Why Do Some Americans Leave Their Religion While Others Stay?
Many U.S. adults (35%) have moved on from the religion of their youth. Yet most Americans have not, including a majority – 56% – who still identify with their childhood religion.
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How do European countries differ in religious commitment? Use our interactive map to find out
Within Europe, there are sometimes sizable differences in levels of religious commitment. A new interactive lets you explore these differences.
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The U.S. class divide extends to searching for a religious congregation
Looking for a new religious congregation is common in the U.S. But how likely Americans are to look for a new church varies by their education and income levels.
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The Meaning of Life: 100 quotes from Americans on what keeps them going
We asked thousands of Americans where they find meaning in life. Their responses were rich, thoughtful and varied.
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Where Americans Find Meaning in Life
Family is the most common source of meaning in America, but economic, religious and political divides shape where people find meaning in other aspects of life.
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Eastern and Western Europeans Differ on Importance of Religion, Views of Minorities, and Key Social Issues
The European continent today is split in public attitudes toward religion, minorities and social issues such as gay marriage and legal abortion.
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Recent Chinese dealings with faith groups reflect a pattern of government restrictions on religion
While the Chinese government asserts that it protects religious freedom, a series of annual Pew Research Center reports on religious restrictions around the globe have detailed government efforts aimed at maintaining strict control over religious beliefs and practices in the country. Two recent events have brought this into focus: China’s agreement with the Vatican on […]
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After recent revelations, U.S. Catholics give Francis low marks on handling of sex abuse scandal
Just three-in-ten American Catholics now say the pontiff is doing a good or excellent job of addressing the sex abuse scandal.
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Confidence in Pope Francis Down Sharply in U.S.
Just three-in-ten Catholic adults say Francis is doing an excellent or good job addressing the sex abuse scandal, down 14 points from this January and 24 points since 2015.
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‘New Age’ beliefs common among both religious and nonreligious Americans
Many U.S. Christians – as well as the religiously unaffiliated – hold “New Age” beliefs, which include belief in reincarnation and astrology.
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Black men are less religious than black women, but more religious than white women and men
Research has shown that men in the United States are generally less religious than women. And while this pattern holds true among black Americans, black men are still a highly religious group.
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Signature Reports
Many Religious ‘Nones’ Around the World Hold Spiritual Beliefs
Many religious “nones,” which include atheists and agnostics, in 22 countries hold religious or spiritual beliefs, such as in an afterlife or something beyond the natural world.
47% of U.S. Adults Have a Personal or Family Connection to Catholicism
Nearly half of U.S. adults are connected to Catholicism. Read about going to Mass, Communion, confession and more.
Decline of Christianity in the U.S. Has Slowed, May Have Leveled Off
After years of decline, the U.S. Christian share now shows signs of leveling off. The new Religious Landscape Study explores trends in identity, beliefs and practices.
Key Findings From the Global Religious Futures Project
The Global Religious Futures (GRF) project is jointly funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and The John Templeton Foundation. Here are some big-picture findings from the GRF, together with context from other Pew Research Center studies.
