Religion and Spirituality in East Asian Societies
Few are religiously affiliated, but many in the region hold religious or spiritual beliefs and engage in traditional rituals.
Beliefs & Practices
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Beliefs & Practices
Publications
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How common is religious fasting in the United States?
In the United States, 21% of adults overall say they fast for certain periods during holy times.
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8 facts about atheists
Around six-in-ten U.S. atheists are men (64%). And seven-in-ten are ages 49 or younger, compared with about half of U.S. adults overall (52%).
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Around 4 in 10 Americans have become more spiritual over time; fewer have become more religious
Most Americans are spiritual or religious in some way and many also say their spirituality and level of religiosity have changed over time.
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Spirituality Among Americans
Overall, 70% of U.S. adults describe themselves as spiritual in some way, including 22% who are spiritual but not religious. An overwhelming majority of U.S. adults (83%) say they believe that people have a soul or spirit in addition to their physical body. And 81% say there is something spiritual beyond the natural world, even if we cannot see it.
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How people in South and Southeast Asia view religious diversity and pluralism
Nearly all adults in the six countries surveyed say diversity has either a positive or a neutral impact on their country.
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Religion Among Asian Americans
A rising share of Asian Americans say they have no religion (32%), but many consider themselves close to one or more religious traditions for reasons such as family or culture. Christianity is still the largest faith group among Asian Americans (34%).
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In Their Own Words: Cultural Connections to Religion Among Asian Americans
Read about some of the ways focus group participants with ties to different faith traditions explain the complex relationship of religion and culture in their lives.
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6 facts about Buddhism in China
While only 4% of Chinese adults formally identify as Buddhists, formal affiliation doesn’t reflect the full extent of Buddhist belief and practice.
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Buddhists in South and Southeast Asia generally approve of foreign tourists visiting Buddhist sites
Majorities of Buddhists in these countries also say it is appropriate for non-Buddhist tourists to participate in Buddhist practices.
