Atheism & Agnosticism

Roughly two-thirds of atheists (65%) and six-in-ten agnostics (57%) either “strongly” or “somewhat” oppose the death penalty.

A median of 45% across 34 surveyed countries say it is necessary to believe in God to be moral and have good values. However, public opinion on this question, as well as the role of God, prayer and religion varies by country, region and economic development.

There is a rising number of atheists in the United States. Here are some key facts about atheists in the U.S. and around the world.

Atheists and agnostics know more about religion than most other religious groups, while those with no particular religion are among the least knowledgeable.

A declining share of Canadians identify as Christians. Most Canadians say religion’s influence in public life is waning in their country.

The overwhelming majority of Americans, including a majority of the religiously unaffiliated, say they believe in God or a higher power. Read six key takeaways from a report on Americans' belief in God.

Substantial shares of Americans of nearly all religious groups – as well as those who have no religious affiliation – say they meditate at least once a week.

Most U.S. adults now say it is not necessary to believe in God to be moral and have good values, up from about half who expressed this view in 2011.

The vast majority of adults in Central and Eastern Europe identify with a religious group and believe in God. But one country is an exception to this pattern: the Czech Republic.

Fifty years ago this month, Time magazine published one of its most famous and controversial covers. Splashed in bold red print across a black background was a short, simple and yet intensely provocative question: “Is God Dead?” Without providing a definitive answer, the authors of the piece, dated April 8, 1966, seemed to imply that, […]