they…
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Christians
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Christian
89%
9%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
17,053
All Non-Christians
75%
15%
4%
1%
4%
2%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who attend religious services…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
63%
28%
9%
1%
17,053
All Non-Christians
33%
36%
30%
1%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who pray…
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Christians
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
83%
12%
2%
2%
1%
17,053
All Non-Christians
68%
14%
5%
11%
2%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who attend prayer group…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
43%
13%
10%
33%
1%
17,053
All Non-Christians
29%
12%
11%
47%
1%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who meditate…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
54%
7%
3%
34%
2%
17,053
All Non-Christians
50%
8%
4%
35%
4%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
77%
11%
5%
5%
1%
17,053
All Non-Christians
66%
12%
8%
11%
3%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
49%
15%
11%
23%
2%
17,053
All Non-Christians
55%
13%
8%
22%
2%
1,672
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 religion is very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Christians
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
57%
5%
31%
4%
3%
17,053
All Non-Christians
33%
13%
41%
8%
5%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who say…
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Christians
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
44%
54%
2%
1%
17,053
All Non-Christians
27%
68%
3%
2%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who read scripture…
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Christians
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
60%
12%
8%
19%
1%
17,053
All Non-Christians
43%
14%
8%
33%
2%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is…
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Christians
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Christian
51%
32%
4%
8%
6%
17,053
All Non-Christians
33%
24%
4%
28%
11%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who …in heaven
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Christians
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Christian
89%
5%
5%
17,053
All Non-Christians
72%
20%
8%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who …in hell
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Christians
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Christian
76%
16%
8%
17,053
All Non-Christians
55%
37%
8%
1,672
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.
Party affiliation among adults who say religion is very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…
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Christians
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Christian
45%
17%
38%
17,053
All Non-Christians
23%
27%
49%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Christians
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
49%
29%
15%
6%
17,053
All Non-Christians
28%
32%
30%
11%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who would rather have…
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Christians
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
54%
40%
3%
4%
17,053
All Non-Christians
38%
54%
4%
4%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who say government aid to the poor…
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Christians
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
49%
45%
4%
2%
17,053
All Non-Christians
35%
57%
4%
4%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who say abortion should be…
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Christians
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
35%
60%
4%
17,053
All Non-Christians
51%
41%
7%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who say homosexuality…
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Christians
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
44%
47%
5%
4%
17,053
All Non-Christians
59%
33%
4%
4%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who …same-sex marriage
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Christians
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
34%
58%
8%
17,053
All Non-Christians
51%
39%
10%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who say…
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Christians
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
44%
50%
3%
4%
17,053
All Non-Christians
34%
58%
3%
5%
1,672
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 very important by religion
% of adults who say religion is very important who say humans…
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Christians
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Christian
13%
29%
3%
50%
6%
17,053
All Non-Christians
27%
28%
6%
34%
6%
1,672
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.