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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Chinese Communist Party promotes atheism, but many members still partake in religious customs
Despite the Chinese Communist Party’s ban on religion, some 6% of party members formally identify with a religion.
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Many people in U.S., other advanced economies say it’s not necessary to believe in God to be moral
Most Americans say it’s not necessary to believe in God in order to be moral and have good values, according to a spring 2022 survey.
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How the political typology groups compare
Pew Research Center’s political typology sorts Americans into cohesive, like-minded groups based on their values, beliefs, and views about politics and the political system. Use this tool to compare the groups on some key topics and their demographics.
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Unlike other U.S. religious groups, most atheists and agnostics oppose the death penalty
Roughly two-thirds of atheists (65%) and six-in-ten agnostics (57%) either “strongly” or “somewhat” oppose the death penalty.
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Among religious ‘nones,’ atheists and agnostics know the most about religion
Atheists and agnostics know more about religion than most other religious groups, while those with no particular religion are among the least knowledgeable.
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5 facts about religion in Canada
A declining share of Canadians identify as Christians. Most Canadians say religion’s influence in public life is waning in their country.
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Key findings about Americans’ belief in God
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.
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