---
title: "God-less Science"
description: "Four-in-ten scientists do not believe in God or a higher power."
date: "2009-07-28"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2009/07/28/god-less-science/"
---

# God-less Science

The United States is a highly religious nation. Almost all Americans believe in God (83%) or a higher power (12%). But scientists are not your typical American. While only 4% of the public say they do not believe in a deity or higher power, a plurality of scientists do not (41%). Scientists are also far more likely to identify religiously as unaffiliated than is the general public (48% vs. 17%) or as atheist (17% vs. 2%). However, unlike the general population, younger scientists are more likely than older scientists to have a belief in God or a higher power. In addition, more chemists than those in other specialties say they believe in God. [Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/1276/science-survey)