U.s. Religious Landscape Survey Religious Beliefs And Practices ...
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U.S.Religious Landscape Survey
Religious Beliefs and Practices: Diverse and Politically Relevant
June 2008
About the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
This report was produced by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. The Forum delivers timely,
impartial information on issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs. It studies public
opinion, demographics, media coverage and other important aspects of religion and public life in
the U.S. and around the world. It also provides a neutral venue for discussions of timely issues
through roundtables and briefings. The Forum is a non-partisan, non-advocacy organization and
does not take positions on policy debates. Based in Washington, D.C., the Forum is a project of
the Pew Research Center, which is funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts.
This report is a collaborative effort based on the input and analysis of the following individuals:
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
Luis Lugo, Director
Sandra Stencel, Deputy Director
John Green, Senior Fellow in Religion and American Politics
Gregory Smith, Research Fellow
Dan Cox and Allison Pond, Research Associates
Tracy Miller, Editor
Elizabeth Podrebarac and Michelle Ralston, Research Assistants
Hilary Ramp, Editorial Intern
Pew Research Center
Andrew Kohut, President
Paul Taylor, Executive Vice President
Scott Keeter, Director of Survey Research
Visit religions.pewforum.org for the online presentation of the findings of the Landscape Survey.
Pew Forum Web Publishing and Communications
Mark O’Keefe, Oliver Read and Chris Ingraham, Web Publishing
Erin O’Connell, Robbie Mills and Liga Plaveniece, Communications
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
1615 L Street, NW, Suite 700
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Phone (202) 419-4550
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© 2008 Pew Research Center
Cover images: Muslim girls reciting prayer, Ed Kashi/Corbis; Pentecostal church services, Robert Nickelsberg/Getty; Apache dance, Corbis; Rabbis
convene in Brooklyn, Keith Bedford/Reuters/Corbis; White church, Nik Wheeler/Corbis; Buddha statue, Blaine Harrington III/Corbis; Man praying with
flag, Yumiko Kinoshita/Getty
U.S. Religious Landscape
Survey
Religious Beliefs and Practices:
Diverse and Politically Relevant
Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................................1
Summary of Key Findings ......................................................................................................3
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices ..........................................................................21
I. Importance of Religion ..................................................................................................22
II. Religious Beliefs ............................................................................................................26
God .........................................................................................................................26
Scripture ..................................................................................................................30
The Afterlife .............................................................................................................31
Miracles and the Supernatural ................................................................................34
III. Religious Practices ........................................................................................................36
Worship Attendance ...............................................................................................36
Formal Membership ................................................................................................39
Size of Congregation ...............................................................................................40
Congregational Activities ........................................................................................41
Religious Upbringing of Children .............................................................................43
Prayer and Meditation ..............................................................................................44
Scripture Reading ....................................................................................................49
Participation in Prayer Groups and Other Religious Activities ..................................50
Sharing the Faith With Others .................................................................................51
IV. Spiritual Experiences .....................................................................................................53
Answers to Prayers .................................................................................................53
Divine Healings .......................................................................................................54
Speaking in Tongues ................................................................................................55
Peace and Wonder ..................................................................................................56
V. Beliefs About Religion ....................................................................................................58
Is There More Than One Path to Salvation? ............................................................58
How Strictly to Interpret the Faith? .........................................................................59
VI. Beliefs About Morality ...................................................................................................61
Chapter 2: Social and Political Views ...................................................................................64
I. Religion and Society ......................................................................................................66
Religion and Societal Problems ...............................................................................66
Conflict Between Religion and Modern Society .....................................................69
Hollywood vs. Religion? ..........................................................................................70
II. Satisfaction with Personal and Public Life .....................................................................72
Religion and Personal Satisfaction ..........................................................................72
Satisfaction With American Society and the Political System .................................75
III. Religion and Political Attentiveness ...............................................................................77
Influences on Political Thinking ...............................................................................77
Attention to Politics .................................................................................................80
Voter Registration ...................................................................................................81
IV. Religion, Ideology and Partisanship ...............................................................................82
Ideology ..................................................................................................................82
Partisanship .............................................................................................................85
V. Religion and “Culture War” Issues ................................................................................88
Government Protection of Morality ........................................................................88
Abortion ..................................................................................................................89
Homosexuality ........................................................................................................92
Evolution .................................................................................................................95
Churches and Politics ..............................................................................................98
VI. Religion and Economic Issues ....................................................................................100
Size of Government ..............................................................................................100
Aid to the Poor ...................................................................................................... 101
Hard Work and Success ........................................................................................103
Environmental Protection ......................................................................................104
VII. Religion and Foreign Affairs ........................................................................................106
Isolationism vs. Internationalism ..........................................................................106
Diplomacy vs. Military Strength ............................................................................107
Appendix 1: Religious Composition of the U.S. ............................................................... 110
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables ....................................................................................... 111
Appendix 3: Classification of Protestant Denominations ................................................167
Appendix 4: Survey Methodology .....................................................................................174
Topline ...................................................................................................................................184
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Introduction
A lexis de Tocqueville, the well-known, early 19th-century French chronicler of democracy in
America, recognized the vital role religion plays in shaping American life. “This civilization is
the result … of two quite distinct ingredients, which anywhere else have often ended in war but
which Americans have succeeded somehow to meld together in wondrous harmony; namely the
spirit of religion and the spirit of liberty.”
Almost two centuries after de Tocqueville penned these words, the “spirit of religion” remains
a powerful force in shaping the views and values of the American people. To better understand
the connections between Americans’ religious beliefs and practices and their social and political
views, the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life has undertaken an extensive
survey on religion in America. The first report of the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, published in
February 2008, detailed the religious affiliations of the American public and documented the impact
of changes in affiliation, immigration and other factors. The report also explored the great diversity
of religious traditions and groups in the U.S. and detailed their demographic characteristics.
The latest release of the Landscape Survey includes a wealth of information on the religious
beliefs and practices of the American public, including the importance of religion in people’s
lives, belief in God and the afterlife, attitudes toward the authority of sacred writings, frequency
of worship attendance and prayer, and participation in religious activities outside of worship
services, including the religious education of children. The study also probes the public’s views
on religion’s impact on society, conflicts between religion and society, religion and morality, and
the links between religion and life satisfaction.
Using the responses to these and other survey questions, the report examines the diversity of
opinion that exists on a variety of political and public policy issues among and within the country’s
various religious groups, including people who are unaffiliated or are only nominally affiliated with
a particular religious tradition. These issues include ideological and partisan orientation; attitudes
on abortion, homosexuality, evolution and other social issues; views on the size and proper role
of government, the environment and helping the needy; and opinions on foreign affairs.
The Landscape Survey draws primarily on a nationwide survey conducted from May 8 to Aug.
13, 2007, among a representative sample of more than 35,000 adults in the U.S., with additional
oversamples of Eastern Orthodox Christians, Buddhists and Hindus. The study also takes
advantage of the 2007 survey of American Muslims that was conducted in partnership with other
projects of the Pew Research Center. In total, these surveys included interviews with more than
36,000 Americans.
Introduction
1
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
In conjunction with the release of the Landscape Survey, the Forum has introduced some new
features on its website, www.pewforum.org. The online presentation of the findings has been
updated to incorporate the new material on religious beliefs and practices as well as social and
political views. The site includes interactive mapping, dynamic charts that illustrate key findings
and a variety of other tools that are designed to help users delve deeper into the material. The
online tools provide easily accessible portraits of American religious groups, including such smaller
groups as Buddhists, Hindus, Jews and Muslims.
Additionally, after the release of the February report, we surveyed a total of 400 people in Alaska
and Hawaii, and their responses to the questions on religious affiliation, as well as key questions on
religious beliefs and practices, are now available in the Maps section of the online presentation.
As we explain in the introduction to the first report of the Landscape Survey, there are many other
approaches to collecting data on American religion, and each approach – including the one we
used – has its limitations. We have endeavored to be as transparent as possible in explaining our
methodology and its limitations. We appreciate the important work of others in this field, and we
hope the Landscape Survey will be a valuable addition to the growing body of research on the role
religion plays in the personal and public lives of Americans.
Luis Lugo
Director, Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
Introduction
2
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Summary of Key Findings
A major survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life finds that most Americans have a
non-dogmatic approach to faith. A strong majority of those who are affiliated with a religion,
including majorities of nearly every religious tradition, do not believe their religion is the only
way to salvation. And almost the same number believes that there is more than one true way to
interpret the teachings of their religion. This openness to a range of religious viewpoints is in line
with the great diversity of religious affiliation, belief and practice that exists in the United States,
as documented in a survey of more than 35,000 Americans that comprehensively examines the
country’s religious landscape.
This is not to suggest that Americans do not take religion seriously. The U.S. Religious Landscape
Survey also shows that more than half of Americans say religion is very important in their lives,
attend religious services regularly and pray daily. Furthermore, a plurality of adults who are affiliated
with a religion want their religion to preserve its traditional beliefs and practices rather than
either adjust to new circumstances or adopt modern beliefs and practices. Moreover, significant
minorities across nearly all religious traditions see a conflict between being a devout person and
living in a modern society.
The Landscape Survey confirms the close link between Americans’ religious affiliation, beliefs and
practices, on the one hand, and their social and political attitudes, on the other. Indeed, the survey
demonstrates that the social and political fault lines in American society run through, as well as
alongside, religious traditions. The relationship between religion and politics is particularly strong
with respect to political ideology and views on social issues such as abortion and homosexuality,
with the more religiously committed adherents across several religious traditions expressing
more conservative political views. On other issues included in the survey, such as environmental
protection, foreign affairs, and the proper size and role of government, differences based on
religion tend to be smaller.
Religion in America: Non-Dogmatic, Diverse and Politically Relevant
Most Americans agree with the statement that many religions – not just their own – can lead
to eternal life. Among those who are affiliated with a religious tradition, seven-in-ten say many
religions can lead to eternal life. This view is shared by a majority of adherents in nearly all religious
traditions, including more than half of members of evangelical Protestant churches (57%). Only
among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other Mormon groups
(57%) and Jehovah’s Witnesses (80%), which together comprise roughly 2.4% of the U.S. adult
population, do majorities say that their own religion is the one true faith leading to eternal life.
Summary of Key Findings
3
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Most Americans also have a non-dogmatic approach when it comes to interpreting the tenets of
their own religion. For instance, more than two-thirds of adults affiliated with a religious tradition
agree that there is more than one true way to interpret the teachings of their faith, a pattern that
occurs in nearly all traditions. The exceptions are Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, 54% and
77% of whom, respectively, say there is only one true way to interpret the teachings of their
religion.
Americans Are Not Dogmatic About Religion
% agreeing that…
Many religions can
There is more than one true way to
lead to eternal life
interpret the teachings of my religion
%
%
Total affiliated
70
68
Protestant
66
64
Evangelical churches
57
53
Mainline churches
83
82
Historically black churches
59
57
Catholic
79
77
Mormon
39
43
Jehovah’s Witness
16
18
Orthodox
72
68
Jewish
82
89
Muslim
56
60*
Buddhist
86
90
Hindu
89
85
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Results based on those who are affiliated with a particular religion.
Summary of Key Findings
4
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
The lack of dogmatism in American religion may well reflect the great diversity of religious
affiliation, beliefs and practices in the U.S. For example, while more than nine-in-ten Americans
(92%) believe in the existence of God or a universal spirit, there is considerable variation in the
nature and certainty of this belief. Six-in-ten adults believe that God is a person with whom people
can have a relationship; but one-in-four – including about half of Jews and Hindus – see God as
an impersonal force. And while roughly seven-in-ten Americans say they are absolutely certain of
God’s existence, more than one-in-five (22%) are less certain in their belief.
Conception of God
NET believe in God
Personal God
Impersonal force
Other/Don’t know
%
%
%
%
Total population
92
60
25
7
Protestant
98
72
19
7
Evangelical churches
99
79
13
7
Mainline churches
97
62
26
8
Historically black churches
99
71
19
8
Catholic
97
60
29
8
Mormon
100
91
6
2
Jehovah’s Witness
98
82
11
5
Orthodox
95
49
34
12
Jewish
83
25
50
8
Muslim
92
41
42
10
Buddhist
75
20
45
10
Hindu
92
31
53
7
Unaffiliated
70
28
35
6
Atheist
21
6
12
3
Agnostic
55
14
36
5
Secular unaffiliated
66
20
40
7
Religious unaffiliated
94
49
35
9
Throughout the report, figures may not add to 100 and nested figures may not add to the subtotal indicated due to rounding.
A similar pattern is evident in views of the Bible. Nearly two-thirds of the public (63%) takes
the view that their faith’s sacred texts are the word of God. But those who believe Scripture
represents the word of God are roughly evenly divided between those who say it should be
interpreted literally, word for word (33%), and those who say it should not be taken literally (27%).
And more than a quarter of adults – including two-thirds of Buddhists (67%) and about half of
Jews (53%) – say their faith’s sacred texts are written by men and are not the word of God.
Summary of Key Findings
5
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
The diversity in religious beliefs and practices in the
Religious Beliefs and Practices
U.S. in part reflects the great variety of religious groups
Vary Across Groups
that populate the American religious landscape. The
% believe in God - absolutely certain
survey finds, for example, that some religious groups –
including Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses and members
Total
71
of historically black and evangelical Protestant churches
Evangelical churches
90
– tend to be more likely to report high levels of religious
Hist. black churches
90
engagement on questions such as the importance
Mormon
90
Jehovah’s Witness
93
of religion in their lives, certainty of belief in God and
frequency of attendance at religious services. Other
Mainline churches
73
Catholic
72
Christian groups – notably members of mainline
Orthodox
71
Protestant churches and Catholics – are less likely to
Jewish
41
Muslim
82
report such attitudes, beliefs and practices. And still other
Buddhist
39
faiths – including Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims
Hindu
57
Unaffiliated
36
– exhibit their own special mix of religious beliefs and
practices.
% say religion is very important in
their lives
The Landscape Survey also reveals that people who are
Total
56
not affiliated with a particular religious tradition do not
Evangelical churches
79
necessarily lack religious beliefs or practices. In fact, a
Hist. black churches
85
large portion (41%) of the unaffiliated population says
Mormon
83
religion is at least somewhat important in their lives,
Jehovah’s Witness
86
seven-in-ten say they believe in God and more than a
Mainline churches
52
quarter (27%) say they attend religious services at least
Catholic
56
Orthodox
56
a few times a year.
Jewish
31
Muslim*
72
Buddhist
35
The findings of the Landscape Survey underscore the
Hindu
45
importance of affiliation with a particular tradition for
Unaffiliated
16
understanding not only people’s religious beliefs and
% attend religious services at least
practices but also their basic social and political views.
once a week
For instance, Mormons and members of evangelical
Total
39
churches tend to be more conservative in their political
ideology, while Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and atheists
Evangelical churches
58
Hist. black churches
59
tend to be more politically liberal than the population
Mormon
75
overall. But the survey shows that there are important
Jehovah’s Witness
82
differences within religious traditions as well, based on
Mainline churches
34
a number of factors, including the importance of religion
Catholic
42
in people’s lives, the nature and certainty of their belief
Orthodox
34
in God, and their frequency of prayer and attendance at
Jewish
16
Muslim*
40
worship services.
Buddhist
17
Hindu
24
One of the realities of politics in the U.S. today is that
Unaffiliated
5
people who regularly attend worship services and hold
*From "Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly
traditional religious views are much more likely to hold
Mainstream," Pew Research Center, 2007.
Summary of Key Findings
6
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
conservative political views while
Religion and Ideology
those who are less connected to
religious institutions and more secular
% Conservative
% Moderate
% Liberal
in their outlook are more likely to hold
liberal political views.
Total 37
36
20
The connection between religious
Attend religious services…
intensity and political attitudes
Weekly or more 50
31
12
appears to be especially strong when
it comes to issues such as abortion
Monthly/Yearly 32
41
22
and homosexuality. About six-in-
ten Americans who attend religious
Seldom/Never 24
37
30
services at least once a week say
Importance of religion
abortion should be illegal in most
or all cases, while only about three-
Very important 46
32
14
in-ten who attend less often share
this view. This pattern holds across
Somewhat important 29
43
23
a variety of religious traditions. For
Not too/not at all important 19
38
36
instance, nearly three-in-four (73%)
members of evangelical churches who
Pray...
attend church at least once a week say
abortion should be illegal in most or
Daily 44
33
15
all cases, compared with only 45% of
Weekly/Monthly 31
41
22
members of evangelical churches who
attend church less frequently.
Seldom/Never 22
38
32
Summary of Key Findings
7
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
These are among the key findings of a major survey on religion
Major Religious Traditions
and American life conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion
in the U.S.
& Public Life between May 8 and Aug. 13, 2007, among a
Among all adults
representative sample of more than 35,000 Americans. The
%
first report based on the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Christian
78.4
was issued in February 2008 and focused on the religious
Protestant 51.3
affiliation of the American people, including the impact of
Evangelical churches 26.3
immigration and changes in affiliation. This report provides
Mainline churches 18.1
information on the core religious beliefs and practices as
Hist. black churches 6.9
well as the basic social and political views of the various
Catholic
23.9
religious traditions in the U.S. as well as people who are not
Mormon
1.7
affiliated with a particular religion.
Jehovah’s Witness
0.7
Orthodox
0.6
The report includes information on members of many
Other Christian
0.3
religious groups – such as Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses,
Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, atheists and agnostics
Other religions
4.7
– that are too small to be analyzed in most public opinion
Jewish
1.7
surveys. More detailed tables, provided in Appendix 2,
Buddhist
0.7
also summarize the basic beliefs, practices, and social and
Muslim*
0.6
political attitudes of a dozen Protestant denominational
Hindu
0.4
families and 25 of the largest Protestant denominations
Other world religions <0.3
in the U.S. These detailed tables also include information
Other faiths
1.2
on what the survey classifies as “other Christians,” which
includes such smaller groups as Spiritualists and other
Unaffiliated
16.1
Metaphysical Christians, as well as on members of a variety
of other faiths, including Unitarians and New Age groups.
Don’t know/Refused 0.8
100
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle
Great Diversity in Core Religious Beliefs
Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew
Research Center, 2007.
Due to rounding, figures may not add to
100 and nested figures may not add to
Americans display a high degree of similarity on some
the subtotal indicated.
basic religious beliefs. For instance, Americans are nearly
unanimous in saying they believe in God (92%), and large
majorities believe in life after death (74%) and believe that
Scripture is the word of God (63%).
But a closer look reveals considerable diversity with respect to both the certainty and the nature
of these beliefs. Americans’ beliefs about God are a good example of this diversity. Nearly all
adults (92%) say they believe in God or a universal spirit, including seven-in-ten of the unaffiliated.
Indeed, one-in-five people who identify themselves as atheist (21%) and a majority of those who
identify themselves as agnostic (55%) express a belief in God or a universal spirit.
Summary of Key Findings
8
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Both the certainty and nature of belief in God, however, vary widely across religious groups.
Overwhelming majorities of some groups – including Jehovah’s Witnesses (93%), members of
evangelical (90%) and historically black (90%) Protestant churches, and Mormons (90%) – say they
are absolutely certain that God exists. Although a large percentage of members of other religious
groups also express absolute certainty about God’s existence, they exhibit comparatively less
unanimity; for instance, roughly seven-in-ten members of mainline Protestant churches (73%),
Catholics (72%) and Orthodox Christians (71%) are absolutely certain that God exists.
Like their Christian counterparts, majorities of Jews (83%), Buddhists (75%), Hindus (92%)
and the unaffiliated (70%) express a belief in God, but these groups tend to be less certain in
their belief; only 57% of Hindus, and fewer than half of Jews (41%), Buddhists (39%) and the
unaffiliated (36%) say they are absolutely certain of God’s existence.
Certainty of Belief in God or Universal Spirit
NET believe in God
Absolutely certain
Less certain
%
%
%
Total population
92
71
22
Protestant
98
84
13
Evangelical churches
99
90
9
Mainline churches
97
73
25
Historically black churches
99
90
8
Catholic
97
72
25
Mormon
100
90
9
Jehovah’s Witness
98
93
5
Orthodox
95
71
24
Jewish
83
41
42
Muslim
92
82
10
Buddhist
75
39
36
Hindu
92
57
35
Unaffiliated
70
36
34
Atheist
21
8
13
Agnostic
55
17
38
Secular unaffiliated
66
24
42
Religious unaffiliated
94
65
30
Summary of Key Findings
9
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
A similar diversity is apparent when it comes to the nature of the beliefs about God that members
of different religious groups hold. For instance, the vast majority of Mormons (91%), Jehovah’s
Witnesses (82%) and members of evangelical (79%) and historically black (71%) Protestant
churches say they view God as a person with whom they can have a relationship. Smaller
majorities of members of mainline Protestant churches (62%) and Catholics (60%) also hold this
view. By contrast, a majority of Hindus (53%), along with half of Jews (50%) and pluralities of
Buddhists (45%) and the unaffiliated (35%), say they view God not as a person but rather as an
impersonal force.
Authority of Scripture and Tradition. More than six-in-ten Americans (63%), including majorities of
many religious traditions, view their religion’s sacred texts as the word of God. This belief tends to
be most common among Christians. More than eight-in-ten Jehovah’s Witnesses (92%), Mormons
(91%) and members of evangelical (88%) and historically black (84%) Protestant churches view
the Bible as the word of God, as do majorities of Catholics (62%), mainline Protestants (61%)
and Orthodox Christians (59%). Muslims, too, hold a high view of Scripture, with 86% viewing
the Koran as the word of God. By contrast, Buddhists (67%), the unaffiliated (64%), Jews (53%)
and Hindus (47%) are more likely to view the Scripture as the work of men than as the word of
God.
While a large majority of Christians believe that the Bible is the word of God, the various Christian
traditions are divided over whether or not the Bible should be interpreted literally, word for word.
For example, a majority of members of historically black (62%) and evangelical (59%) Protestant
churches say the Bible should be interpreted literally. By comparison, mainline Protestants,
Catholics and Mormons are more likely to say the Bible, though the word of God, should not be
interpreted literally.
A plurality of adults (44%) who are affiliated with a particular faith say their religion should preserve
its traditional beliefs and practices. Roughly one-third (35%) say their religion should adjust to
new circumstances, and one-eighth (12%) say their religion should adopt modern beliefs and
practices. Majorities of Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses and members of evangelical churches,
along with nearly half of members of historically black churches, say their religion should preserve
its traditional beliefs and practices. By contrast, majorities of members of mainline churches and
Catholics, as well as Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus, favor adjusting to new circumstances
or adopting modern beliefs and practices.
Belief in an Afterlife. Most Americans (74%) believe in life after death, with an equal number
saying they believe in the existence of heaven as a place where people who have led good lives
are eternally rewarded. Belief in the afterlife tends to be particularly common among the Christian
traditions. But the survey also finds that roughly six-in-ten Buddhists (62%) believe in nirvana, the
ultimate state transcending pain and desire in which individual consciousness ends, and about
the same number of Hindus (61%) believe in reincarnation, that people will be reborn in this
world again and again. By contrast, fewer than half of the unaffiliated (48%) and only about four-
in-ten Jews (39%) say they believe in an afterlife.
Summary of Key Findings
10
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Belief in hell, where people who have led bad lives and die without repenting are eternally punished,
is less common than is belief in life after death or heaven, with about six-in-ten Americans (59%)
expressing belief in hell. In every religious tradition, including all the Christian traditions, belief in
hell is at least slightly less prevalent than belief in heaven. Belief in hell tends to be most common
among members of the various Christian traditions, with relatively few Hindus (35%), Buddhists
(26%), unaffiliated (30%) and Jews (22%) saying they believe in hell.
Belief in Heaven and Hell
Believe in…
Heaven
Hell
%
%
Total population
74
59
Protestant
84
73
Evangelical churches
86
82
Mainline churches
77
56
Historically black churches
91
82
Catholic
82
60
Mormon
95
59
Jehovah’s Witness
46
9
Orthodox
74
56
Jewish
38
22
Muslim
85
80
Buddhist
36
26
Hindu
51
35
Unaffiliated
41
30
Atheist
12
10
Agnostic
18
12
Secular unaffiliated
32
23
Religious unaffiliated
68
51
Belief in the Supernatural. As with belief in life after death, belief in the supernatural is also quite
common. Nearly eight-in-ten American adults (79%), for instance, agree that miracles still occur
today as in ancient times. But here again, the intensity with which people hold these beliefs varies
considerably across religious groups. For instance, eight-in-ten Mormons completely agree that
miracles still occur today, as do large majorities of members of evangelical (61%) and historically
black (58%) Protestant churches. Members of other religious groups, on the other hand, are less
certain, with fewer than half saying they completely agree that miracles still occur today.
Summary of Key Findings
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Similar patterns exist with respect to beliefs about the existence of angels and demons. Nearly
seven-in-ten Americans (68%) believe that angels and demons are active in the world. Majorities
of Jehovah’s Witnesses (78%), members of evangelical (61%) and historically black (59%)
Protestant churches, and Mormons (59%) are completely convinced of the existence of angels
and demons. In stark contrast, majorities of Jews (73%), Buddhists (56%), Hindus (55%) and the
unaffiliated (54%) do not believe that angels and demons are active in the world.
Great Diversity of Religious Practices As Well
The great diversity of religion in the U.S. is also reflected in religious practices. For instance, most
Americans (54%) say they attend religious services fairly regularly (at least once or twice per
month), with about four-in-ten (39%) saying they attend worship services every week. Frequent
church attendance is particularly common among Jehovah’s Witnesses (82% of whom attend
church at least once a week), Mormons (75%) and members of historically black (59%) and
evangelical (58%) Protestant churches. By comparison, attendance at religious services is a less
common practice among Catholics (42% of whom say they attend church at least once a week)
and members of mainline Protestant churches (34%). Even smaller numbers of Hindus (24%),
Buddhists (17%), Jews (16%) and the unaffiliated (5%) say they attend religious services at least
once a week.
The Landscape Survey reveals similar patterns in congregational involvement outside of worship
services. Majorities of Mormons (77%), Jehovah’s Witnesses (76%) and members of historically
black (60%) and evangelical (54%) Protestant churches, for example, participate at least once
or twice a month in congregational activities such as musical programs, volunteering, working
with children or social activities. Members of these religious traditions also tend to be most
likely to participate regularly in prayer groups, Scripture study groups or religious education
programs. Catholics and members of mainline Protestant churches, by comparison, tend to be
less connected to their congregations in these ways, as are Jews, Buddhists and Hindus.
Private Devotional Activities. Americans also engage in a wide variety of private devotional
activities. Nearly six-in-ten (58%), for instance, say they pray every day, with majorities of
most religious traditions saying they pray daily. Daily prayer is most common among Jehovah’s
Witnesses (89%), Mormons (82%) and members of historically black (80%) and evangelical
(78%) Protestant churches. A smaller number of Catholics and members of mainline Protestant
churches, though still a majority (58% and 53%, respectively), say they pray daily. By contrast,
only 45% of Buddhists, 26% of Jews and 22% of the unaffiliated say they pray daily. Roughly
six-in-ten Hindus (62%) say they pray at a shrine or other religious symbol in their home at least
once a week, as do one-third of Buddhists (33%).
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Meditation is a less common practice than is prayer, with four-in-ten adults (39%) saying they
meditate at least once a week, compared with three-quarters of Americans who say they pray at
least once a week. But meditation is a regular practice among most Buddhists (61% meditate at
least once a week) and is also practiced on a weekly basis by majorities of Jehovah’s Witnesses
(72%), Mormons (56%) and members of historically black churches (55%). Fewer members of
other religious traditions meditate on a weekly basis, including just 26% of the unaffiliated and
23% of Jews.
Prayer and Meditation
Pray at least weekly*
Meditate at least weekly**
%
%
Total population
75
39
Protestant
86
44
Evangelical churches
92
46
Mainline churches
76
35
Historically black churches
92
55
Catholic
79
36
Mormon
92
56
Jehovah’s Witness
95
72
Orthodox
77
32
Jewish
44
23
Muslim
82
46
Buddhist
58
61
Hindu
76
44
Unaffiliated
35
26
Atheist
10
18
Agnostic
18
25
Secular unaffiliated
19
22
Religious unaffiliated
65
34
*Question: People practice their religion in different ways. Outside of attending religious services, do you pray several times a day, once a day, a
few times a week, once a week, a few times a month, seldom, or never?
**Question: Please tell me how often you do each of the following. First, how often do you [INSERT] – would you say at least once a week,
once or twice a month, several times a year, seldom, or never? And how often do you [INSERT NEXT ITEM]?
(c) Meditate.
Receiving Answers to Prayers. A significant minority of Americans say their prayers result in
definite and specific answers from God at least once a month (31%), with nearly one-in-five
adults (19%) saying they receive direct answers to specific prayer requests at least once a week.
More than half of Mormons (54%) say they receive responses to prayer at least once or twice
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
a month, as do half or nearly half of members of historically black churches (50%), Jehovah’s
Witnesses (49%) and members of evangelical Protestant churches (46%). These are largely the
same groups – Jehovah’s Witnesses are the exception – that also are most likely to say they
have experienced or witnessed a divine healing of an illness or injury. By contrast, members of
most other religious traditions tend to be less likely to report familiarity with this kind of direct
interaction with the divine.
Religious Practices with Children. Most parents in the U.S. report engaging in a variety of
religious activities with their children. More than six-in-ten parents (63%) with children at home,
for instance, say they pray or read Scripture with their children, while nearly as many (60%) send
their children to religious education programs. Mormons and members of historically black and
evangelical churches stand out as particularly likely to pursue these activities with their children,
though many parents in other religious groups also engage in these activities. Two-thirds of
Hindus, for instance, pray or read Scripture with their children, and roughly six-in-ten members
of mainline churches (62%), Jews (56%) and Orthodox Christians (58%) send their children to
religious education programs. Far fewer parents (15%) choose either to send their children to
religious schools instead of public schools or to home school them. Interestingly, though, this
practice is most common among Jews (27%) and Orthodox Christians (30%), two groups that do
not tend to stand out for high levels of religious involvement on many other measures.
Sharing Faith With Others. About one-in-three affiliated adults (36%) say they share their faith
with others at least once a month. Nearly half (47%) say they seldom or never share their faith
or views on God with people from other religious backgrounds, and an additional 14% say this is
something they do only once or twice a year. Here again, however, certain groups stand out for
the emphasis they place on sharing their faith. More than eight-in-ten Jehovah’s Witnesses (84%)
share their faith with others every month, as do 55% of members of historically black churches,
52% of members of evangelical churches and 47% of Mormons. This practice is less common
among most other religious traditions.
Religion, Moral Values and Modern Society
More than three-quarters of American adults (78%) believe there are absolute standards of right
and wrong, with a majority (52%) saying they rely primarily on practical experience and common
sense for guidance regarding right and wrong. Far fewer say they rely mainly on their religious
beliefs (29%), and fewer still say they rely on philosophy and reason (9%) or scientific information
(5%). Only among Jehovah’s Witnesses (73%), Mormons (58%) and members of evangelical
churches (52%) do majorities say they rely primarily on their religion for guidance about right and
wrong.
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Religion and Society. A solid majority of Americans (62%) reject the idea that religion causes
more problems in society than it solves. This figure includes majorities of most Christian traditions
and more than two-thirds of Muslims (68%). In contrast, nearly half of Jews (49%) and more
than half of Buddhists (56%), Hindus (57%) and the unaffiliated (59%) say religion causes more
problems than it solves. Indeed, more than three-quarters of atheists (77%) believe religion
causes more problems than it solves, with nearly half (49%) of atheists completely agreeing with
this statement.
Although a majority of Americans (54%) who have a particular religious affiliation say they do not
see a conflict between being a devout person and living in a modern society, a substantial minority
across nearly all religious traditions believe that such a tension exists. This view is particularly
prevalent among Jehovah’s Witnesses (59% say there is a conflict between being devout and
living in a modern society) as well as members of evangelical and historically black Protestant
churches, among whom 49% and 46%, respectively, share this view. Overall, those who attend
religious services at least once a week (44%) or who say religion is very important in their lives
(44%) are more likely to say there is a conflict than those who attend worship services less often
(35%) or who say religion is less important in their lives (31%).
Interestingly, a substantial number of adults who are not affiliated with a religion also sense that
there is a conflict between religion and modern society – except for them the conflict involves
being non-religious in a society where most people are religious. For instance, more than four-in-
ten atheists and agnostics (44% and 41%, respectively) believe that such a tension exists.
Religion and Popular Culture. Many Americans also see a conflict between their values and
popular culture, as is evident in people’s views of Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
Although a majority of adults (56%) reject the idea that Hollywood poses a threat to their values,
a significant minority (42%) perceives such a threat. Among adults who are affiliated with a
particular religious tradition, nearly half (45%) say Hollywood threatens their values. Concern with
the values of the entertainment industry is particularly high among Mormons (67%), Jehovah’s
Witnesses (54%) and members of evangelical Protestant churches (53%). The level of concern
tends to be strongest among the most religiously active adults, as measured by such factors as
frequency of prayer and attendance at worship services.
Summary of Key Findings
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Tensions Between Religion and Modernity
% who…
See conflict between
Say values are
religion and modern society
threatened by Hollywood
%
%
Total
40*
42
Protestant
43
46
Evangelical churches
49
53
Mainline churches
32
41
Historically black churches
46
35
Catholic
34
43
Mormon
36
67
Jehovah’s Witness
59
54
Orthodox
35
42
Jewish
29
25
Muslim
32**
41
Buddhist
30
31
Hindu
31
39
Unaffiliated
34***
28
Atheist
44
19
Agnostic
41
21
Secular unaffiliated
28
27
Religious unaffiliated
34
35
*Based on those who are affiliated with a particular religion.
**From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
***Those who are affiliated with a particular religion were asked whether there is a “conflict between being a devout religious person and
living in a modern society,” while the unaffiliated (including atheists, agnostics, the secular unaffiliated and the religious unaffiliated) were asked
whether there is a “conflict between being a non-religious person and living in a society where most people are religious.”
Personal Satisfaction. A majority of Americans (59%) are very satisfied with their personal lives.
Those who are affiliated with a religious tradition are somewhat more satisfied with their lives
than those who are not (60% to 54%). And people who attend worship services at least once
a week report higher levels of satisfaction with their personal lives (65%) compared with those
who attend religious services less often (55%).
Despite their overall feelings of satisfaction with their personal lives, and even higher levels of
satisfaction with their family lives, only about a quarter of U.S. adults (27%) say they are satisfied
with the way things are going in the country (as of the summer of 2007 when the survey was
conducted). Members of historically black churches (17%) and Jehovah’s Witnesses (10%) are
among the least satisfied with the overall direction of the country. The Landscape Survey also
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
finds that about one-quarter of the public (27%) is satisfied with the way the political system
is working. No more than a third of any religious group expresses overall satisfaction with the
way the political system is working, with the exception of Mormons (36% of whom are very or
somewhat satisfied).
Religion Helps Shape Political Views
Relatively few adults (14%) cite their religious beliefs as the main influence on their political
thinking – about the same number as cite their education as being most important (13%). Far
more cite their personal experience (34%) as being most important in shaping their political
views. An additional 19% identify what they see or read in the media as the most important
influence in shaping their political views.
But despite Americans’ general reliance on practical experience in shaping their political thinking,
the Landscape Survey confirms that there are strong links between Americans’ views on political
issues and their religious affiliation, beliefs and practices. In fact, religion may be playing a more
powerful, albeit indirect, role in shaping people’s thinking than most Americans recognize.
Affiliation Helps Shape Views
When it comes to religious affiliation and basic political outlook, for instance, Mormons and
members of evangelical churches are much more likely than other religious groups to describe
their political ideology as conservative. Not surprisingly given these ideological leanings, Mormons
and members of evangelical churches are also by far the most Republican religious groups in the
population; roughly two-thirds of Mormons and half of members of evangelical churches describe
themselves as Republican or leaning toward the Republican Party.
At the other end of the political spectrum, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and the unaffiliated are much
more likely than members of most other religious groups to describe their political beliefs as
liberal. When it comes to partisanship, more than three-quarters of members of historically black
churches favor the Democratic Party, as do two-thirds of Jews and Buddhists and majorities of
Muslims (63%), Hindus (63%) and the unaffiliated (55%).
The connection between religious affiliation and politics appears to be especially strong when it
comes to certain issues, particularly those that have been at the forefront of the “culture war”
controversies of recent years. Some religious traditions, for instance, are overwhelmingly opposed
to abortion; seven-in-ten Mormons and six-in-ten members of evangelical churches (61%) say
abortion should be illegal in most or all circumstances. On the other side of the issue, six-in-ten
members of mainline churches (62%) and seven-in-ten of the unaffiliated say abortion should be
legal in most or all instances. A similar divide exists on the question of whether homosexuality is
a way of life that should be discouraged or accepted by society.
Summary of Key Findings
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Religion and Views on Cultural Issues
% who say that...
Abortion should be
Homosexuality is a way of life
illegal in all or most cases
that should be discouraged by society
%
%
Total population
43
40
Protestant
49
51
Evangelical churches
61
64
Mainline churches
32
34
Historically black churches
46
46
Catholic
45
30
Mormon
70
68
Orthodox
30
37
Jehovah’s Witness
77
76
Jewish
14
15
Muslim
48
61*
Buddhist
13
12
Hindu
24
37
Total affiliated with a religion
46
44
Total unaffiliated
24
20
Atheist
13
14
Agnostic
14
10
Secular unaffiliated
19
17
Religious unaffiliated
36
29
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
But there are other political issues on which there is more agreement across religious traditions.
On the question of government’s role in providing aid to the needy, for instance, large majorities
of most religious traditions agree that the government should do more to help needy Americans,
even if it means going deeper into debt. A similar consensus exists across the board with respect
to basic views on the environment, with majorities of most religious groups saying that stricter
environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. And majorities within most religious
traditions say that diplomacy rather than military strength is the best way to ensure peace.
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Religious Beliefs and Practices Also Help Shape Views
The survey also confirms the connection that exists between religious intensity and social and
political views. Across a variety of religious traditions, those who say that religion is very important
in their lives, express a more certain belief in God, or pray or attend worship services more
frequently tend to be much more conservative in their political outlook and more Republican in
their party affiliation.
As with affiliation, the connection between religious engagement and political attitudes appears
to be especially strong when it comes to social issues such as abortion and homosexuality. For
instance, nearly three-in-four (73%) members of evangelical churches who attend church at least
once a week say abortion should be illegal in most or all cases, compared with only 45% of
members of evangelical churches who attend church less frequently. The survey finds a similar
pattern among several religious traditions, including members of mainline and historically black
Protestant churches, Catholics, Mormons, Orthodox Christians and Jews; the more active members
of these traditions tend to be more likely to oppose legalized abortion compared with members of
the same traditions who attend worship services less frequently. Views of whether homosexuality
is a way of life that should be discouraged or accepted by society follow a similar pattern. But the
survey also finds that views on other political issues, such as environmental regulations and the
role of government, tend to vary less based on level of religious involvement.
U.S. Remains Highly Religious, Though Some Secularization
The U.S. has largely avoided the secularizing trends that have reshaped the religious scene in
recent decades in European and other economically developed nations – but not entirely. The
Landscape Survey documents, for example, that the number of Americans who are not affiliated
with a religion has grown significantly in recent decades, with the number of people who today
say they are unaffiliated with a religious tradition (16% of U.S. adults) more than double the
number who say they were not affiliated with a religion as children (7%).
It remains to be seen how this trend toward secularization will ultimately impact religion in the
U.S. But what is clear is that religion remains a powerful force in the private and public lives of
most Americans, a fact amply illustrated by the findings of the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
discussed in this report.
Summary of Key Findings
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
About the Report
The chapters that follow amount to a topic-by-topic reference source on Americans’ religious
beliefs and practices as well as the social and political views of the numerous religious traditions.
Interactive online tools available at www.pewforum.org allow users to delve deeper into many of
the survey findings, including religious affiliation and newly added data on religious beliefs and
practices as well as social and political views.
Summary of Key Findings
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Chapter 1:
Religious Beliefs and Practices
T his chapter examines the diverse religious beliefs and practices of American adults. It looks first
at the various degrees of importance Americans assign to religion in their lives and explores
their views of God, Scripture, miracles and other religious beliefs. It then moves into a discussion
of worship and other congregational activities, followed by a look at devotional practices, spiritual
experiences and other practices. The chapter concludes by examining beliefs about religion,
including how exclusive people are in their claims to salvation, as well as by examining the ways
in which members of different religious traditions think about morality.
Along the way, four key measures of religious commitment – importance of religion in people’s
lives, belief in God, frequency of prayer and frequency of worship service attendance – are singled
out for in-depth demographic analysis. These four measures will be used in the next chapter as
lenses through which to examine social and political attitudes within the religious traditions. These
measures were chosen because they each touch on an important element of religious experience
– overall attachment to religion, religious belief, frequency of private devotional activities and
engagement in communal religious activities.
Just as the first report of the Landscape Survey detailed the remarkable diversity that exists in the
religious affiliation of adults in the United States, the pages that fol ow document the great diversity
the survey finds in the religious beliefs and practices of Americans. Many measures confirm that
the United States is, indeed, a very religious country. Americans are largely united in their belief
in God, for instance, with majorities even of people who are unaffiliated with a particular religious
tradition expressing belief in God or a universal spirit. Large majorities also believe in miracles and
an afterlife. Yet there are significant differences in the exact nature of these beliefs and the intensity
with which people hold these beliefs. For example, while most Americans believe in God, there is
considerable variation in the certainty and nature of their belief in God.
The survey also finds considerable diversity within religious groups. For instance, Americans
who are not affiliated with any religion often report having some specific religious beliefs and
practices. The reverse is also true; some adults who say they belong to one religion or another
nevertheless say religion is not too important in their lives and report having few religious beliefs
or practices.
Although the U.S. is a highly religious country, Americans are not dogmatic. For instance, a large
majority of Americans who are affiliated with a religion, including majorities of most faith groups,
say there is more than one religion that can lead to eternal life and more than one way to interpret
the teachings of their faith. And though the overwhelming majority of the public expresses a
belief in absolute standards of right and wrong, the survey suggests that this belief is shaped as
much by practical experience as by religious beliefs.
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
I. Importance of Religion
The Landscape Survey confirms how important religion is to most Americans. A majority of
adults (56%) say religion is very important in their lives, and more than eight-in-ten (82%) say it
is at least somewhat important. Only about one-in-six adults (16%) say religion is not too or not
at all important in their lives. The groups most likely to say religion is very important in their lives
include members of historically black (85%) and evangelical (79%) Protestant churches, as well
as Jehovah’s Witnesses (86%), Mormons (83%) and Muslims (72%). Slightly more than half of
Catholics and members of mainline Protestant churches say religion is very important in their
lives. By contrast, only about a third of Jews (31%) and Buddhists (35%) say religion is very
important in their lives.
Religion is important even among a large segment of those who are unaffiliated with a particular
religious group. More than four-in-ten of the unaffiliated population (41%) says religion is at least
somewhat important in their lives. The unaffiliated population (who represent 16.1% of the total
adult population) includes those who identify themselves as atheist or agnostic, but roughly three-
quarters of the unaffiliated group consists of people who describe their religion as “nothing in
particular.” This latter group, in turn, is comprised of two distinct subgroups. Those who say religion
is somewhat or very important in their lives can be thought of as the “religious unaffiliated”; those
who say religion is not too or not at all important in their lives can be categorized as the “secular
unaffiliated.” These two subgroups, as well as atheists and agnostics, are examined separately
throughout this Landscape Survey report. (See the first report of the U.S. Religious Landscape
Survey for details on divisions within the unaffiliated population.)
While the Landscape Survey finds that religion is important to a sizeable portion of the unaffiliated,
it also finds that nearly one-in-ten (8%) of those who are affiliated with one religious group or
another – including 28% of Jews and 24% of Buddhists – say religion is not too or not at all
important in their lives.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
How Important is Religion in Your Life?
Very
Somewhat
Not too/Not at all
Don’t
important
important
important
know
%
%
%
%
Total population
56
26
16
1
=100
Protestant
70
23
6
1
=100
Evangelical churches
79
17
3
1
=100
Mainline churches
52
35
12
1
=100
Hist. black churches
85
13
2
0
=100
Catholic
56
34
9
1
=100
Mormon
83
13
4
0
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
86
10
2
1
=100
Orthodox
56
31
12
0
=100
Jewish
31
41
28
1
=100
Muslim*
72
18
9
1
=100
Buddhist
35
38
24
2
=100
Hindu
45
40
15
1
=100
Total affiliated with a religion 64
27
8
1
=100
Total unaffiliated
16
25
57
2
=100
Atheist
3
8
86
3
=100
Agnostic
6
17
76
1
=100
Secular unaffiliated**
N/A
N/A
97
3
=100
Religious unaffiliated**
40
60
N/A
N/A
=100
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
**Note: Those who claimed no particular religion were classified as either secular unaffiliated or religious unaffiliated based on their response to
this question.
Question: How important is religion in your life – very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important?
Importance of Religion and Demographic Groups
The survey finds that women are significantly more likely than men to say religion is very important
in their lives. This holds true to varying degrees among many religious groups, though equal
numbers of male and female Mormons (83%) say religion is very important in their lives.
In general, older adults are more likely than younger adults to say religion is very important in their
lives. For example, less than half (45%) of adults under age 30 say religion is very important in
their lives, compared with more than two-thirds (69%) of those age 65 and older. This pattern also
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
holds across many religious traditions, but it is particularly strong among Catholics and members
of mainline Protestant churches. There is no generation gap, however, among Mormons, Jews
and Muslims. Within these groups, those who are younger are about as likely as those who are
older to say religion is very important to them.
A Detailed Look at the Importance of Religion
% saying religion is very important among …
Education
Gender
Age
HS or Some Coll
All Men Women 18-29 30-49 50-64 65+ less coll grad
%
%
%
% % % %
% % %
Total population
56
49
63
45 54 59 69
60 55 50
Larger traditions
Protestant
70
64
75
64 67 71 77
72 68 67
Evang. churches
79
74
83
71
77
81
86
78 78 81
Mainline churches
52
44
58
42
47
51
64
53
49 52
Hist. black churches
85
80
88
81
82
89
91
86
84 83
Catholic
56
48
63
45 54 57 72
59 53 53
Unaffiliated
16
13
19
12 17 17 18
22 13 8
Atheist
3
2
6
3
4
5
1
4 3 2
Agnostic
6
5
7
6
5
8
2
7 7 4
Secular unaffil.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
Religious unaffil.
40
38
42
32
41
43
55
44 35 30
Gender Age Education
All Men Women 18-49 50+ Not coll grad Coll grad
%
%
% % % % %
Total population
56
49
63
51
63
58
50
Smaller traditions
Mormon
83
83
83
84
82
80
89
Jehovah’s Witness
86
N/A
N/A
82
92
N/A
N/A
Orthodox
56
53
60
49
65
57
56
Jewish
31
23
39
31
30
30
30
Muslim*
72
66
77
71
72
75
59
Buddhist
35
31
40
30
44
35
36
Hindu
45
35
60
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Note: Due to insufficient sample size, some categories have been collapsed for the smaller traditions. The secular unaffiliated group has a value
of zero on all demographic measures because the criterion used to place people into this category was their response that religion is not too or
not at all important in their lives.
Question: How important is religion in your life – very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important?
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
24
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Among the general public, adults with less education tend to be most likely to say religion is very
important in their lives; this is also true for the unaffiliated and for Muslims. For most religious
traditions, however, there are only small differences in the importance of religion across different
levels of education.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
II. Religious Beliefs
God
More than nine-in-ten adults (92%) say they believe in God or a universal spirit. This includes
the vast majority of every major religious tradition, including virtually all Mormon respondents
and at least 95% of Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Jehovah’s Witnesses and members of all
three Protestant traditions. Even among those who are not affiliated with a particular religious
group, seven-in-ten say they believe in God or a universal spirit. Indeed, more than a fifth of self-
described atheists (21%) and more than half of self-described agnostics (55%) say they believe
in God or a universal spirit.
Belief in God
Yes, believe in God or a universal spirit
NET believe Absolutely
Fairly
Not
Don’t believe Other/
in God
certain
certain
certain
in God Don’t know
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
92
71
17
4
5
3
=100
Protestant
98
84
12
2
1
1
=100
Evangelical churches
99
90
8
1
0
1
=100
Mainline churches
97
73
21
3
1
2
=100
Hist. black churches
99
90
7
1
0
1
=100
Catholic
97
72
21
4
1
2
=100
Mormon
100
90
8
1
0
0
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
98
93
4
1
0
2
=100
Orthodox
95
71
19
5
4
1
=100
Jewish
83
41
31
11
10
7
=100
Muslim
92
82
9
1
5
2
=100
Buddhist
75
39
28
8
19
6
=100
Hindu
92
57
26
9
5
3
=100
Unaffiliated
70
36
24
10
22
8
=100
Atheist
21
8
7
6
73
6
=100
Agnostic
55
17
23
15
29
16 =100
Secular unaffiliated
66
24
28
14
24
10 =100
Religious unaffiliated
94
65
25
4
3
4
=100
Question: Do you believe in God or a universal spirit? [IF YES, ASK]: How certain are you about this belief? Are you absolutely certain, fairly certain,
not too certain, or not at all certain?
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
There is significant variance, however, when it comes to the certainty and nature of people’s
belief in God. At least nine-in-ten Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses and members of evangelical
and historically black Protestant churches say they are absolutely certain God exists. Somewhat
smaller majorities of other religious groups – Muslims (82%), members of mainline Protestant
churches (73%), Catholics (72%), Orthodox Christians (71%) and Hindus (57%) – are also
completely certain of the existence of God or a universal spirit. By contrast, fewer than half of
Jews (41%) and Buddhists (39%) are completely certain that God or a universal spirit exists.
Interestingly, about one-third of the unaffiliated (36%) say they are absolutely certain that God or
a universal spirit exists, with 8% of atheists saying they are absolutely certain of this.
There are also differences in the way members of different religious traditions conceive of God.
For example, nine-in-ten (91%) Mormons think of God as a person with whom people can have
a relationship. This view of God is shared by large majorities of Jehovah’s Witnesses (82%) and
members of evangelical (79%) and historically black (71%) churches. Fewer members of mainline
Conception of God
Yes, believe in God or a universal spirit
Don’t
NET believe Personal
Impersonal
Other/
believe
Other/
in God
God
force
Both
in God Don’t know
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
92
60
25
7
5
3
=100
Protestant
98
72
19
7
1
1
=100
Evangelical churches
99
79
13
7
0
1
=100
Mainline churches
97
62
26
8
1
2
=100
Hist. black churches
99
71
19
8
0
1
=100
Catholic
97
60
29
8
1
2
=100
Mormon
100
91
6
2
0
0
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
98
82
11
5
0
2
=100
Orthodox
95
49
34
12
4
1
=100
Jewish
83
25
50
8
10
7
=100
Muslim
92
41
42
10
5
2
=100
Buddhist
75
20
45
10
19
6
=100
Hindu
92
31
53
7
5
3
=100
Unaffiliated
70
28
35
6
22
8
=100
Atheist
21
6
12
3
73
6
=100
Agnostic
55
14
36
5
29
16
=100
Secular unaffiliated
66
20
40
7
24
10
=100
Religious unaffiliated
94
49
35
9
3
4
=100
Question: Do you believe in God or a universal spirit? [IF YES, ASK]: Which comes closest to your view of God? God is a person with whom
people can have a relationship or God is an impersonal force?
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Protestant churches (62%), Catholics (60%) and Orthodox Christians (49%) share this conception
of God. And half of Jews, along with 45% of Buddhists and 53% of Hindus, reject the idea that
God is a person, saying instead that God is an impersonal force. Muslims are divided on this
question, with 42% saying God is an impersonal force and 41% saying God is a person.
Looking at these three measures together – belief in God or a universal spirit, certainty of belief
and conception of God – the Landscape Survey finds that 51% of U.S. adults are absolutely
certain in their belief in God and view God as a person. At the same time, 14% believe with
certainty that God exists but think of God as an impersonal force rather than a person. More than
a quarter (27%) say they believe in God but are not completely certain in their belief, while 5%
say they do not believe in God or a universal spirit.
Nature and Certainty of Belief in God
Absolutely certain
Less
belief in God
certain
Don’t
Personal
Impersonal
belief believe
Other/
God
God
in God* in God Don’t know
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
51
14
27
5
3
=100
Protestant
65
13
20
1
1
=100
Evangelical churches
73
10
15
0
1 =100
Mainline churches
52
14
30
1
1 =100
Historically black churches
67
17
15
0
1 =100
Catholic
48
17
32
1
2
=100
Mormon
85
3
11
0
0
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
79
9
10
0
2
=100
Orthodox
43
19
34
4
1
=100
Jewish
17
20
46
10
7
=100
Muslim
38
35
19
5
2
=100
Buddhist
12
23
41
19
6
=100
Hindu
22
29
41
5
2
=100
Unaffiliated
19
13
38
22
8
=100
Atheist
3
4
13
73
6 =100
Agnostic
7
8
39
29
16 =100
Secular unaffiliated
9
11
46
24
10 =100
Religious unaffiliated
38
20
35
3
4 =100
*Includes fairly certain, not certain and don’t know whether certain about belief in God; also includes absolutely certain but don’t know whether
personal or impersonal.
Question: Do you believe in God or a universal spirit? [IF BELIEVE IN GOD, ASK]: How certain are you about this belief? Are you absolutely certain,
fairly certain, not too certain, or not at all certain? [IF BELIEVE IN GOD, ASK]: Which comes closest to your view of God? God is a person with
whom people can have a relationship or God is an impersonal force?
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Belief in God and Demographic Groups
Women are significantly more likely than men to say they are absolutely certain in their belief in
a personal God (58% vs. 45%). This holds true for most religious traditions with the exception
of Mormons, Buddhists and Hindus, where men and women profess roughly the same levels of
absolute belief in a personal God.
Older Americans are considerably more likely than younger Americans to profess certain belief
in a personal God. Among those age 65 and older, almost six-in-ten (57%) express this belief,
compared with less than half (45%) of those under age 30. Generational differences are especially
A Detailed Look at Belief in God
% saying they have absolutely certain belief in a personal God among …
Education
Gender
Age
HS or Some Coll
All Men Women 18-29 30-49 50-64 65+ less coll grad
%
%
%
% % % % % % %
Total population
51
45
58
45 51 54 57
53 54 48
Larger traditions
Protestant
65
60
69
64 65 66 65
64 67 65
Evang. churches
73
69
77
71
73
76
74
70
76
80
Mainline churches
52
46
58
52
52
53
54
54
53
50
Hist. black churches
67
62
70
67
66
69
63
64
70
70
Catholic
48
43
53
40 46 54 57
46 52 52
Unaffiliated
19
15
24
19 20 18 15
24 19 11
Atheist
3
3
3
2
3
6
1
5
2
2
Agnostic
7
6
9
7
7
10
1
7
8
6
Secular unaffil.
9
8
12
11
10
8
7
12
10
5
Religious unaffil.
38
33
43
40
38
37
39
40
40
31
Gender Age Education
All Men Women 18-49 50+ Not coll grad Coll grad
%
%
% % % % %
Total population
51
45
58
49
55
53
48
Smaller traditions
Mormon
85
86
85
87
83
83
92
Jehovah’s Witness
79
N/A
N/A
73
91
N/A
N/A
Orthodox
43
33
51
43
42
42
44
Jewish
17
14
20
19
15
22
13
Buddhist
12
11
13
12
11
14
9
Hindu
22
22
22
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Note: Due to insufficient sample size, some categories have been collapsed for the smaller traditions.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
29
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
pronounced among Catholics and Jehovah’s Witnesses. In other traditions, however – especially
members of evangelical, mainline and historically black Protestant churches – young people are
about as likely as their older counterparts to express certain belief in a personal God.
Overall, Americans with a college education tend to be slightly less likely to believe with certainty
in a personal God compared with those without a degree. But the opposite is true among members
of evangelical churches, where those with a college degree are more likely than those with a high
school degree or less to profess certain belief in a personal God. This is also true, though to a
lesser extent, among Catholics and members of historically black churches.
Scripture
There is considerable variance in the approach religious groups adopt toward their sacred texts.
Roughly two-thirds of Americans (63%) view the sacred text of their religion as the word of
God. More than eight-in-ten members of evangelical (89%) and historically black (84%) churches,
Mormons (92%) and Jehovah’s Witnesses (93%) believe that the Bible is the word of God, and
86% of Muslims say the Koran is the word of God. By contrast, only 18% of Buddhists and 37%
of Jews and Hindus say their sacred texts are the word of God. In fact, majorities or pluralities of
these groups say their sacred texts are written by men and do not constitute the word of God.
Although large majorities of all Christian traditions say the Bible is the word of God, the extent
to which they say it should be taken literally varies widely. Majorities of members of historically
black (62%) and evangelical (59%) churches say that the Bible should be taken literally, word for
word. By contrast, members of mainline Protestant churches and Catholics are more likely to say
that the Bible is the word of God but should not to be taken literally (35% and 36%, respectively).
Half of Muslims say the Koran is the literal word of God, while 25% say the Koran is the word of
God but should not be taken literally.
About two-thirds of the unaffiliated (64%) view the Bible as the work of men and not as the word
of God. However, among the religious unaffiliated, roughly half (51%) view the Bible as the word
of God, with one-in-four expressing the view that the Bible is the literal word of God.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views of Scripture
[Holy book] is word of God
Written
Other/
NET word
Not
by men, not
Don’t
of God
Literal
literal
Other
word of God
know
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
63
33
27
3
28
9
=100
Protestant
77
46
27
4
14
8
=100
Evangelical churches
89
59
25
5
7
5 =100
Mainline churches
61
22
35
4
28
11 =100
Historically black churches
84
62
18
4
9
8 =100
Catholic
62
23
36
3
27
11
=100
Mormon
92
35
50
7
4
4
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
93
48
40
5
1
7
=100
Orthodox
59
26
29
4
29
12
=100
Jewish
37
10
25
2
53
10
=100
Muslim*
86
50
25
11
8
6
=100
Buddhist
18
8
9
1
67
16
=100
Hindu
37
12
21
4
47
16
=100
Unaffiliated
25
11
13
1
64
10
=100
Atheist
7
3
3
1
88
5 =100
Agnostic
5
0
4
1
87
8 =100
Secular unaffiliated
13
4
8
1
76
11 =100
Religious unaffiliated
51
25
23
3
37
12 =100
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: Which comes closest to your view? [INSERT NAME OF HOLY BOOK]** is the word of God, OR [INSERT NAME OF HOLY BOOK] is
a book written by men and is not the word of God. [IF HOLY BOOK IS WORD OF GOD, ASK]: And would you say that [INSERT NAME OF HOLY
BOOK] is to be taken literally, word for word, OR not everything in [INSERT NAME OF HOLY BOOK] should be taken literally, word for word?
**Insert “the Bible” for Christians and the unaffiliated, “the Torah” for Jews, “the Koran” for Muslims, “the Holy Scripture” for other non-
Christian religious groups.
The Afterlife
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Americans believe in an afterlife, with two-in-three of these (50%
of the public overall) saying they are absolutely certain in this belief. Solid majorities of most major
religious traditions believe in life after death, including 98% of Mormons and 86% of members of
evangelical Protestant churches. A remarkable 88% of Mormons are absolutely certain that there
is life after death.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
31
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Members of mainline and historically black churches as well as Catholics are somewhat less
convinced about the existence of an afterlife (78%, 79% and 77%, respectively, express belief
in life after death). However, among members of historically black churches, 62% are absolutely
certain that there is life after death, compared with only 49% of members of mainline churches
and 45% of Catholics. Only about four-in-ten Jehovah’s Witnesses (42%) and Jews (39%) say
they believe in an afterlife.
Among the unaffiliated, nearly half (48%) believe in life after death, including two-thirds of the
religious unaffiliated (66%) and more than four-in-ten of the secular unaffiliated (44%). But
the unaffiliated tend to be less certain about this belief than members of most other religious
traditions.
Life After Death
Yes, believe in life after death
Don’t believe Other/
NET
Absolutely
Fairly
Not
in life
Don’t
believe
certain
certain
certain
after death
know
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
74
50
19
6
18
9 =100
Protestant
81
62
16
3
12
6 =100
Evangelical churches
86
71
12
1
10
4 =100
Mainline churches
78
49
24
6
14
8 =100
Historically black churches
79
62
13
3
14
7 =100
Catholic
77
45
25
7
15
8 =100
Mormon
98
88
8
2
1
1 =100
Jehovah’s Witness
42
37
4
1
45
13 =100
Orthodox
74
47
23
4
19
7 =100
Jewish
39
16
15
7
45
16 =100
Muslim
77
67
7
3
18
5 =100
Buddhist
68
32
25
9
24
8 =100
Hindu
65
33
21
10
26
8 =100
Unaffiliated
48
21
19
9
39
13 =100
Atheist
18
5
8
5
75
8 =100
Agnostic
35
11
14
10
45
20 =100
Secular unaffiliated
44
14
19
11
43
14 =100
Religious unaffiliated
66
36
23
7
22
12 =100
Question: Do you believe in life after death? [IF YES, ASK]: How certain are you about this belief? Are you absolutely certain, fairly certain, not
too certain, or not at all certain?
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Three-quarters of U.S. adults (74%) say they believe in
Belief in Heaven and Hell
heaven, but only 59% say they believe in hell. Mormons
are the most likely to believe in heaven (95% say they
% believe in heaven
do), followed by members of historically black (91%)
% believe in hell
and evangelical (86%) churches, Muslims (85%) and
74
Total
Catholics (82%). By comparison, less than half of all
59
Jews (38%), Buddhists (36%), Jehovah’s Witnesses
(46%) and the unaffiliated (41%) believe in heaven.
84
Protestant
While in most religious traditions people are more likely
73
to believe in heaven than in hell, members of evangelical
86
Evangelical churches
82
Protestant churches and Muslims are nearly as likely to
77
Mainline churches
believe in hell as to believe in heaven.
56
91
Hist. black churches
The Landscape Survey asked Buddhists and Hindus
82
specific questions on their beliefs about the afterlife,
probing Buddhists’ beliefs about nirvana and Hindus’
82
Catholic
beliefs about reincarnation. The survey finds that
60
roughly six-in-ten Buddhists (62%) believe in nirvana
95
Mormon
59
– the ultimate state transcending pain and desire.
46
Jehovah’s Witness
However, only about a quarter are absolutely certain
9
about this belief. Nearly one-in-five Buddhists (18%)
74
Orthodox
56
have no opinion or are not certain about their belief in
nirvana.
38
Jewish
A similar number of Hindus (61%) say they believe in
22
reincarnation, or that people will be reborn in this world
85
Muslim
80
again and again. Slightly more than a third (34%) are
36
Buddhist
absolutely certain in this belief.
26
51
Hindu
35
41
Unaffiliated
30
12
Atheist 10
18
Agnostic 12
32
Secular unaffil.
23
68
Religious unaffil.
51
Questions: Do you think there is a heaven
where people who have led good lives are
eternally rewarded?
Do you think there is a hell, where people who
have led bad lives and die without being sorry
are eternally punished?
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
33
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Nirvana and Reincarnation
% Buddhists believe in nirvana
% Hindus believe in reincarnation
%
%
Yes, believe in
62
61
Absolutely certain
26
34
Fairly certain
32
19
Not too/Not at all certain
4
7
Don’t know/Refused
1
0
No, don’t believe in
19
28
Other/Don’t know
18
12
Total
100
100
Questions: [IF BUDDHIST, ASK]: Do you believe in nirvana, the ultimate state transcending pain and desire in which individual consciousness
ends? [IF YES, ASK]: How certain are you about this belief? Are you absolutely certain, fairly certain, not too certain, or not at all certain?
[IF HINDU, ASK]: Do you believe in reincarnation, that people will be reborn in this world again and again? [IF YES, ASK]: How certain are you
about this belief? Are you absolutely certain, fairly certain, not too certain, or not at all certain?
Miracles and the Supernatural
The Landscape Survey finds that belief in miracles and supernatural phenomena are widespread
among U.S. adults. Nearly eight-in-ten adults (79%), including large majorities of most religious
traditions, believe that miracles still occur today as in ancient times. More than eight-in-ten
members of evangelical (88%) and historically black (88%) churches, Catholics (83%) and
Mormons (96%) agree that miracles still occur today.
However, relatively narrow majorities of Jews and the unaffiliated express belief in miracles, and
among Jehovah’s Witnesses, only about a third (30%) believe in miracles. In fact, nearly half of all
Jehovah’s Witnesses (48%) say that they completely disagree with the statement that miracles
occur today as in ancient times.
Two-thirds of U.S. adults (68%) believe that angels and demons are active in the world. Significant
majorities of members of Christian traditions agree with this statement, including about nine-in-
ten members of historically black and evangelical Protestant churches, Jehovah’s Witnesses and
Mormons.
Less than half of Buddhists and Hindus, and less than a quarter of Jews, say angels and demons
are active in the world. Although relatively few atheists and agnostics believe in angels and
demons, nearly a third of the secular unaffiliated (29%) and more than two-thirds of the religious
unaffiliated (68%) believe angels and demons are active in the world.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Miracles and the Supernatural
Believe in miracles
Believe in angels and demons
NET
Completely
Mostly
NET
Completely
Mostly
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
79
47
32
68
40
28
Protestant
86
54
32
79
50
29
Evangelical churches
88
61
27
87
61
26
Mainline churches
81
42
39
65
31
34
Historically black churches
88
58
30
87
59
28
Catholic
83
47
36
69
35
34
Mormon
96
80
16
88
59
29
Jehovah’s Witness
30
15
15
95
78
17
Orthodox
79
43
36
66
34
32
Jewish
52
21
31
21
9
12
Muslim
69
39
30
79
45
34
Buddhist
62
31
31
37
14
23
Hindu
69
24
45
37
18
19
Unaffiliated
55
25
30
40
18
22
Atheist
21
11
10
14
6
8
Agnostic
37
14
23
19
7
12
Secular unaffiliated
48
19
29
29
10
19
Religious unaffiliated
78
40
38
68
35
33
Question: Here are a few statements. For each one, please tell me if you completely agree with it, mostly agree with it, mostly disagree with
it, or completely disagree with it. The first/next one is [INSERT; RANDOMIZE]..do you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree or
completely disagree?
(a) Miracles still occur today as in ancient times.
(b) Angels and demons are active in the world.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
35
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
III. Religious Practices
Worship Attendance
Overall, about four-in-ten Americans (39%) say they attend religious services at least once a
week. Majorities of Jehovah’s Witnesses (82%), Mormons (75%) and members of historically
black (59%) and evangelical (58%) churches all say they attend church at least once a week.
Among the unaffiliated, nearly three-in-four (72%) say they seldom or never attend religious
services. Not surprisingly, attendance at worship services is more common among the religious
unaffiliated (11% say they attend church at least once a week, and 35% say they go occasionally).
Attendance at Religious Services
At least
Monthly/
Seldom/
once a week
Yearly
Never
Don’t know
%
%
%
%
Total population
39
33
27
1
=100
Protestant
50
33
17
1
=100
Evangelical churches
58
28
13
1
=100
Mainline churches
34
42
23
1
=100
Hist. black churches
59
29
12
1
=100
Catholic
42
39
19
0
=100
Mormon
75
16
7
0
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
82
10
7
0
=100
Orthodox
34
49
16
1
=100
Jewish
16
53
31
1
=100
Muslim*
40
26
34
0
=100
Buddhist
17
44
38
1
=100
Hindu
24
57
19
0
=100
Unaffiliated
5
22
72
0
=100
Atheist
4
10
85
1
=100
Agnostic
2
18
80
0
=100
Secular unaffiliated
1
14
85
0
=100
Religious unaffiliated
11
35
53
0
=100
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007. Muslims were asked: On average, how often
do you attend the mosque or Islamic center for salah or Jum’ah prayer? More than once a week, once a week for Jum’ah prayer, once or twice
a month, a few times a year especially for the Eid, seldom, or never?
Question: Aside from weddings and funerals, how often do you attend religious services…more than once a week, once a week, once or twice
a month, a few times a year, seldom, or never?
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
By contrast, at least eight-in-ten atheists (85%), agnostics (80%) and those in the secular
unaffiliated group (85%) say they seldom or never attend religious services.
Attendance at Religious Services and Demographic Groups
Women in several Christian traditions are more likely than men to attend religious services at
least once a week, with the largest gap existing among members of historically black churches.
Among Muslims, however, men are much more likely to attend services weekly, and among
Mormons, Jews and the unaffiliated, the figures are roughly equal.
Older Americans are more likely than younger Americans to say they attend services at least once
a week. Among Christian groups, the age gap is particularly large for Catholics; nearly two-thirds
of Catholics over age 65 (62%) say they go to church every week, compared with only about a
third of Catholics under age 30 (34%). There are similar, though somewhat less pronounced,
generational differences among all three Protestant traditions. Notable exceptions to this pattern
are Mormons, Jews and Muslims, among whom younger individuals are at least as likely as their
older counterparts to say they attend religious services on a weekly basis.
Among the general adult population, there are no substantial differences in attendance at worship
services by education. But within certain Christian traditions, including members of evangelical,
mainline and historically black Protestant churches as well as Mormons, those with more education
tend to attend church somewhat more often than those with less education.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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A Detailed Look at Worship Service Attendance
% who attend at least weekly among …
Education
Gender
Age
HS or Some Coll
All Men Women 18-29 30-49 50-64 65+ less coll grad
%
%
%
%
% %
%
% % %
Total population
39
34
45
33 36 40
54
40 40 39
Larger traditions
Protestant
50
46
54
48 46 50
58
48 50 54
Evang. churches
58
54
62
54
57
59
65
54
61
69
Mainline churches
34
31
38
32
27
34
48
32
32
39
Hist. black churches
59
49
65
55
53
65
68
56
62
64
Catholic
42
36
45
34 36 42
62
41 40 45
Unaffiliated
5
5
5
5
6
3
6
7 5 3
Atheist
4
4
5
4
4
3
2
4
6
1
Agnostic
2
3
1
1
4
1
3
2
1
2
Secular unaffil.
1
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
Religious unaffil.
11
12
10
11
11
8
17
12
12
8
Gender Age Education
All Men Women 18-49 50+ Not coll grad Coll grad
%
%
%
% % % %
Total population
39
34
45
35
46
39
39
Smaller traditions
Mormon
75
75
76
78
71
69
91
Jehovah’s Witness
82
N/A
N/A
77
88
N/A
N/A
Orthodox
34
30
38
32
35
30
37
Jewish
16
16
16
20
12
17
15
Muslim*
40
48
30
42
30
39
38
Buddhist
17
20
14
15
20
17
17
Hindu
24
19
30
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Note: Due to insufficient sample size, some categories have been collapsed for the smaller traditions.
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Formal Membership
Six-in-ten Americans (61%) report that they or their family are members in a local church or other
house of worship. Mormons (92%) are most likely to say they or their families are official members
of a local church or house of worship. Members of historically black (83%) and evangelical (74%)
churches and Jehovah’s Witnesses (76%) are also very likely to say they or their families belong
to a local congregation. Roughly two-thirds of Catholics (67%), members of mainline churches
(64%) and Orthodox Christians (68%) are official members of a church.
Members of non-Christian religions tend to be less likely than Christians to report official
membership in a house of worship. Only 30% of Buddhists do so, along with 32% of Hindus,
42% of Muslims and 55% of Jews.
Interestingly, nearly a quarter of the unaffiliated (22%) say they or their families are official members
of a local church or house of worship. The figure is even higher for the religious unaffiliated (30%).
These findings could indicate that a sizable number of people who say they have no particular
Formal Membership in a House of Worship
Yes
No
Don’t know
%
%
%
Total population
61
38
1
=100
Protestant
72
28
1
=100
Evangelical churches
74
26
0
=100
Mainline churches
64
35
1
=100
Historically black churches
83
17
0
=100
Catholic
67
32
1
=100
Mormon
92
8
0
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
76
22
2
=100
Orthodox
68
30
2
=100
Jewish
55
44
1
=100
Muslim
42
58
0
=100
Buddhist
30
69
1
=100
Hindu
32
67
2
=100
Unaffiliated
22
78
1
=100
Atheist
19
80
2
=100
Agnostic
22
78
1
=100
Secular unaffiliated
15
85
1
=100
Religious unaffiliated
30
69
1
=100
Question: Are you or your family official members of a local church or house of worship?
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
religious affiliation have family members who belong to a religious congregation. Alternatively, it
could indicate that many who do not identify with a particular religion nevertheless belong to a
religious congregation.
Size of Congregation
Among U.S. adults who attend worship services at least a few times a year, around one-fifth
(21%) say they attend a small congregation with a membership of less than 100, while more than
four-in-ten (44%) attend a house of worship with between 100 and 500 members. An additional
21% attend congregations with between 500 and 2,000 members, and 10% attend a house of
worship with more than 2,000 members.
Size of Congregation
Less than
More than
100
100-500
500-2,000
2,000
Don’t know
%
%
%
%
%
Total*
21
44
21
10
3 =100
Protestant
25
48
17
7
2 =100
Evangelical churches
27
46
17
8
1 =100
Nondenominational
22
38
21
18
1 =100
Mainline churches
21
53
19
5
3 =100
Nondenominational
18
41
26
13
2 =100
Historically black churches
28
46
15
10
1 =100
Catholic
8
36
33
18
4 =100
Mormon
7
64
18
9
2 =100
Jehovah’s Witness
21
66
3
6
3 =100
Orthodox
12
51
24
9
3 =100
Jewish
15
38
32
10
5 =100
Muslim
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A N/A
Buddhist
36
38
13
6
7 =100
Hindu
16
32
22
24
6 =100
Unaffiliated
32
39
13
6
10 =100
Atheist/Agnostic
26
35
18
7
14 =100
Secular unaffiliated
29
39
13
4
14 =100
Religious unaffiliated
35
40
11
7
7 =100
*Based on those who worship more than seldom. The survey included too few Muslims who attend worship services for this analysis.
Question: [IF WORSHIP MORE THAN SELDOM, ASK]: About how many people belong to the church or house of worship where you attend
religious services most often? Just your best estimate will do. Would you say less than 100, between 100 and 500, between 500 and 2,000,
or more than 2,000?
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Among Protestants, 7% belong to “megachurches,” classified as those with more than 2,000
members. Nondenominational Protestants (including 18% of nondenominational Protestants
within the evangelical tradition and 13% of nondenominational Protestants within the mainline
tradition) are especially likely to belong to megachurches.
It should also be pointed out that, historically, Catholic parishes were known for having very large
congregations. Indeed, even today, nearly one-in-five Catholic adults (18%) attend a congregation
with more than 2,000 members. Many Hindus also belong to large congregations, with 24%
saying they attend services at congregations with more than 2,000 members.
Congregational Activities
Overall, nearly four-in-ten adults (37%) participate at least monthly in activities other than religious
services at their church or house of worship. More than a quarter (28%) say they participate in
social activities, and roughly one-in-five participate in community or volunteer work (19%) or work
with children (18%). About one-in-eight (12%) report participating in a choir or musical program.
Participation in these kinds of congregational activities outside of worship services is particularly
common among Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses; more than three-quarters of both groups
participate in at least one such activity every month (77% and 76%, respectively). Majorities of
members of evangelical (54%) and historically black (60%) churches also participate in at least
one of these activities on at least a monthly basis. Not surprisingly, the unaffiliated population
(8%) is least likely to participate in volunteer or social activities at a place of worship.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Congregational Activities
% who participate at least monthly in…
% who
Choir or
Community or
participate
musical
volunteer
Work with
Social
monthly
program
work through
children
activities
in one or
at place
place
at place
at place
more of these
of worship
of worship
of worship
of worship
%
%
%
%
%
Total
37
12
19
18
28
Protestant
49
17
24
24
39
Evangelical churches
54
18
27
27
43
Mainline churches
36
9
18
15
28
Hist. black churches
60
29
33
34
48
Catholic
31
7
16
14
20
Mormon
77
23
54
54
63
Jehovah’s Witness
76
42
60
49
49
Orthodox
39
11
19
19
32
Jewish
24
3
12
10
18
Muslim
42
7
24
24
35
Buddhist
27
5
12
11
23
Hindu
37
14
18
19
25
Unaffiliated
8
2
4
5
5
Atheist
5
2
2
4
3
Agnostic
5
1
2
2
4
Secular unaffiliated
3
0
1
1
2
Religious unaffiliated
17
5
8
9
11
Note: This question was asked only of people who said they attend services at least a few times a year. Results have been repercentaged
based on the total population.
Question: [ASK IF ATTEND WORSHIP SERVICES MORE THAN SELDOM]: And still thinking about the church or house of worship where you
attend religious services most often, please tell me how often, if ever, you do each of the following. First, how often do you [INSERT; RANDOM-
IZE] - would you say at least once a week, once or twice a month, several times a year, seldom or never? And how often do you [INSERT NEXT
ITEM]?
(a) Participate in a choir or other musical program there.
(b) Do community volunteer work through your place of worship.
(c) Work with children or youth there.
(d) Participate in social activities, such as meals, club meetings, or other gatherings there.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Religious Upbringing of Children
Overall, nearly two-thirds of adults (63%) who have children under age 18 living at home say they
pray or read Scripture with their children. Mormons (91%) are especially likely to do this. Roughly
eight-in-ten members of evangelical (81%) and historically black (77%) churches also pray or read
Scripture with their children.
Jews (41%), Buddhists (37%) and the unaffiliated (31%) are much less likely to pray or read
Scripture with their children compared with members of many other religious traditions. But there
Religious Activities and Children
Pray or read
Send children to
Home-school or
Scripture
religious education
send children
with children
programs
to religious school
%
%
%
Total*
63
60
15
Protestant
74
73
14
Evangelical churches
81
79
18
Mainline churches
61
62
10
Historically black churches
77
77
11
Catholic
63
51
20
Mormon
91
90
6
Jehovah’s Witness
N/A
N/A
N/A
Orthodox
56
58
30
Jewish
41
56
27
Muslim
N/A
N/A
N/A
Buddhist
37
24
10
Hindu
66
22
5
Unaffiliated
31
35
7
Atheist
8
24
4
Agnostic
19
31
8
Secular unaffiliated
16
23
5
Religious unaffiliated
52
49
8
*Based on respondents who have children living at home. The survey included too few Jehovah’s Witnesses and Muslims with children living at
home for this analysis.
Question: [IF PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF CHILD UNDER 18 LIVING AT HOME, ASK]: As I read a list, please tell me if you do any of the follow-
ing things with your child/children. First, do you [READ ITEMS IN ORDER]
(a) Pray or read the Scripture with your child/any of your children.
(b) Send your child/any of your children to Sunday school or another religious education program.
(c) Home-school or send your child/any of your children to a religious school instead of a public school.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
are major differences within the unaffiliated group; a majority of the religious unaffiliated (52%)
pray or read Scripture with their children, compared with only 16% of the secular unaffiliated,
19% of agnostics and 8% of atheists.
Similar patterns are seen in parents’ decisions about sending their children to Sunday school
or other religious education programs. Six-in-ten Americans with children under age 18 living at
home arrange for them to attend such programs. Mormons (90%) stand out for their propensity
to enroll their children in religious education, followed by members of evangelical (79%) and
historically black (77%) churches. More than a third of the unaffiliated (35%) send their children to
religious education programs, including a quarter of atheists (24%) and about half of the religious
unaffiliated (49%).
Among parents with children under age 18 living in their homes, 15% home-school their children
or send them to a religious school instead of a public school. Jews (27%) and Orthodox Christians
(30%) are most likely to do this.
Prayer and Meditation
A majority of U.S. adults (58%) say they pray at least once a day outside of religious services, and
75% pray at least once a week. Daily prayer is especially common among members of evangelical
(78%) and historically black (80%) churches, Mormons (82%), Jehovah’s Witnesses (89%) and
Muslims (71%). Roughly six-in-ten Catholics (58%), approximately half of members of mainline
Protestant churches (53%) and Buddhists (45%), and a quarter of Jews (26%) say they pray every
day. Not surprisingly, relatively few atheists (5%), agnostics (9%) or the secular unaffiliated (11%)
pray daily; but close to half of the religious unaffiliated (44%) say they pray daily.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
44
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Frequency of Prayer
Once/Few
Few times
Seldom/
Don’t
Daily
times a week
a month
Never
know
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
58
17
6
18
2 =100
Protestant
69
17
4
8
1 =100
Evangelical churches
78
14
3
5
1 =100
Mainline churches
53
23
7
15
2 =100
Historically black churches
80
12
2
4
2 =100
Catholic
58
21
7
13
1 =100
Mormon
82
10
3
5
0 =100
Jehovah’s Witness
89
6
2
1
1 =100
Orthodox
60
17
5
16
2 =100
Jewish
26
18
8
44
3 =100
Muslim
71
11
1
16
1 =100
Buddhist
45
13
9
31
1 =100
Hindu
62
14
5
17
2 =100
Unaffiliated
22
13
7
56
2 =100
Atheist
5
5
2
87
2 =100
Agnostic
9
9
7
75
0 =100
Secular unaffiliated
11
8
8
71
2 =100
Religious unaffiliated
44
21
9
24
2 =100
Question: People practice their religion in different ways. Outside of attending religious services, do you pray several times a day, once a day, a
few times a week, once a week, a few times a month, seldom, or never?
Prayer and Demographic Groups
As with other measures of religious involvement, women are considerably more likely than men
to say they pray daily, and this pattern holds to varying degrees across many religious traditions.
Similarly, older adherents pray at least once a day at much higher rates than their younger
counterparts, both among the public overall and across several religious traditions.
College graduates are less likely than others to say they pray daily. Among Catholics and members
of mainline and historically black churches, however, these differences are relatively small. And
among Mormons and members of evangelical churches, college graduates are noticeably more
likely than others to say they pray daily.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
A Detailed Look at Prayer
% who say they pray daily outside of religious services among …
Education
Gender
Age
HS or Some Coll
All Men Women 18-29 30-49 50-64 65+ less coll grad
%
%
%
% % % %
% % %
Total population
58
49
66
48 56 61 68
60 60 53
Larger traditions
Protestant
69
62
76
65 68 70 74
70 70 68
Evang. churches
78
71
83
73
77
80
81
75
79
82
Mainline churches
53
43
62
49
50
53
63
54
54
52
Hist. black churches
80
76
84
71
83
85
83
78
83
82
Catholic
58
48
66
46 54 61 74
59 58 56
Unaffiliated
22
17
29
19 24 24 25
26 24 15
Atheist
5
3
7
4
4
5
3
6
6
2
Agnostic
9
6
14
9
11
9
5
10
8
9
Secular unaffil.
11
8
15
9
11
13
13
10
14
10
Religious unaffil.
44
37
51
37
46
48
60
44
49
39
Gender Age Education
All Men Women 18-49 50+ Not coll grad Coll grad
%
%
% % % % %
Total population
58
49
66
53
63
60
53
Smaller traditions
Mormon
82
80
84
82
81
79
90
Jehovah’s Witness
89
N/A
N/A
88
91
N/A
N/A
Orthodox
60
51
67
53
69
65
52
Jewish
26
22
30
28
24
32
22
Buddhist
45
46
46
40
55
48
43
Hindu
62
56
72
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Note: Due to insufficient sample size, some categories have been collapsed for the smaller traditions.
In addition to the general question about prayer, the Landscape Survey asked Buddhists and
Hindus a more specific question about how often they pray at a shrine or other religious symbol in
their homes. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of Hindus say they do this at least once a week, compared
with one-third of Buddhists. Nearly four-in-ten Buddhists (39%) say they never pray at a shrine or
religious symbol in their home.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Prayer at Shrines or Religious Symbolsin the Home
Buddhists
Hindus
%
%
At least once a week
33
62
Once or twice a month
6
5
Several times a year
5
9
Seldom
14
9
Never
39
14
Don’t know
2
2
100
100
Question: Please tell me how often you do each of the following. First, how often do you [INSERT] – would you say at least once a week, once
or twice a month, several times a year, seldom, or never? And how often do you [INSERT NEXT ITEM]
(f) [IF BUDDHIST OR HINDU, ASK]: Pray at a shrine or religious symbol in your home.
The Landscape Survey also finds that a significant number of U.S. adults meditate on a regular
basis; nearly four-in-ten (39%) say they meditate at least once a week. More than seven-in-ten
Jehovah’s Witnesses (72%) meditate weekly, as do more than six-in-ten Buddhists (61%). A
majority of members of historically black churches and Mormons also meditate weekly (55% and
56%, respectively). Among the unaffiliated, a quarter (26%) say they meditate weekly, and for the
religious unaffiliated, the figure is 34%.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
47
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Meditation
Weekly+
Monthly/Yearly
Seldom/Never
Don’t know
%
%
%
%
Total population
39
11
47
2
=100
Protestant
44
11
44
3
=100
Evangelical churches
46
9
41
3
=100
Mainline churches
35
12
51
3
=100
Hist. black churches
55
9
34
2
=100
Catholic
36
14
48
2
=100
Mormon
56
10
31
2
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
72
7
18
4
=100
Orthodox
32
15
50
4
=100
Jewish
23
11
62
3
=100
Muslim
46
6
42
6
=100
Buddhist
61
11
24
4
=100
Hindu
44
16
39
2
=100
Unaffiliated
26
12
61
2
=100
Atheist
18
10
71
2
=100
Agnostic
25
16
59
1
=100
Secular unaffiliated
22
11
66
1
=100
Religious unaffiliated
34
12
52
3
=100
Question: Please tell me how often you do each of the following. First, how often do you [INSERT] – would you say at least once a week, once
or twice a month, several times a year, seldom, or never? And how often do you [INSERT NEXT ITEM]
(c) Meditate.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Scripture Reading
About a third of U.S. adults (35%) say they read Scripture at least once a week, and an additional
18% read Scripture occasionally. Nearly half of U.S. adults (45%) say they seldom or never read
Scripture. Jehovah’s Witnesses are the group most likely to read Scripture regularly (83% do so
at least once a week), followed by Mormons (76%). Scripture reading is also a common practice
among members of evangelical and historically black churches (60% of each group read Scripture
at least once a week) as well as among Muslims (43% read Scripture at least once a week).
However, only 27% of members of mainline churches say they read Scripture at least once a
week. Catholics (21%), Orthodox Christians (22%) and Hindus (23%) are also relatively unlikely
to read Scripture on a weekly basis. Seven-in-ten Jews and nearly eight-in-ten of the overall
unaffiliated population (77%) say they seldom or never read Scripture. However, more than a fifth
of the religious unaffiliated (21%) say they read Scripture at least once a week.
Scripture Reading Outside Religious Services
Weekly+
Monthly/Yearly
Seldom/Never
Don’t know
%
%
%
%
Total population
35
18
45
1
=100
Protestant
48
20
31
1
=100
Evangelical churches
60
18
21
1
=100
Mainline churches
27
23
49
2
=100
Hist. black churches
60
19
20
1
=100
Catholic
21
21
57
1
=100
Mormon
76
11
13
0
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
83
7
10
0
=100
Orthodox
22
21
55
2
=100
Jewish
14
14
70
2
=100
Muslim
43
26
30
1
=100
Buddhist
28
20
50
2
=100
Hindu
23
25
51
2
=100
Unaffiliated
9
12
77
1
=100
Atheist
3
6
89
2
=100
Agnostic
4
11
85
0
=100
Secular unaffiliated
3
7
89
1
=100
Religious unaffiliated
21
19
60
1
=100
Question: Please tell me how often you do each of the following. First, how often do you [INSERT] – would you say at least once a week, once
or twice a month, several times a year, seldom, or never? And how often do you [INSERT NEXT ITEM]
(b) Read Scripture outside of religious services.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Participation in Prayer Groups and Other Religious Activities
Four-in-ten American adults (40%) participate in prayer groups, Scripture study groups or other
types of religious education at least occasionally, and 23% do so at least once a week. Nearly
six-in-ten (59%) say they seldom or never participate in these kinds of activities.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons are notable for their high levels of weekly involvement in
these types of groups (82% and 64%, respectively). About four-in-ten members of evangelical and
historically black churches also participate weekly (41% and 44%, respectively). Among all other
religious traditions, majorities say they seldom or never participate in these kinds of groups.
Participation in Prayer Groups and Other Religious Activities
Weekly+
Monthly/Yearly
Seldom/Never
Don’t know
%
%
%
%
Total population
23
17
59
1
=100
Protestant
33
20
47
1
=100
Evangelical churches
41
20
38
1
=100
Mainline churches
16
18
64
1
=100
Hist. black churches
44
21
34
1
=100
Catholic
13
16
71
1
=100
Mormon
64
13
22
0
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
82
5
12
2
=100
Orthodox
10
21
68
1
=100
Jewish
11
18
69
2
=100
Muslim
29
20
51
1
=100
Buddhist
12
22
66
1
=100
Hindu
14
31
53
2
=100
Unaffiliated
5
6
88
1
=100
Atheist
2
2
92
3
=100
Agnostic
2
3
94
0
=100
Secular unaffiliated
1
2
95
1
=100
Religious unaffiliated
11
12
75
1
=100
Question: Please tell me how often you do each of the following. First, how often do you [INSERT] – would you say at least once a week, once
or twice a month, several times a year, seldom, or never? And how often do you [INSERT NEXT ITEM]
(a) Participate in prayer groups, Scripture study groups or religious education programs.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Sharing the Faith With Others
The Landscape Survey finds wide variance across religious groups in the frequency with which
they report sharing their faith with others. Nearly one-in-four adults (23%) in the U.S. who are
affiliated with a particular religion share their faith with others at least once a week. Jehovah’s
Witnesses are more than twice as likely as members of all other traditions to share their faith with
others frequently; three-quarters (76%) do so at least once a week. Many members of historically
black churches also frequently share their faith with non-believers or people from other religious
backgrounds; 42% do this at least once a week. Among members of evangelical churches, 34%
say they share their faith at least once a week.
Only 7% of Jews share their faith with others at least once a week, while 71% say they seldom
or never share their faith with others. Among Hindus, too, fewer than one-in-ten (9%) share their
faith weekly.
Sharing Faith or Views on God
Weekly+
Monthly
Yearly
Seldom/Never
Don’t know
%
%
%
%
%
Total affiliated
23
13
14
47
3
=100
Protestant
28
15
15
39
3
=100
Evangelical churches
34
18
16
29
3
=100
Mainline churches
14
12
15
57
3
=100
Hist. black churches
42
13
9
32
3
=100
Catholic
14
9
13
62
2
=100
Mormon
24
23
27
25
2
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
76
8
5
8
2
=100
Orthodox
11
10
16
62
2
=100
Jewish
7
8
12
71
3
=100
Muslim
23
12
15
48
2
=100
Buddhist
15
13
12
58
2
=100
Hindu
9
10
14
64
3
=100
Unaffiliated
13
11
10
64
2
=100
Atheist
11
12
13
61
3
=100
Agnostic
11
12
12
64
1
=100
Secular unaffiliated
6
7
8
76
2
=100
Religious unaffiliated
21
14
11
52
3
=100
Questions: Please tell me how often you do each of the following. First, how often do you [INSERT] – would you say at least once a week,
once or twice a month, several times a year, seldom, or never? And how often do you [INSERT NEXT ITEM]
(d) [IF AFFILIATED WITH A RELIGION, ASK]: Share your faith with non-believers
or people from other religious backgrounds?
(g) [IF UNAFFILIATED WITH A RELIGION, ASK]: Share your views on God and religion with religious people
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Mormons are not significantly more likely than the religiously affiliated population overall to
report sharing their faith weekly, but nearly half do this at least once a month (47%) Only 7% of
Mormons say they never share their faith, compared with 24% of all Americans who identify with
a particular religion who say this.
The unaffiliated were asked how often they share their views on God and religion with religious
people. Atheists and agnostics say they do this somewhat infrequently – only about one-in-ten
(11%) do so at least once a week, and about a quarter of each group (23%) does so at least
once a month. The religious unaffiliated group is more likely to engage in such discussions, with
21% saying they participate in such conversations at least once a week and 35% doing so on a
monthly basis.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
IV. Spiritual Experiences
Answers to Prayers
Nearly a third of American adults (31%) say they receive definite answers to specific prayer
requests at least once a month. A majority of Mormons (54%) say they regularly receive answers
to prayers, as do half of members of historically black churches (50%) and more than four-in-
ten Jehovah’s Witnesses (49%), members of evangelical churches (46%) and Muslims (43%).
Members of mainline churches say they receive definite answers to specific prayer requests
much less frequently than other Protestants, with one-in-four (25%) saying they receive such
answers at least once a month.
Receiving Answers to Prayer
% who pray at least several times a year
and receive direct answers to prayers…
At least
Once or
Several
Pray
once
twice a
times
Seldom/
Don’t
seldom or
a week
month
a year
Never
know
less often
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
19
12
18
23
8
20
=100
Protestant
24
15
21
21
10
9
=100
Evangelical churches
29
17
22
16
10
6
=100
Mainline churches
14
11
21
29
9
16
=100
Hist. black churches
34
16
18
16
10
6
=100
Catholic
15
11
20
31
8
14
=100
Mormon
32
22
20
14
6
5
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
36
13
14
19
15
2
=100
Orthodox
11
13
22
26
10
18
=100
Jewish
8
4
9
23
9
47
=100
Muslim
31
12
20
12
8
17
=100
Buddhist
18
6
12
28
6
32
=100
Hindu
13
10
18
27
13
19
=100
Unaffiliated
8
5
8
19
3
58
=100
Atheist
2
0
1
7
1
89
=100
Agnostic
4
3
3
13
2
75
=100
Secular unaffiliated
4
2
4
15
2
73
=100
Religious unaffiliated
15
9
16
28
5
26
=100
Question: Now, thinking about some different kinds of experiences, how often do you [INSERT; RANDOMIZE] – would you say at least once a
week, once or twice a month, several times a year, seldom, or never?
(c) [IF PRAY MORE THAN SELDOM, ASK]: Receive a definite answer to a specific prayer request.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Jews and the unaffiliated are among the groups that are least likely to say they receive answers
to prayers, which is perhaps not surprising given that they are also among the groups least likely
to pray regularly.
Divine Healings
A third of all Americans (34%) say they have experienced or witnessed a divine healing of an
illness or injury. Mormons (69%) are especially likely to say this. Half of members of evangelical
churches (50%) and a slim majority of members of historically black churches (54%) also say they
have experienced or witnessed a divine healing. Within these traditions, members of Pentecostal
churches are particularly likely to say they have witnessed a healing.
Experienced or Witnessed Divine Healing
Believe in God
Don’t believe
Yes, have witnessed
in God/Don’t
or experienced
No, have not
Don’t know
know/Other
%
%
%
%
Total population
34
57
2
8
=100
Protestant
43
54
2
2
=100
Evangelical churches
50
47
2
1
=100
Mainline churches
28
67
2
3
=100
Hist. black churches
54
43
2
1
=100
Catholic
27
68
2
3
=100
Mormon
69
30
1
0
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
7
88
3
2
=100
Orthodox
34
59
2
5
=100
Jewish
17
64
2
17
=100
Muslim
27
64
1
8
=100
Buddhist
22
50
2
25
=100
Hindu
30
61
1
8
=100
Unaffiliated
15
53
1
30
=100
Atheist
2
18
0
79
=100
Agnostic
7
47
0
45
=100
Secular unaffiliated
10
55
1
34
=100
Religious unaffiliated
28
64
2
6
=100
Question: [IF BELIEVE IN GOD/UNIVERSAL SPIRIT, ASK]: Have you ever experienced or witnessed a divine healing of an illness or injury?
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
By contrast, Jehovah’s Witnesses are especially unlikely to say they have witnessed healing.
Only 7% say they have experienced or witnessed a miraculous healing, by far the lowest of any
religious tradition.
Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in tongues, a practice often associated with Pentecostal and charismatic churches,
is not particularly common among Christians overall. More than three-quarters (77%) say they
never speak or pray in tongues; nonetheless, a sizeable minority of Christians (19%) indicate
that speaking in tongues is something they do from time to time, with nearly one-in-ten (9%)
indicating that speaking in tongues is a weekly practice.
Not surprisingly, speaking in tongues is especially common within Pentecostal denominations in
both the evangelical and historically black Protestant traditions. It is also quite common among
members of nondenominational charismatic churches within the evangelical tradition, with nearly
six-in-ten members (58%) of these churches saying they speak or pray in tongues at least several
times a year. By comparison, very few members of mainline Protestant churches report speaking
or praying in tongues regularly.
Speaking or Praying in Tongues
Weekly+
Monthly/Yearly
Seldom
Never
Don’t know
%
%
%
%
%
All Christians
9
4
6
77
4
=100
Protestant
9
4
6
78
3
=100
Evangelical churches
11
5
6
77
3
=100
Nondenominational
17
8
5
68
2 =100
Nondenom. charismatic
44
14
6
35
1
=100
Pentecostal
31
11
10
43
5
=100
Mainline churches
4
2
5
84
4
=100
Hist. black churches
14
6
8
69
3
=100
Pentecostal
28
12
15
38
7 =100
Catholic
9
4
6
75
5
=100
Mormon
4
2
5
86
4
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
4
2
2
88
4
=100
Orthodox
12
6
6
65
11
=100
Based on Christians.
Question: Please tell me how often you do each of the following. First, how often do you [INSERT] – would you say at least once a week, once
or twice a month, several times a year, seldom, or never? And how often do you [INSERT NEXT ITEM]
(e) [IF CHRISTIAN, ASK]: Speak or pray in tongues.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Peace and Wonder
A majority of Americans (52%) say they experience a sense of spiritual peace and well-being at
least once a week. More than seven-in-ten Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons (77% and 71%,
respectively) say they experience this weekly, as do roughly two-thirds of members of evangelical
churches (68%), members of historically black churches (65%) and Muslims (64%). Jews (38%)
and the unaffiliated (35%) are among the groups least likely to say they feel spiritual peace and
well-being on a weekly basis.
Compared with those who experience spiritual peace and well-being regularly, a smaller proportion
of Americans (39%) report feeling a deep sense of wonder about the universe on a weekly basis.
More than half of Buddhists (57%) and Muslims (53%) say they feel a deep sense of wonder on
a weekly basis, as do nearly half of Jehovah’s Witnesses (49%).
Sense of Peace or Wonder
% who say they experience weekly or more …
Deep sense of spiritual
Deep sense of wonder
peace and well-being
about the universe
%
%
Total population
52
39
Protestant
60
39
Evangelical churches
68
41
Mainline churches
47
37
Historically black churches
65
37
Catholic
47
34
Mormon
71
40
Jehovah’s Witness
77
49
Orthodox
45
35
Jewish
38
40
Muslim
64
53
Buddhist
55
57
Hindu
49
39
Unaffiliated
35
39
Atheist
28
37
Agnostic
31
48
Secular unaffiliated
29
36
Religious unaffiliated
44
40
Question: Now, thinking about some different kinds of experiences, how often do you [INSERT; RANDOMIZE] – would you say at least once a
week, once or twice a month, several times a year, seldom, or never?
(a) Feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and well-being.
(b) Feel a deep sense of wonder about the universe.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Although Mormons and members of evangelical and historically black churches are distinct from
the general public on many measures of religious belief and practice, they do not differ greatly
from the general population on this question; 41% of members of evangelical churches, 40% of
Mormons and 37% of members of historically black churches feel a deep sense of wonder about
the universe on a weekly basis. On this measure, these groups are very similar to Jews (40%)
and the unaffiliated (39%). Among the unaffiliated, agnostics are most likely to say they often feel
a sense of wonder – 48% do so weekly, compared with 37% among atheists, 40% among the
religious unaffiliated and 36% among the secular unaffiliated.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
57
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
V. Beliefs About Religion
Is There More Than One Path to
Salvation?
Seven-in-ten Americans with a religious
Religious Exclusivity
affiliation say that many religions can lead to
% who say many religions can lead to eternal life
eternal life. In fact, majorities of nearly every
% who say my religion is the one true faith leading
religious tradition take the view that many
to eternal life
religions can lead to eternal life, including
more than eight-in-ten Jews (82%), Buddhists
Total*
70
24
(86%), Hindus (89%) and members of mainline
Protestant churches (83%), and nearly eight-
Hindu
89
5
in-ten Catholics (79%). Fewer members of
evangelical and historically black churches
Buddhist
86
5
(57% and 59%, respectively) agree with this,
Mainline churches
83
12
as do 56% of Muslims. Only among Mormons
Jewish
82
5
and Jehovah’s Witnesses do a majorities (57%
and 80%, respectively) say that their religion
Catholic
79
16
is the one true faith leading to eternal life.
Orthodox
72
20
Hist. black churches
59
34
Evangelical churches
57
36
Muslim
56
33
Mormon
39
57
Jehovah’s Witness
16
80
*Based on those with a religious affiliation.
Question: Now, as I read a pair of statements, tell me
whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes
closer to your own views even if neither is exactly right.
First/next [INSERT]
(a) My religion is the one true faith leading to eternal
life, OR Many religions can lead to eternal life.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
How Strictly to Interpret the
Strictness of Interpretation
Faith?
% who say there is more than one true way to interpret
the teachings of my religion
More than two-thirds of Americans with a
religious affiliation (68%) believe that there
% who say there is only one true way to interpret the
teachings of my religion
is more than one true way to interpret the
teachings of their own faith. A slim majority
Total*
68
27
of members of evangelical churches (53%)
say the teachings of their religion are open
to more than one true interpretation, as do
Buddhist
90
5
upwards of six-in-ten of most other religious
traditions. Roughly nine-in-ten Jews (89%)
Jewish
89
6
and Buddhists (90%), for instance, say
Hindu
85
10
there is more than one true way to interpret
the teachings of their religion. But here
Mainline churches
82
14
again, Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses
Catholic
77
19
stand out. Majorities of both groups (54%
Orthodox
68
28
among Mormons, 77% among Jehovah’s
Witnesses) say there is only one true way
Muslim**
60
33
to interpret the teachings of their religion.
Hist. black churches
57
39
A plurality of those affiliated with a religion Evangelical churches
53
41
(44%) say their religion should preserve its
Mormon
43
54
traditional beliefs and practices. But nearly
half say their religion should adjust to new
Jehovah’s Witness
18
77
circumstances (35%) or adopt modern
beliefs and practices (12%).
*Based on those with a religious affiliation.
Mormons (68%), Jehovah’s Witnesses
**From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly
Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007. Muslims were
(61%) and members of evangelical churches
asked about the teachings of “Islam” rather than “my religion.”
(59%) stand out for their preference that
their churches preserve traditional beliefs
Question: Now, as I read a pair of statements, tell me whether
the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to
and practices. Nearly half of members of
your own views even if neither is exactly right. First/next
historically black Protestant churches (48%)
[INSERT]
(b) There is only ONE true way to interpret the teachings of
and Orthodox Christians (49%) also say they
my religion, OR There is MORE than one true way to
want their church to preserve its traditional
interpret the teachings of my religion.
beliefs and practices.
Majorities of Catholics and members of mainline Protestant churches, on the other hand, say their
churches should adjust traditional practices in light of new circumstances (42%) or adopt modern
beliefs and practices (15% among Catholics and 14% among members of mainline churches).
Jews, Buddhists and Hindus also tend to favor adjusting to new circumstances.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Tradition, Modernity and Religion
My religion should …
Preserve traditional Adjust to new
Adopt modern
Don’t
beliefs/practices
circumstances
beliefs/practices
Other know
%
%
%
%
%
Total affiliated
44
35
12
1
7 =100
Protestant
49
32
10
2
8 =100
Evangelical churches
59
25
7
2
7 =100
Mainline churches
34
42
14
1
8 =100
Hist. black churches
48
28
12
2
10 =100
Catholic
36
42
15
1
7 =100
Mormon
68
23
3
3
3 =100
Jehovah’s Witness
61
21
3
4
11 =100
Orthodox
49
31
10
1
9 =100
Jewish
26
46
19
1
7 =100
Muslim
39
30
21
1
9 =100
Buddhist
18
51
20
2
9 =100
Hindu
16
47
23
2
12 =100
Results based on those reporting a religious affiliation.
Question: [IF AFFILIATED WITH A RELIGION, ASK]: Thinking about your religion, which of the following statements comes closest to your
view? My church or denomination should preserve its traditional beliefs and practices OR adjust traditional beliefs and practices in light of new
circumstances OR adopt modern beliefs and practices.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
VI. Beliefs About Morality
Nearly eight-in-ten U.S. adults (78%), including substantial majorities of nearly every religious
tradition, agree that there are clear and absolute standards of right and wrong. Indeed, with
the exception of Buddhists, at least six-in-ten members of every religious tradition believe that
absolute standards for right and wrong exist; among Buddhists, the number is 52%.
More than two-thirds of the unaffiliated (67%) agree that there are absolute standards of right
and wrong. Atheists, agnostics and the secular unaffiliated are somewhat less likely to take this
point of view compared with the religious unaffiliated (75%). But even among more secular
adults, there is a high level of belief in absolute standards of right and wrong (65% of the secular
unaffiliated take this position as do 59% of agnostics and 58% of atheists).
Absolute Standards of Right and Wrong
Agree
Disagree
Don’t know/Refused
%
%
%
Total population
78
21
2
=100
Protestant
81
17
2
=100
Evangelical churches
84
14
2
=100
Mainline churches
77
21
2
=100
Hist. black churches
78
18
3
=100
Catholic
78
19
3
=100
Mormon
89
11
1
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
84
14
3
=100
Orthodox
72
24
5
=100
Jewish
63
35
2
=100
Muslim
72
23
4
=100
Buddhist
52
44
3
=100
Hindu
66
28
6
=100
Unaffiliated
67
30
2
=100
Atheist
58
39
2
=100
Agnostic
59
39
2
=100
Secular unaffiliated
65
34
2
=100
Religious unaffiliated
75
22
3
=100
Question: Now, as I read some statements on a few different topics, please tell me if you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly DISagree or
completely disagree with each one. (First/next) [INSERT; RANDOMIZE]…do you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree, or completely
disagree?
(b) There are clear and absolute standards for what is right and wrong.
Chapter 1: Religious Beliefs and Practices
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Americans demonstrate a practical bent when it comes to the sources to which they look for
guidance on such matters. Roughly three-in-ten (29%) cite religious teachings and beliefs as their
biggest influence, but a slim majority of the public (52%) says that they look most to practical
experience and common sense when it comes to questions of right and wrong. Fewer look to
philosophy and reason (9%) or scientific information (5%) as the primary source of their beliefs
about right and wrong.
Only among members of evangelical churches (52%), Mormons (58%) and Jehovah’s Witnesses
(73%) do majorities say religious teachings and beliefs are the biggest influence on their
understanding of right and wrong. Large majorities of members of mainline churches (59%),
Catholics (57%) and Jews (60%) say practical experience and common sense are their biggest
influences, as do two-thirds of the unaffiliated (66%).
Biggest Influence on Views of Right and Wrong
Religous
Practical
Don’t
teachings
Philosophy
experience and
Scientific
know/
and beliefs
and reason
common sense
information
Refused
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
29
9
52
5
4 =100
Protestant
41
6
47
3
3
=100
Evangelical churches
52
4
39
2
3 =100
Mainline churches
24
9
59
4
4 =100
Hist. black churches
43
4
47
3
3 =100
Catholic
22
10
57
7
5
=100
Mormon
58
4
33
2
3
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
73
3
19
1
4
=100
Orthodox
25
11
52
8
5
=100
Jewish
10
15
60
9
5
=100
Muslim
33
10
41
14
2
=100
Buddhist
4
27
51
12
5
=100
Hindu
9
15
55
18
4
=100
Unaffiliated
6
16
66
10
3
=100
Atheist
2
21
52
20
3 =100
Agnostic
2
25
61
11
2 =100
Secular unaffiliated
2
15
70
9
3 =100
Religious unaffiliated
12
11
67
6
4 =100
Question: When it comes to questions of right and wrong, which of the following do you look to most for guidance? Would you say [READ
AND RANDOMIZE OPTIONS] religious teachings and beliefs, philosophy and reason, practical experience and common sense, or scientific
information?
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Atheists are much more likely than most other groups to cite science as the authority to which
they look on questions of right and wrong, with 20% taking this view. A significant minority of
Buddhists (27%) say they rely most on philosophy and reason.
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Chapter 2:
Social and Political Views
Relatively few Americans say they look to religion as the primary source of their views on
social and political issues. Nevertheless, the Landscape Survey confirms the strong links that
exist between Americans’ religious affiliation, their beliefs and practices, and their basic social
and political attitudes. Religion may, in fact, be playing a more powerful, albeit indirect, role in
shaping people’s thinking than many Americans recognize.
This chapter examines the views of members of the various religious traditions on many of the
social and political issues of the day. Where sample size allows, traditions are broken down further
by levels of religious commitment according to four important measures – frequency of worship
service attendance, importance of religion in one’s life, frequency of prayer and degree of belief
in a personal God. The analysis shows that on many issues, the fault lines of American politics run
not only along religious traditions but through them.
The religious beliefs, practices and identities of U.S. adults are extremely diverse, but among
almost all faiths there is broad agreement about the positive impact religion exerts in society.
Most Americans disagree with the notion that religion causes more problems than it solves.
Most people who are affiliated with a religion also do not see a conflict between being a devout
person and living in a modern society.
American adults are very content with their family and personal lives, with 59% of the public
overall and majorities of almost every religious group reporting they are very satisfied with their
personal lives. Opinions are more negative when it comes to American politics, however, with
68% expressing dissatisfaction with the way the political system is working and similar numbers
expressing dissatisfaction with the way things are going in the country.
Americans report relatively high levels of political engagement. More than half (52%) say they
follow politics or public affairs most of the time. There are few substantial differences in self-
reported interest in politics across religious groups or levels of religious commitment.
But although religion is not strongly tied to political engagement, religion has a more significant
impact on American attitudes on a core group of issues. Views on social or cultural issues such as
abortion and homosexuality are strongly tied to both an individual’s religious affiliation and level
of religious commitment. For instance, while a slim majority of Americans (51%) favor keeping
abortion legal in all or most cases, Mormons and members of evangelical churches remain strongly
opposed to legalized abortion (70% and 61%, respectively). There is also significant variation
within religious traditions, with more highly committed believers holding more conservative
positions on these issues.
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Not only does religious affiliation influence Americans’ attitudes on important social and cultural
questions, it is also closely related to Americans’ basic political orientation. For example, while
members of historically black Protestant churches, Jews and people who are not affiliated with
a religion are largely Democratic, members of evangelical Protestant churches and Mormons
lean more Republican. Further, across several religious traditions, Americans who pray more
frequently, attend worship services more often, are more certain in their belief in a personal God
or say religion is very important in their lives tend to be more conservative and somewhat more
Republican than others.
On other topics covered in the survey, such as views on the role and size of government and
foreign policy attitudes, the role of religion is less clear. Differences among religious traditions
on many economic issues and foreign policy questions are comparatively smaller. For instance, a
majority of nearly every religious group supports stricter environmental regulations and believes
the government should do more to help Americans in need. Similarly, most Americans, including
majorities of most faiths, say it is more important to focus on problems here at home than to be
active in world affairs.
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I. Religion and Society
Religion and Societal Problems
Most American adults (62%) reject the notion that religion causes more problems in society than
it solves. Majorities of most Christian traditions as well as a large majority of Muslims (68%)
reject this idea.
By contrast, nearly half of all Jews (49%) and more than half of Buddhists (56%), Hindus (57%) and
the unaffiliated (59%) say religion causes more problems than it solves. A majority of Jehovah’s
Witnesses (51%) also say religion causes more harm than good in society. Atheists stand out
Religion’s Role in Society
“Religion causes more problems in society than it solves”
Completely
Mostly
Mostly
Completely
Don’t
agree
agree
disagree
disagree
know
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
14
20
28
34
4
=100
Protestant
9
16
28
43
4
=100
Evangelical churches
7
13
26
50
4
=100
Mainline churches
11
22
33
30
4
=100
Hist. black churches
10
14
27
45
5
=100
Catholic
13
20
31
33
4
=100
Mormon
3
11
30
54
1
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
29
22
14
27
8
=100
Orthodox
13
23
30
29
5
=100
Jewish
22
27
28
18
5
=100
Muslim
11
16
21
47
4
=100
Buddhist
30
26
25
12
6
=100
Hindu
25
32
23
15
4
=100
Unaffiliated
30
29
23
14
4
=100
Atheist
49
28
14
6
3
=100
Agnostic
39
33
20
6
2
=100
Secular unaffiliated
34
32
21
8
5
=100
Religious unaffiliated
17
23
28
26
5
=100
Question: Here are a few statements. For each one, please tell me if you completely agree with it, mostly agree with it, mostly disagree with
it, or completely disagree with it. The first/next one is [INSERT ITEM; RANDOMIZE]…do you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree
or completely disagree?
(c) Religion causes more problems in society than it solves.
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for the degree with which they believe religion is a problem. Nearly half of all atheists (49%) say
they completely agree that religion is more likely to cause problems than to provide solutions in
society.
Among the general public and several of the largest religious groups, those who exhibit higher
levels of religious commitment are more likely to reject the notion that religion causes more
problems than it solves. For instance, three-quarters of Americans (76%) who attend religious
services at least once a week reject the idea that religion is, on balance, a negative influence in
society, compared with slightly more than half (53%) of those who attend services less often.
The attendance gap on this issue cuts across many religious traditions. There are also differences
between those who express certain belief in a personal God and others. For instance, among
members of mainline Protestant churches who express certainty in their belief in a personal God,
more than seven-in-ten (73%) do not think religion causes more problems than it solves, while
those who are less certain in this belief or who hold different views about God are more evenly
split on this question. Similar patterns are seen across several religious traditions between those
who pray often and those who do not, and between those who say religion is very important in
their lives and those who say it is less important.
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Religion and Societal Problems
% disagree that religion causes more problems than it solves…
T
otal population
62%
Catholic
64%
Attend weekly or more
76
Attend weekly or more
73
All others
53
All others
58
Religion is very important
74
Religion is very important
72
All others
47
All others
55
Pray at least daily
71
Pray at least daily
69
All others
50
All others
58
Absolute belief in personal God
74
Absolute belief in personal God
71
All others
50
All others
57
Evangelical Protestant churches
76%
Mormon
85%
Attend weekly or more
81
Attend weekly or more
88
All others
69
All others
74
Religion is very important
80
Religion is very important
88
All others
62
All others
N/A
Pray at least daily
79
Pray at least daily
89
All others
66
All others
N/A
Absolute belief in personal God
79
Absolute belief in personal God
88
All others
67
All others
N/A
Mainline Protestant churches
63%
Orthodox Christian
60%
Attend weekly or more
75
Attend weekly or more
73
All others
57
All others
53
Religion is very important
74
Religion is very important
63
All others
52
All others
55
Pray at least daily
70
Pray at least daily
60
All others
56
All others
59
Absolute belief in personal God
73
Absolute belief in personal God
66
All others
53
All others
55
Hist. black Protestant churches
72%
Jewish
46%
Attend weekly or more
76
Attend weekly or more
N/A
All others
67
All others
41
Religion is very important
74
Religion is very important
69
All others
58
All others
36
Pray at least daily
73
Pray at least daily
62
All others
65
All others
41
Absolute belief in personal God
74
Absolute belief in personal God
63
All others
67
All others
43
Note: The “absolute belief in a personal God” category includes those who indicate that they believe in God or a universal spirit, are absolutely
certain God exists and believe God is a person.
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Conflict Between Religion and Modern Society
Most Americans believe that modern society does not present a challenge to devout believers.
The Landscape Survey finds that a majority of adults (54%) with a religious affiliation see no
conflict between being a devout religious person and living in modern society. A substantial
minority (40%), however, does see a tension. Jehovah’s Witnesses (59%) are most likely to see a
conflict between being religious and living in modern society; a plurality of members of evangelical
churches (49%) also say this. Jews (29%) are least likely to see a conflict.
The unaffiliated population was asked a different version of this question – whether there is a
conflict between being non-religious and living in a society where people are religious. One-third
(34%) perceives such a conflict; atheists and agnostics are most likely to say this (44% and 41%,
respectively).
Conflict Between Religion and Modern Society?
Conflict
No conflict
Don’t know
%
%
%
Total affiliated*
40
54
6
=100
Protestant
43
51
7
=100
Evangelical churches
49
45
6
=100
Mainline churches
32
62
6
=100
Hist. black churches
46
45
9
=100
Catholic
34
61
5
=100
Mormon
36
60
4
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
59
32
9
=100
Orthodox
35
58
7
=100
Jewish
29
65
6
=100
Muslim**
32
63
5
=100
Buddhist
30
65
6
=100
Hindu
31
62
7
=100
Unaffiliated***
34
61
6
=100
Atheist
44
52
5
=100
Agnostic
41
55
4
=100
Secular unaffiliated
28
68
4
=100
Religious unaffiliated
34
58
8
=100
*Question: [IF HAS A RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION, ASK]: Do you think there is a natural conflict between being a devout religious person and
living in a modern society, or don’t you think so?
**From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
***Question: [IF UNAFFILIATED, ASK]: Do you think there is a natural conflict between being a non-religious person and living in a society
where most people are religious, or don’t you think so?
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Hollywood vs. Religion?
The perceived conflict between religion and modern society is clearly evident when it comes
to views about Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Hollywood and the entertainment
industry are often seen as in conflict with the values of certain religious groups, and a significant
number of the general population (42%), including a majority of some religious groups, express
this view. However, most Americans (56%) disagree with the idea that their values are threatened
by Hollywood.
Mormons are by far the most apprehensive about Hollywood: Two-thirds (67%) say Tinseltown and
the entertainment industry represent a threat to their values. A majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses
and members of evangelical churches agree. Concern is particularly pronounced among the
most observant Mormons and members of evangelical churches: 75% of Mormons who attend
religious services at least once a week and 60% of members of evangelical churches who attend
church this often see the entertainment industry as a threat.
Hollywood Threatens My Values
Agree
Disagree
Don’t know/Refused
%
%
%
Total population
42
56
3
=100
Protestant
46
52
2
=100
Evangelical churches
53
45
2
=100
Mainline churches
41
57
2
=100
Historically black churches
35
63
3
=100
Catholic
43
54
3
=100
Mormon
67
30
2
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
54
42
5
=100
Orthodox
42
56
2
=100
Jewish
25
72
2
=100
Muslim
41
56
2
=100
Buddhist
31
65
4
=100
Hindu
39
59
3
=100
Unaffiliated
28
70
2
=100
Atheist
19
79
2
=100
Agnostic
21
78
1
=100
Secular unaffiliated
27
72
2
=100
Religious unaffiliated
35
62
2
=100
Question: Now, as I read some statements on a few different topics, please tell me if you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly DISagree or
completely disagree with each one. (First/next) [INSERT; RANDOMIZE]
(a) I often feel that my values are threatened by Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
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Majorities of most other religious groups are less concerned about Hollywood and the entertainment
industry. However, at least four-in-ten Catholics (43%), Orthodox Christians (42%), members of
mainline Protestant churches (41%) and Muslims (41%) say they feel their values are threatened
by the influence of Hollywood.
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II. Satisfaction with Personal and Public Life
Religion and Personal Satisfaction
Most Americans are very satisfied with their personal lives. Close to nine-in-ten (86%) say they
are satisfied with the way things are going in their personal lives, and six-in-ten (59%) say they are
very satisfied. Majorities of nearly every religious tradition are very satisfied with their personal
lives; only among members of historically black Protestant churches do fewer than half (47%) say
they are very satisfied with their personal lives.
Levels of Satisfaction
% very satisfied with …
Personal life
Family life
Standard of living
Personal safety
%
%
%
%
Total population
59
75
38
32
Protestant
59
75
39
32
Evangelical churches
61
76
38
34
Mainline churches
62
77
43
35
Historically black churches
47
67
29
19
Catholic
62
77
37
30
Mormon
66
83
45
42
Jehovah’s Witness
56
69
32
18
Orthodox
54
71
34
31
Jewish
64
76
49
33
Muslim
53
72
37
36
Buddhist
56
74
41
39
Hindu
62
76
46
37
Unaffiliated
54
70
35
34
Atheist
57
68
42
42
Agnostic
53
69
40
39
Secular unaffiliated
56
71
37
35
Religious unaffiliated
52
70
30
28
Questions: All in all, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in your personal life? [IF SATISFIED OR DISSATISFIED, ASK]:
Would you say that’s very [satisfied/dissatisfied] or just somewhat [satisfied/dissatisfied]?
Please tell me how satisfied you are with the following things. (First/next), how satisfied are you with [INSERT; RANDOMIZE]…Are you very
satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat DISsatisfied or very DISsatisfied?
(a) Your standard of living -- what you can buy or do.
(b) Your family life.
(d) Your personal safety from things like crime and terrorism.
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American adults are even more content with their family lives. More than nine-in-ten (93%)
say they are satisfied, and three-quarters say they are very satisfied, in their family lives. Large
majorities within every religious group express high levels of satisfaction with their family lives.
The survey finds a link between individuals’ religious beliefs and practices and their satisfaction
with their personal lives, with those exhibiting greater religious commitment somewhat more likely
to express satisfaction with their lives. Among the various measures of religious commitment
analyzed here – frequency of worship service attendance, prayer, importance of religion in one’s
life and view of God – attendance appears to have the greatest impact on levels of personal
satisfaction. For instance, among members of historically black churches who attend religious
services at least once a week, a majority (54%) say they are very satisfied with their personal
lives, compared with less than four-in-ten (37%) of those who attend less often. Slightly smaller,
but nonetheless significant gaps are also evident among the general public as well as among
other religious groups. A similar pattern exists for satisfaction with family life, with those who
attend church more frequently being somewhat more likely than others to express high levels of
satisfaction with their family life.
Three-quarters of Americans (78%) say they are content with their standard of living or what
they can buy or do. However, fewer express a high degree of satisfaction; less than four-in-ten
(38%) say they are very satisfied. Perhaps not surprisingly, religious groups reporting high levels
of education and income tend to express greater satisfaction with their standard of living. For
instance, nearly half of Jews (49%) and Hindus (46%) say they are very satisfied with what they
can buy and do, while members of historically black churches (29%) are significantly less likely to
express similar levels of satisfaction.
More than seven-in-ten Americans say they are very (32%) or somewhat (39%) satisfied with their
level of personal safety from things like crime and terrorism. Mormons (42%), Buddhists (39%),
atheists (42%) and agnostics (39%) are among the most likely to say they are very satisfied with
their level of personal safety.
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Satisfaction With Personal Life
% who are very satisfied…
Total population
59%
Catholic
62%
Attend weekly or more
65
Attend weekly or more
67
All others
55
All others
59
Religion is very important
62
Religion is very important
65
All others
56
All others
59
Pray at least daily
61
Pray at least daily
63
All others
57
All others
62
Absolute belief in personal God
62
Absolute belief in personal God
65
All others
56
All others
60
Evangelical Protestant churches
61%
Mormon
66%
Attend weekly or more
66
Attend weekly or more
71
All others
53
All others
52
Religion is very important
63
Religion is very important
71
All others
53
All others
N/A
Pray at least daily
62
Pray at least daily
70
All others
55
All others
N/A
Absolute belief in personal God
63
Absolute belief in personal God
69
All others
55
All others
N/A
Mainline Protestant churches
62%
Orthodox Christian
54%
Attend weekly or more
68
Attend weekly or more
66
All others
59
All others
47
Religion is very important
65
Religion is very important
57
All others
59
All others
50
Pray at least daily
63
Pray at least daily
54
All others
62
All others
53
Absolute belief in personal God
66
Absolute belief in personal God
57
All others
59
All others
51
Hist. black Protestant churches
47%
Jewish
64%
Attend weekly or more
54
Attend weekly or more
N/A
All others
37
All others
62
Religion is very important
48
Religion is very important
70
All others
41
All others
62
Pray at least daily
48
Pray at least daily
71
All others
42
All others
62
Absolute belief in personal God
49
Absolute belief in personal God
68
All others
42
All others
63
Note: The “absolute belief in a personal God” category includes those who indicate that they believe in God or a universal spirit, are absolutely
certain God exists and believe God is a person.
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Satisfaction With American Society and the Political System
Despite their overall feeling of satisfaction with their family and personal lives, only about a
quarter of Americans (27%) say they are satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S.
Many religious groups register similar levels of displeasure, but a few groups express distinctive
views. For instance, Mormons (40%) and Hindus (38%) are among those registering the highest
levels of satisfaction. Conversely, members of historically black churches (17%) and Jehovah’s
Witnesses (10%) are among the least satisfied.
Attitudes about the political system are nearly identical to views about the country in general. More
than two-thirds of Americans (68%) were dissatisfied (as of summer 2007 when the survey was
Satisfaction With Direction of the Country and Political System
% very or somewhat satisfied with …
Direction of the country
Political system
%
%
Total population
27
27
Protestant
27
27
Evangelical churches
29
30
Mainline churches
27
27
Hist. black churches
17
21
Catholic
30
30
Mormon
40
36
Jehovah’s Witness
10
11
Orthodox
34
31
Jewish
25
29
Muslim*
38
25
Buddhist
24
24
Hindu
38
33
Unaffiliated
24
21
Atheist
21
20
Agnostic
22
17
Secular unaffiliated
25
21
Religious unaffiliated
26
25
* From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Questions: All in all, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in this country today? [IF SATISFIED OR DISSATISFIED,
ASK]: Would you say that’s very [satisfied/dissatisfied] or just somewhat [satisfied/dissatisfied]?
Please tell me how satisfied you are with the following things. (First/next), how satisfied are you with [INSERT; RANDOMIZE]…Are you very
satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat DISsatisfied or very DISsatisfied?
(c) The way the political system is working in this country.
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conducted) with how the political system operates in the U.S.; only slightly more than a quarter
(27%) were satisfied. These attitudes were relatively similar across religious groups. In fact, with
the exception of Mormons (36%), no more than a third of any religious tradition expressed overall
satisfaction with the way the political system was working.
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III. Religion and Political Attentiveness
Influences on Political Thinking
When asked about what most influences their thinking about government and politics, a plurality
of the general public (34%) says they rely most on their own personal experiences. Roughly one-
in-five (19%) say they rely on what they have seen in the media. Only 14% cite their religious
beliefs as the most important influence in their thinking about government and public affairs.
Jehovah’s Witnesses (60%), members of evangelical churches (28%) and Mormons (24%) are
more likely to rely on their religious beliefs to guide their political thinking than are members of
What Most Influences Thinking About Government and Public Affairs?
Your
Views of
What you
personal
your
have seen
Your
Your
Some-
Don’t
exper-
friends
or read in religious
educa-
thing
know/
ience
and family
the media
beliefs
tion
else
Refused
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
34
6
19
14
13
10
4 =100
Protestant
32
6
18
20
11
10
4 =100
Evang. churches
29
6
16
28
8
9
4 =100
Mainline churches
37
7
19
8
15
10
4 =100
Hist. black churches
28
7
23
17
10
12
3 =100
Catholic
35
7
23
9
14
9
5 =100
Mormon
38
4
12
24
12
6
4 =100
Jehovah’s Witness
13
3
10
60
3
8
3 =100
Orthodox
35
8
20
9
15
9
4 =100
Jewish
35
6
20
4
21
11
3 =100
Muslim
28
9
19
13
18
12
2 =100
Buddhist
35
7
18
2
26
9
4 =100
Hindu
28
8
28
3
23
5
4 =100
Unaffiliated
40
6
19
3
16
13
3 =100
Atheist
40
7
16
1
22
11
3 =100
Agnostic
42
3
16
1
24
12
2 =100
Secular unaffil.
42
6
20
1
15
13
3 =100
Religious unaffil.
37
7
20
6
13
12
5 =100
Question: When you [do] think about government and public affairs, which of the following factors most influences your thinking? Would you
say it’s your personal experience, the views of your friends and family, what you have seen or read in the media, your religious beliefs, your
education, or something else?
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other religious groups. Less than 5% of Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and the unaffiliated say that
their religious views serve as their primary guide to politics and public affairs.
Americans who pray daily, attend worship services at least weekly, express certain belief in a
personal God or say religion is very important in their lives are significantly more likely than others
to say their religious beliefs most influence their views on politics. For instance, more than one-in-
four Americans (27%) who attend religious services at least once a week say they rely principally
on their religious beliefs to guide their thinking about politics, compared with only one-in-twenty
(5%) of those who attend less often. It is worth pointing out, however, that even among the most
religiously engaged Americans, only minorities cite religion as the primary influence on their
thinking about government and politics.
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Religion’s Influence on Political Views
% who say religious beliefs most influence their thinking on politics
Total population
14%
Catholic
9%
Attend weekly or more
27
Attend weekly or more
15
All others
5
All others
4
Religion is very important
22
Religion is very important
13
All others
3
All others
3
Pray at least daily
21
Pray at least daily
12
All others
4
All others
4
Absolute belief in personal God
21
Absolute belief in personal God
12
All others
6
All others
5
Evangelical Protestant churches
28%
Mormon
24%
Attend weekly or more
39
Attend weekly or more
28
All others
13
All others
9
Religion is very important
34
Religion is very important
27
All others
6
All others
N/A
Pray at least daily
33
Pray at least daily
28
All others
10
All others
N/A
Absolute belief in personal God
33
Absolute belief in personal God
27
All others
15
All others
N/A
Mainline Protestant churches
8%
Orthodox Christian
9%
Attend weekly or more
17
Attend weekly or more
20
All others
3
All others
3
Religion is very important
14
Religion is very important
15
All others
2
All others
2
Pray at least daily
12
Pray at least daily
14
All others
3
All others
1
Absolute belief in personal God
12
Absolute belief in personal God
14
All others
4
All others
5
Hist. black Protestant churches
17%
Jewish
4%
Attend weekly or more
23
Attend weekly or more
N/A
All others
10
All others
2
Religion is very important
20
Religion is very important
11
All others
5
All others
2
Pray at least daily
20
Pray at least daily
12
All others
9
All others
2
Absolute belief in personal God
20
Absolute belief in personal God
9
All others
12
All others
3
Note: The “absolute belief in a personal God” category includes those who indicate that they believe in God or a universal spirit, are absolutely
certain God exists and believe God is a person.
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Attention to Politics
Roughly half of the general public (52%) and similar numbers of most religious groups say that
they follow occurrences in the government most of the time. Among most of these groups an
additional third say they follow government activity or public affairs some of the time, with fewer
than one-in-five saying they pay attention only now and then or hardly at all.
Certain groups do stand out, however, in their attentiveness to public affairs. More than two-
thirds of Jews (68%) and six-in-ten atheists (61%), agnostics (63%) and Buddhists (60%) say they
follow politics most of the time. At the opposite end of the spectrum are Jehovah’s Witnesses
and the religious unaffiliated. Less than three-in-ten Jehovah’s Witnesses and about four-in-ten of
the religious unaffiliated say they follow politics or public affairs most of the time. In fact, more
than a quarter of Jehovah’s Witnesses (27%) say they hardly ever pay attention to public affairs.
Political Attentiveness
% who follow government and public affairs…
Most of
Some of
Only now
Hardly
Don’t know/
the time
the time
and then
at all
Refused
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
52
29
11
7
1
=100
Protestant
53
29
11
6
1
=100
Evangelical churches
52
30
11
7
1
=100
Mainline churches
58
28
9
5
0
=100
Hist. black churches
47
32
13
7
1
=100
Catholic
49
30
13
7
1
=100
Mormon
54
34
8
4
0
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
29
24
17
27
3
=100
Orthodox
49
37
7
6
2
=100
Jewish
68
22
7
2
1
=100
Muslim
47
34
14
4
1
=100
Buddhist
60
26
8
4
1
=100
Hindu
50
33
10
6
2
=100
Unaffiliated
49
28
13
9
1
=100
Atheist
61
24
8
6
2
=100
Agnostic
63
25
9
4
0
=100
Secular unaffiliated
49
29
12
9
1
=100
Religious unaffiliated
41
30
16
12
1
=100
Question: Some people seem to follow what’s going on in government and public affairs most of the time, whether there’s an election or not.
Others aren’t that interested. Would you say you follow what’s going on in government and public affairs most of the time, some of the time,
only now and then, or hardly at all?
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Voter Registration
Nearly three-quarters of adults (73%) in the U.S., including the vast majority of most religious
groups, say they are registered to vote. Among Jews and mainline Protestants, more than eight-
in-ten (84% and 81% respectively) are registered to vote.
Less than half of Muslims (48%) and Hindus (42%) are registered to vote, although this relatively
low level is primarily due to the fact that both groups are made up of a disproportionately large
number of immigrants who are not eligible to vote; a quarter of Muslims and four-in-ten Hindus
are not U.S. citizens. Jehovah’s Witnesses also have low levels of voter registration. Slightly more
than one-in-ten Jehovah’s Witnesses (13%) are registered to vote, but nearly three-quarters (74%)
say they are not registered.
Voter Registration
Registered
Possible
Yes,
registration
absolutely
lapsed/
Not
Don’t know/
Not U.S.
certain
Not sure
registered
Refused
citizen
%
%
%
%
%
Total population
73
3
17
1
6
=100
Protestant
78
3
16
1
3
=100
Evangelical churches
76
3
17
1
3
=100
Mainline churches
81
3
14
0
2
=100
Hist. black churches
77
5
15
1
2
=100
Catholic
69
3
14
1
13
=100
Mormon
76
5
15
1
3
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
13
0
74
1
11
=100
Orthodox
69
4
17
1
9
=100
Jewish
84
2
10
1
2
=100
Muslim*
48
2
22
3
25
=100
Buddhist
73
3
15
1
7
=100
Hindu
42
4
14
1
40
=100
Unaffiliated
65
4
24
1
6
=100
Atheist
69
3
22
1
5
=100
Agnostic
72
3
21
1
3
=100
Secular unaffiliated
67
3
24
1
5
=100
Religious unaffiliated
59
4
26
1
9
=100
* From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: [IF CITIZEN, ASK]: These days, many people are so busy they can’t find time to register to vote, or move around so often they don’t
get a chance to re-register. Are you now registered to vote in your precinct or election district or haven’t you been able to register so far? [IF
REGISTERED, ASK]: Are you absolutely certain that you are registered to vote, or is there a chance that your registration has lapsed because
you moved or for some other reason?
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IV. Religion, Ideology and Partisanship
Ideology
Overall, nearly twice as many Americans identify as politically conservative (37%) as liberal
(20%); more than a third says they are politically moderate (36%). But ideological identity varies
widely among religious groups. Mormons and members of evangelical Protestant churches are
by far the most politically conservative. Majorities of both groups say they are conservative (60%
and 52%, respectively), while only about one-in-ten in each group say they are liberal. Half of all
Jehovah’s Witnesses offered no opinion of their ideological self-placement.
Members of non-Christian faiths, on the other hand, tend to be much more moderate or liberal.
Jews are about twice as likely to be liberal as conservative (38% vs. 21%). Half (50%) of all
Buddhists and atheists describe themselves as liberal. Hindus are about three times more likely
to be liberal (35%) than conservative (12%).
Catholics and members of mainline and historically black Protestant churches all resemble the
population as a whole in terms of their ideological profile.
In general, Americans who place a high value on religion in their lives or who are very active
religiously tend to be more politically conservative than other Americans. People who attend
religious services at least once a week or pray daily, for instance, are significantly more politically
conservative (46% and 44%, respectively) than those who attend services or pray less often
(28% and 27%, respectively).
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Political Ideology
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don’t know/Refused
%
%
%
%
Total population
37
36
20
7
=100
Protestant
44
34
15
6
=100
Evangelical churches
52
30
11
7
=100
Mainline churches
36
41
18
5
=100
Hist. black churches
35
36
21
8
=100
Catholic
36
38
18
8
=100
Mormon
60
27
10
3
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
21
12
17
50
=100
Orthodox
30
45
20
6
=100
Jewish
21
39
38
3
=100
Muslim*
19
38
24
19
=100
Buddhist
12
32
50
6
=100
Hindu
12
44
35
10
=100
Unaffiliated
20
39
34
8
=100
Atheist
14
27
50
8
=100
Agnostic
15
39
44
3
=100
Secular unaffiliated
17
39
35
8
=100
Religious unaffiliated
25
41
24
10
=100
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: In general, would you describe your political views as very conservative, conservative, moderate, liberal, or very liberal?
Almost twice as many people who say religion is very important in their lives are conservative
(46%) compared with those for whom religion is less important (25%). A similar pattern is found
among several religious traditions. For instance, among Jews and members of evangelical
Protestant churches, the differences between those who pray daily or attend services at least
once a week and those who do not is quite dramatic. More than twice as many Jews who pray
daily identify as conservative (36%) compared with those who pray less often (16%). Catholics
who attend religious services at least once a week are significantly more conservative than those
who attend less often (45% vs. 31%), and Catholics who pray daily are also significantly more
likely to be conservative than those who pray less often (40% vs. 31%).
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Political Conservatism
% who identify as conservative…
Total population
37%
Catholic
36%
Attend weekly or more
50
Attend weekly or more
45
All others
28
All others
31
Religion is very important
46
Religion is very important
42
All others
25
All others
29
Pray at least daily
44
Pray at least daily
40
All others
27
All others
31
Absolute belief in personal God
46
Absolute belief in personal God
41
All others
27
All others
32
Evangelical Protestant churches
52%
Mormon
60%
Attend weekly or more
61
Attend weekly or more
66
All others
40
All others
40
Religion is very important
57
Religion is very important
66
All others
34
All others
N/A
Pray at least daily
56
Pray at least daily
64
All others
40
All others
N/A
Absolute belief in personal God
58
Absolute belief in personal God
65
All others
38
All others
N/A
Mainline Protestant churches
36%
Orthodox Christian
30%
Attend weekly or more
43
Attend weekly or more
44
All others
32
All others
22
Religion is very important
41
Religion is very important
42
All others
30
All others
13
Pray at least daily
39
Pray at least daily
38
All others
32
All others
17
Absolute belief in personal God
41
Absolute belief in personal God
40
All others
30
All others
22
Hist. black Protestant churches
35%
Jewish
21%
Attend weekly or more
39
Attend weekly or more
N/A
All others
30
All others
17
Religion is very important
37
Religion is very important
33
All others
25
All others
15
Pray at least daily
36
Pray at least daily
36
All others
29
All others
16
Absolute belief in personal God
37
Absolute belief in personal God
27
All others
31
All others
20
Note: The “absolute belief in a personal God” category includes those who indicate that they believe in God or a universal spirit, are absolutely
certain God exists and believe God is a person.
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Partisanship
Nearly half of U.S. adults (47%) identify with or
Party Affiliation of Religious
lean toward the Democratic Party, a third (35%)
Traditions
say they are Republican or lean Republican
and about one-in-five (18%) say they are
% Republican / Lean Republican
% Democrat / Lean Democrat
independent, something else or express no
partisan preference. Catholics and Orthodox
Total
35
47
Christians have the same basic partisan
composition as the general public.
Mormons are by far the most staunchly
Mormon 65
22
Republican group, with nearly two-thirds (65%)
identifying with or leaning toward the GOP.
Evangelical churches
50
34
Members of evangelical Protestant churches are
Mainline churches
41
43
also significantly more likely to be Republican
(50%) than Democratic (34%). Conversely,
Orthodox
35
50
majorities of non-Christian faiths identify as
Democrats, including at least six-in-ten Jews
Catholic
33
48
(66%), Muslims (63%), Buddhists (66%) and
Jewish
24
66
Hindus (63%).
Unaffiliated
23
55
Members of historically black Protestant
churches are more likely than any other group
Buddhist
18
66
to identify as Democrats (77%). Atheists and
Hindu
13
63
agnostics are also strongly Democratic; almost
two-thirds of atheists (65%) and agnostics
Muslim*
11
63
(62%) are Democrats or lean Democratic.
Hist. black churches
10
77
Religious beliefs and practices are not as
closely linked to partisan identification as they
Jehovah’s Witness
10
15
are to political ideology. It is true that Americans
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly
who say religion is very important in their lives,
Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
participate regularly in religious activities or
Question: In politics TODAY, do you consider yourself a
express certain belief in a personal God are
Republican, Democrat, or Independent? [IF INDEPENDENT,
generally more likely to be Republican than
NO PREFERENCE, OTHER, ASK]: As of today do you lean
more to the Republican Party or more to the Democratic
those who do not. However, these patterns vary
Party?
somewhat by religious tradition and completely
disappear among certain religious groups.
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Among Catholics and members of historically black Protestant churches, for example, most of
these religious traits make little difference in terms of partisan identification. Similarly, there are
only small differences in party identification among members of mainline Protestant churches
depending on their level of religious commitment. For instance, members of mainline churches
who say religion is very important in their lives are only slightly more likely to be Republican than
those who say it is less important (44% vs. 38%).
Among Mormons, members of evangelical Protestant churches and Jews, those who attend
religious services at least weekly or say religion is very important in their lives are much more
likely to be Republican than those who do not share these characteristics. And members of
evangelical churches and Jews who attend religious services less than once a week are more
likely to identify as Democrats compared with those who attend at least weekly (43% vs. 29%
for members of evangelical churches and 69% vs. 47% for Jews).
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Party Affiliation
Republican/ Democrat/
Republican/ Democrat/
% who sa
y they are…
Lean Rep Lean Dem % who say they are…
Lean Rep Lean Dem
Total population
35%
47%
Catholic
33%
48%
Attend weekly or more
43
40
Attend weekly or more
35
46
All others
30
51
All others
32
49
Religion is very important 40
43
Religion is very important
34
46
All others
29
52
All others
32
50
Pray at least daily
40
44
Pray at least daily
34
48
All others
30
51
All others
32
48
Absolute belief in pers. God 43
42
Absolute belief in pers. God 38
47
All others
27
52
All others
29
49
Evang. Protestant churches
50%
34 %
Mormon
65%
22%
Attend weekly or more
56
29
Attend weekly or more
73
15
All others
42
43
All others
39
45
Religion is very important 53
32
Religion is very important
70
19
All others
40
41
All others
N/A
N/A
Pray at least daily
53
32
Pray at least daily
68
20
All others
41
41
All others
N/A
N/A
Absolute belief in pers. God 54
31
Absolute belief in pers. God 69
19
All others
38
43
All others
N/A
N/A
Mainline Protestant churches 41%
43%
Orthodox Christian
35%
50%
Attend weekly or more
46
40
Attend weekly or more
40
42
All others
39
45
All others
32
54
Religion is very important 44
41
Religion is very important
37
48
All others
38
46
All others
33
52
Pray at least daily
43
42
Pray at least daily
35
49
All others
40
45
All others
34
52
Absolute belief in pers. God 46
39
Absolute belief in pers. God 40
45
All others
36
48
All others
31
54
Hist. black Protestant churches 10%
77%
Jewish
24%
66%
Attend weekly or more
12
78
Attend weekly or more
N/A
N/A
All others
8
77
All others
21
69
Religion is very important 10
77
Religion is very important
34
51
All others
10
77
All others
19
72
Pray at least daily
10
78
Pray at least daily
36
50
All others
12
74
All others
19
72
Absolute belief in pers. God 11
77
Absolute belief in pers. God 28
59
All others
9
77
All others
23
67
Note: The “absolute belief in a personal God” category includes those who indicate that they believe in God or a universal spirit, are absolutely
certain God exists and believe God is a person.
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V. Religion and “Culture War” Issues
Government Protection of Morality
The public is divided over the government’s proper role in protecting morality in society. A slight
majority (52%) says they worry that the government is getting too involved in the issue of morality,
while four-in-ten say that the government should be doing more to protect morality in society.
There are stark differences on this question among religious groups as well as by degree of
religious commitment.
Government’s Role in Protecting Morality
I worry the
The government
government is
should do more
getting too
to protect morality
involved in the
Neither/
Don’t know/
in society
issue of morality
Both (VOL)
Refused
%
%
%
%
Total population
40
52
3
5 =100
Protestant
44
47
4
5 =100
Evangelical churches
50
41
4
5 =100
Mainline churches
33
58
4
5 =100
Historically black churches
48
42
3
6 =100
Catholic
43
49
3
5 =100
Mormon
54
39
4
3 =100
Jehovah’s Witness
38
36
10
16 =100
Orthodox
43
48
3
6 =100
Jewish
22
71
3
5 =100
Muslim*
59
29
4
8 =100
Buddhist
26
67
3
4 =100
Hindu
44
45
4
7 =100
Unaffiliated
27
66
3
4 =100
Atheist
20
75
2
3 =100
Agnostic
13
84
2
2 =100
Secular unaffiliated
23
70
3
4 =100
Religious unaffiliated
39
53
3
6 =100
* From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. Tell me whether the first statement or the second statement comes closer to
your own views, even if neither is exactly right. The first pair is…[READ AND RANDOMIZE ITEMS]
(a) The government should do more to protect morality in society, OR I worry the government is getting too involved in the issue of morality.
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Of all the religious traditions, Mormons, Muslims and members of evangelical Protestant churches
are most supportive of an increased role for government in protecting morality in society. A
majority of Mormons (54%) and Muslims (59%), and half of members of evangelical Protestant
churches, say the government should be more active in this role. Among members of mainline
Protestant churches, only a third expresses this view.
In contrast, Jews, Buddhists and the unaffiliated are much more likely to worry about too much
government involvement. More than seven-in-ten Jews (71%), and two-thirds of Buddhists (67%)
and the unaffiliated (66%, including three-quarters of atheists, more than eight-in-ten agnostics
and seven-in-ten of the secular unaffiliated), worry government is too involved in the issue of
morality.
Americans who exhibit higher levels of religious engagement are significantly more likely than
others to say the government ought to be doing more to protect morality in society. For instance,
a majority of members of evangelical churches (52%) who pray daily support an increased
government role in protecting morality, compared with four-in-ten (41%) of those who pray less
often. Similar patterns are seen among members of mainline churches, Catholics, Jews and
Orthodox Christians.
Abortion
Abortion remains a divisive issue in the United States, with a slim majority of Americans in favor
of keeping it legal in all or most cases (51%); by comparison, more than four-in-ten (43%) favor
making abortion illegal in all or most cases. Most religious traditions in the U.S. come down firmly
on one side of the debate or the other. For instance, a strong majority of members of mainline
Protestant churches, Orthodox Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and the unaffiliated believe
that abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Conversely, a significant majority of Mormons,
members of evangelical churches and Jehovah’s Witnesses say that abortion should be illegal in
all or most cases. Catholics, Muslims and members of historically black Protestant churches are
basically evenly divided on the question of abortion.
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Abortion Should Be…
Legal in most/all cases Illegal in most/all cases Don’t know/Refused
%
%
%
Total population
51
43
6
=100
Protestant
45
49
6
=100
Evangelical churches
33
61
6
=100
Mainline churches
62
32
7
=100
Hist. black churches
47
46
8
=100
Catholic
48
45
7
=100
Mormon
27
70
4
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
16
77
7
=100
Orthodox
62
30
8
=100
Jewish
84
14
2
=100
Muslim
48
48
4
=100
Buddhist
81
13
6
=100
Hindu
69
24
7
=100
Unaffiliated
70
24
6
=100
Atheist
82
13
5
=100
Agnostic
83
14
3
=100
Secular unaffiliated
76
19
5
=100
Religious unaffiliated
56
36
8
=100
Question: Do you think abortion should be [READ CATEGORIES IN ORDER TO HALF SAMPLE, IN REVERSE ORDER TO HALF SAMPLE] legal
in all cases, legal in most cases, illegal in most cases, or illegal in all cases?
Views on abortion not only differ among religious traditions but also within them. Religious beliefs
and practices significantly influence views on abortion, with those exhibiting high levels of religious
commitment (on measures such as frequency of attendance at religious services, frequency of
prayer or importance of religion in one’s life) much more likely to oppose legalized abortion than
their less-committed peers. For instance, nearly three-in-four members of evangelical Protestant
churches (73%) who attend church at least weekly say abortion should be illegal in most or all
cases, compared with only 45% of members of evangelical churches who attend church less
frequently. Similar patterns are seen among other religious groups, including members of mainline
and historically black Protestant churches, Catholics, Mormons, Orthodox Christians and Jews;
the more committed members of these traditions tend to be significantly more likely to oppose
legalized abortion compared with less-committed members of the same traditions.
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Opposition to Legalized Abortion
% who say abortion should be illegal in all or most cases…
T
otal population
43%
Catholic
45%
Attend weekly or more
61
Attend weekly or more
58
All others
31
All others
35
Religion is very important
56
Religion is very important
56
All others
26
All others
31
Pray at least daily
53
Pray at least daily
51
All others
28
All others
35
Absolute belief in personal God
54
Absolute belief in personal God
52
All others
30
All others
38
Evangelical Protestant churches
61%
Mormon
70%
Attend weekly or more
73
Attend weekly or more
78
All others
45
All others
44
Religion is very important
67
Religion is very important
75
All others
39
All others
N/A
Pray at least daily
66
Pray at least daily
78
All others
44
All others
N/A
Absolute belief in personal God
67
Absolute belief in personal God
75
All others
46
All others
N/A
Mainline Protestant churches
32%
Orthodox Christian
30%
Attend weekly or more
43
Attend weekly or more
51
All others
26
All others
19
Religion is very important
40
Religion is very important
41
All others
23
All others
16
Pray at least daily
39
Pray at least daily
37
All others
24
All others
20
Absolute belief in personal God
39
Absolute belief in personal God
40
All others
24
All others
22
Hist. black Protestant churches
46%
Jewish
14%
Attend weekly or more
50
Attend weekly or more
N/A
All others
39
All others
10
Religion is very important
47
Religion is very important
29
All others
39
All others
8
Pray at least daily
47
Pray at least daily
31
All others
40
All others
8
Absolute belief in personal God
47
Absolute belief in personal God
29
All others
42
All others
11
Note: The “absolute belief in a personal God” category includes those who indicate that they believe in God or a universal spirit, are absolutely
certain God exists and believe God is a person.
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Homosexuality
Views on homosexuality follow similar patterns as views on abortion, for the general public as well
as for religious traditions. Half of all Americans believe that homosexuality should be accepted
by society, and four-in-ten say that it is a way of life that should be discouraged. Three-quarters of
Jehovah’s Witnesses (76%), about six-in-ten Muslims (61%) and roughly two-thirds of Mormons
(68%) and members of evangelical churches (64%) say homosexuality ought to be discouraged.
The majority of most other religious groups say homosexuality should be accepted by society.
This includes Catholics (58%), members of mainline churches (56%), Jews (79%), Buddhists
(82%) and the unaffiliated (71%). By contrast, members of historically black churches, Orthodox
Christians and Hindus are more divided over the issue of homosexuality. For example, four-in-ten
members of historically black churches say homosexuality should be accepted, while 46% say it
should be discouraged.
Homosexuality Should Be…
Accepted
Discouraged
Neither/Both/Don’t know/Refused
%
%
%
Total population
50
40
10
=100
Protestant
38
51
10
=100
Evangelical churches
26
64
10
=100
Mainline churches
56
34
11
=100
Hist. black churches
39
46
14
=100
Catholic
58
30
12
=100
Mormon
24
68
8
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
12
76
11
=100
Orthodox
48
37
15
=100
Jewish
79
15
6
=100
Muslim*
27
61
12
=100
Buddhist
82
12
6
=100
Hindu
48
37
14
=100
Unaffiliated
71
20
10
=100
Atheist
80
14
6
=100
Agnostic
83
10
8
=100
Secular unaffiliated
74
17
8
=100
Religious unaffiliated
59
29
12
=100
* From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. Tell me whether the first statement or the second statement comes closer to
your own views, even if neither is exactly right. The first pair is…[READ AND RANDOMIZE ITEMS]
(b) Homosexuality is a way of life that should be accepted by society, OR Homosexuality is a way of life that should be discouraged by
society.
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As with abortion, there are important links between intensity of religious beliefs and practices
and attitudes about homosexuality. Across religious traditions, those who attend services more
frequently, pray more frequently, say religion is very important in their lives or express certain
belief in a personal God are less accepting of homosexuality than those who are less observant.
For instance, seven-in-ten members of evangelical churches who say religion is very important to
them say homosexuality ought to be discouraged by society, compared with four-in-ten members
of evangelical Protestant churches who say religion is less important in their lives. Even among
Jews, who overwhelmingly believe society should accept homosexuality, one-in-three of those
who pray every day say that society should discourage it, which is four times the level of opposition
seen among Jews who pray less often.
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Opposition to Public Acceptance of Homosexuality
% who say homosexuality should be discouraged by society…
T
otal population
40%
Catholic
30%
Attend weekly or more
57
Attend weekly or more
37
All others
28
All others
25
Religion is very important
52
Religion is very important
35
All others
23
All others
23
Pray at least daily
49
Pray at least daily
33
All others
26
All others
26
Absolute belief in personal God
51
Absolute belief in personal God
34
All others
28
All others
26
Evangelical Protestant churches
64%
Mormon
68%
Attend weekly or more
75
Attend weekly or more
76
All others
49
All others
43
Religion is very important
70
Religion is very important
75
All others
42
All others
N/A
Pray at least daily
69
Pray at least daily
74
All others
48
All others
N/A
Absolute belief in personal God
69
Absolute belief in personal God
71
All others
52
All others
N/A
Mainline Protestant churches
34%
Orthodox Christian
37%
Attend weekly or more
44
Attend weekly or more
57
All others
28
All others
26
Religion is very important
42
Religion is very important
47
All others
25
All others
24
Pray at least daily
39
Pray at least daily
48
All others
28
All others
20
Absolute belief in personal God
39
Absolute belief in personal God
44
All others
28
All others
31
Hist. black Protestant churches
46%
Jewish
15%
Attend weekly or more
54
Attend weekly or more
N/A
All others
36
All others
10
Religion is very important
49
Religion is very important
27
All others
30
All others
9
Pray at least daily
49
Pray at least daily
32
All others
34
All others
8
Absolute belief in personal God
50
Absolute belief in personal God
24
All others
40
All others
12
Note: The “absolute belief in a personal God” category includes those who indicate that they believe in God or a universal spirit, are absolutely
certain God exists and believe God is a person.
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Evolution
Another issue that divides Americans is the issue of evolution. Overall, the public is evenly divided
on the question of whether or not evolution is the best explanation for life on earth, with 48%
agreeing that it is and 45% rejecting the notion that evolution best explains the origins of human
life. Religious differences on this issue are stark. At least seven-in-ten members of evangelical
Protestant churches, Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the evolutionary account as the
best explanation for the development of human life, while large majorities of Catholics, Jews,
Buddhists, Hindus and the unaffiliated agree that evolution best explains the development of life
on earth.
Evolution as the Best Explanation for the Origins of Human Life
Agree
Disagree
Don’t know/Refused
%
%
%
Total population
48
45
7
=100
Protestant
35
58
7
=100
Evangelical churches
23
70
6
=100
Mainline churches
51
42
8
=100
Historically black churches
39
51
11
=100
Catholic
58
35
7
=100
Mormon
21
76
3
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
8
90
2
=100
Orthodox
55
36
9
=100
Jewish
77
17
5
=100
Muslim
45
51
3
=100
Buddhist
81
14
5
=100
Hindu
80
14
5
=100
Unaffiliated
72
22
6
=100
Atheist
87
9
3
=100
Agnostic
87
11
2
=100
Secular unaffiliated
77
16
6
=100
Religious unaffiliated
55
37
8
=100
Question: Now, as I read some statements on a few different topics, please tell me if you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly DISagree or
completely disagree. (First/next) [INSERT; RANDOMIZE]
(c) Evolution is the best explanation for the origins of human life on earth.
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Thoughts about whether evolution is the best explanation for life on earth are also closely tied
to individual religious beliefs and practices. Across many religious traditions, the more highly
committed tend to be less likely to believe in evolution. Among the public overall, nearly two-thirds
(63%) of those who attend religious services at least once a week reject the idea of evolution,
compared with only a third of those who attend less often. Similar patterns are found across
religious traditions. A majority of members of historically black Protestant churches (57%) who
attend worship services at least once a week disagree that evolution best explains the origins of
human life, while only four-in-ten of those who attend less often hold the same opinion. Among
Orthodox Christians the gap is especially pronounced – 35 percentage points.
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Disagreement with Evolution
% who say evolution is not best explanation for origins of human life...
Total population
45%
Catholic
35%
Attend weekly or more
63
Attend weekly or more
44
All others
33
All others
29
Religion is very important
59
Religion is very important
42
All others
27
All others
26
Pray at least daily
57
Pray at least daily
41
All others
28
All others
26
Absolute belief in personal God
60
Absolute belief in personal God
44
All others
28
All others
26
Evangelical Protestant churches
70%
Mormon
76%
Attend weekly or more
80
Attend weekly or more
82
All others
57
All others
56
Religion is very important
76
Religion is very important
80
All others
49
All others
N/A
Pray at least daily
76
Pray at least daily
80
All others
53
All others
N/A
Absolute belief in personal God
77
Absolute belief in personal God
79
All others
52
All others
N/A
Mainline Protestant churches
42%
Orthodox Christian
36%
Attend weekly or more
55
Attend weekly or more
60
All others
35
All others
25
Religion is very important
54
Religion is very important
47
All others
29
All others
24
Pray at least daily
51
Pray at least daily
47
All others
31
All others
22
Absolute belief in personal God
53
Absolute belief in personal God
56
All others
29
All others
22
Hist. black Protestant churches
51%
Jewish
17%
Attend weekly or more
57
Attend weekly or more
N/A
All others
40
All others
14
Religion is very important
52
Religion is very important
35
All others
39
All others
10
Pray at least daily
54
Pray at least daily
34
All others
37
All others
12
Absolute belief in personal God
54
Absolute belief in personal God
27
All others
44
All others
16
Note: The “absolute belief in a personal God” category includes those who indicate that they believe in God or a universal spirit, are absolutely
certain God exists and believe God is a person.
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Churches and Politics
The public is nearly equally divided between those who believe that houses of worship should
express their views on day-to-day social and political matters and those who say churches should
keep out of politics (50% and 46%, respectively).
Views on this issue vary significantly by tradition. Members of mainline Protestant denominations,
Catholics and Mormons are split over the issue, while about two-thirds of members of evangelical
and historically black churches (64% and 69%, respectively) agree that churches should express
social and political views.
Many other faiths are much less comfortable with this intermingling. Large majorities of Jews,
Buddhists, Hindus and the unaffiliated oppose church involvement in politics. However, among
the unaffiliated there are also stark differences. More than two-thirds of atheists, agnostics and
Should Churches Express Views on Politics?
Yes
No
Don’t know/Refused
%
%
%
Total population
50
46
5
=100
Protestant
58
38
4
=100
Evangelical churches
64
32
4
=100
Mainline churches
46
50
4
=100
Hist. black churches
69
27
4
=100
Catholic
48
48
5
=100
Mormon
47
48
5
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
12
82
7
=100
Orthodox
42
53
4
=100
Jewish
33
63
4
=100
Muslim*
49
43
8
=100
Buddhist
34
56
10
=100
Hindu
25
69
7
=100
Unaffiliated
34
61
5
=100
Atheist
23
72
5
=100
Agnostic
27
69
3
=100
Secular unaffiliated
28
67
5
=100
Religious unaffiliated
47
47
6
=100
* From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: In your opinion, should churches and other houses of worship keep out of political matters - or should they express their views on
day-to-day social and political questions?
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the secular unaffiliated are opposed to the idea that churches should express their views on
political or social matters. The religious unaffiliated, in contrast, are split, with identical numbers
supporting and opposing this view (47% each). The group with the greatest reservations about
mixing religion with politics is Jehovah’s Witnesses; 82% say that churches should not express
their views on day-to-day political issues.
There are also differences on this issue based on level of religious commitment. For instance, a
majority of members of mainline Protestant churches (54%) who say religion is very important
in their lives say churches should express their views on political matters, compared with less
than four-in-ten (37%) of those who say religion is less important to them. Additionally, a majority
of Catholics (55%) who attend worship services at least once a week favor houses of worship
getting involved in political debates, but only four-in-ten Catholics (42%) who attend less often
agree.
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VI. Religion and Economic Issues
Size of Government
Attitudes on social and cultural issues as well as basic political orientation are often closely
associated with religious affiliation, beliefs and practices. Views on other political topics, including
the economy and views on certain foreign affairs issues, tend to be less closely linked with
religion.
The general public is about evenly split between a preference for a smaller government providing
fewer services (43%) and a larger government providing more services (46%). A slim majority of
Catholics and Buddhists (51% each), and substantial majorities of Muslims (70%), members of
Views of Size and Role of Government
Prefer smaller
Prefer bigger
government,
government,
Depends
Don’t know/
fewer services
more services
(VOL)
Refused
%
%
%
%
Total population
43
46
5
6
=100
Protestant
45
44
5
7
=100
Evangelical churches
48
41
4
7 =100
Mainline churches
51
37
5
7 =100
Hist. black churches
18
72
5
5 =100
Catholic
39
51
4
6
=100
Mormon
56
36
5
4
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
23
47
6
23
=100
Orthodox
42
46
6
7
=100
Jewish
40
46
7
7
=100
Muslim*
21
70
3
6
=100
Buddhist
35
51
7
7
=100
Hindu
31
59
5
5
=100
Unaffiliated
41
48
5
6
=100
Atheist
38
50
5
7 =100
Agnostic
48
43
5
4 =100
Secular unaffiliated
44
44
5
6 =100
Religious unaffiliated
35
54
4
7 =100
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: If you had to choose, would you rather have a smaller government providing fewer services, or a bigger government providing more
services?
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historically black churches (72%) and Hindus (59%), support bigger government that offers more
services. By contrast, fewer than four-in-ten members of mainline churches (37%) and Mormons
(36%) favor a large government.
On many social and cultural issues, agnostics and members of evangelical churches find
themselves on opposite sides, but on the role of government, a plurality of both groups (48%) say
they prefer a smaller role for government. Atheists and the religious unaffiliated are significantly
less likely to prefer smaller government (38% and 35%, respectively).
Aid to the Poor
While American adults are more-or-less evenly divided on whether they would prefer a larger or a
smaller government, more than six-in-ten (62%) favor the government doing more to help needy
Americans, even if it means going deeper into debt. Indeed, strong majorities of nearly every
religious group believe that government should do more to help needy Americans. Only among
Mormons do fewer than half (49%) say that government should do more to help the needy;
more than four-in-ten Mormons (42%) say the government can’t afford to do much more for the
needy.
Nearly three-quarters of Muslims and Buddhists (73% each) and eight-in-ten members of historically
black churches (79%) believe that government has an obligation to do more to help Americans
in need. Members of mainline and evangelical churches, by comparison, are less supportive of
having government do more for the needy, though nearly six-in-ten among these groups (58% and
57%, respectively) also agree that government ought to be more involved even at the expense
of incurring more debt. Nearly two-thirds of the unaffiliated (65%) say the government should do
more to help the needy, with little variation among the unaffiliated subgroups.
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Government Assistance for the Poor
Government should
Government today
do more to help needy
can’t afford to do
Don’t
Americans, even if it means
much more to
Neither/
know/
going deeper into debt
help the needy
Both (VOL)
Refused
%
%
%
%
Total population
62
29
5
4
=100
Protestant
60
31
5
4
=100
Evangelical churches
57
34
5
4 =100
Mainline churches
58
33
6
4 =100
Hist. black churches
79
15
3
3 =100
Catholic
63
29
4
4
=100
Mormon
49
42
7
3
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
60
24
5
11
=100
Orthodox
62
30
6
3
=100
Jewish
68
23
6
4
=100
Muslim*
73
17
4
6
=100
Buddhist
73
18
6
3
=100
Hindu
60
36
3
1
=100
Unaffiliated
65
26
6
4
=100
Atheist
65
26
5
4 =100
Agnostic
62
30
6
3 =100
Secular unaffiliated
64
26
6
4 =100
Religious unaffiliated
68
23
5
4 =100
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. Tell me whether the first statement or the second statement comes closer to
your own views — even if neither is exactly right. The first pair is…[READ AND RANDOMIZE ITEMS]
(d) The government should do more to help needy Americans, even if it means going deeper into debt, OR The government today can’t afford
to do much more to help the needy.
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Hard Work and Success
Although most Americans believe the government should help needy citizens, they also believe
that with hard work most people can get ahead. Two-thirds of the public (67%), including majorities
of every major religious tradition, believe that people who want to get ahead can make it if they are
willing to work hard. Less than three-in-ten say hard work is no guarantee of success. Mormons
are somewhat more likely than the general public (77% vs. 67%) to say that people can get ahead
by relying on hard work, while Jehovah’s Witnesses, Buddhists and atheists are somewhat less
likely to express this view (57%, 52% and 54%, respectively).
Attitudes About Hard Work and Success
Most people who
Hard work and
want to get ahead
determination are
Don’t
can make it if they
no guarantee of
Neither/
know/
are willing to work hard
success for most people
Both (VOL) Refused
%
%
%
%
Total population
67
29
2
2
=100
Protestant
69
27
2
1
=100
Evangelical churches
71
25
2
1
=100
Mainline churches
68
29
2
1
=100
Hist. black churches
65
31
2
2
=100
Catholic
70
26
2
2
=100
Mormon
77
21
1
1
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
57
37
2
4
=100
Orthodox
66
28
2
3
=100
Jewish
63
32
3
1
=100
Muslim*
71
26
2
1
=100
Buddhist
52
43
3
2
=100
Hindu
71
26
1
2
=100
Unaffiliated
61
35
3
2
=100
Atheist
54
42
3
2 =100
Agnostic
61
36
2
1 =100
Secular unaffiliated
62
34
3
1 =100
Religious unaffiliated
61
34
3
2 =100
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. Tell me whether the first statement or the second statement comes closer to
your own views, even if neither is exactly right. The first pair is…[READ AND RANDOMIZE ITEMS]
(c) Most people who want to get ahead can make it if they’re willing to work hard, OR Hard work and determination are no guarantee of
success for most people.
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Environmental Protection
There is broad agreement among Americans, and among most religious groups, on the issue of
environmental protection. More than six-in-ten Americans (61%) say tougher environmental laws
are worth the cost. Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses all mirror the general
public on the issue of environmental regulations.
Although a majority of every major religious group in the United States supports stricter
environmental measures, there are some differences in degree. For instance, only slim majorities
of members of evangelical and historically black Protestant churches (54% and 52%, respectively)
support the imposition of stricter environmental laws. Members of non-Christian faiths, by
Views on the Environment
Stricter environmental
laws and regulations
Stricter environmental
Don’t
cost too many jobs and
laws and regulations
Neither/
know/
hurt the economy
are worth the cost
Both (VOL)
Refused
%
%
%
%
Total population
30
61
3
6
=100
Protestant
33
57
4
6
=100
Evangelical churches
35
54
4
6 =100
Mainline churches
28
64
3
5 =100
Hist. black churches
38
52
3
7 =100
Catholic
32
60
3
6
=100
Mormon
36
55
4
5
=100
Jehovah’s Witness
24
60
8
8
=100
Orthodox
30
60
5
5
=100
Jewish
16
77
2
5
=100
Muslim
26
69
3
2
=100
Buddhist
19
75
3
3
=100
Hindu
24
67
2
6
=100
Unaffiliated
24
69
3
4
=100
Atheist
20
75
2
3 =100
Agnostic
18
78
3
1 =100
Secular unaffiliated
21
72
3
4 =100
Religious unaffiliated
31
59
3
6 =100
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. Tell me whether the first statement or the second statement comes closer to
your own views, even if neither is exactly right. The first pair is…[READ AND RANDOMIZE ITEMS]
(e) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, OR Stricter environmental laws and regulations
are worth the cost.
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contrast, are much more likely to believe that stricter environmental regulations are worth the
economic costs. More than two-thirds of Jews (77%), Buddhists (75%), Hindus (67%), Muslims
(69%) and the unaffiliated (69%) support stricter environmental laws. Further, more than seven-in-
ten atheists (75%), agnostics (78%) and the secular unaffiliated (72%) say stricter environmental
laws are worth the cost, with somewhat lower levels of support for environmental regulation
found among the religious unaffiliated (59%).
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VII. Religion and Foreign Affairs
Isolationism vs. Internationalism
The majority of Americans (55%) believe that the U.S. should concentrate more on problems at
home and pay less attention to problems overseas. By contrast, only slightly more than a third
(36%) says it would be best for the future of the country to be active in world affairs.
Majorities of most religious groups agree that the U.S. should concentrate more on domestic
problems. This is especially true of members of historically black Protestant churches (68%) and
Views on U.S. Involvement Abroad
We should pay
It is best for
less attention to
the future of our
problems overseas
Don’t
country to be active
and concentrate on
Neither/
know/
in world affairs
problems here at home
Both (VOL)
Refused
%
%
%
%
Total population
36
55
7
2 =100
Protestant
36
55
8
2 =100
Evangelical churches
36
54
8
2 =100
Mainline churches
40
52
8
1 =100
Hist. black churches
23
68
7
1 =100
Catholic
36
55
6
2 =100
Mormon
51
37
10
1 =100
Jehovah’s Witness
13
64
13
10 =100
Orthodox
34
56
9
1 =100
Jewish
53
37
8
2 =100
Muslim
31
59
7
2 =100
Buddhist
41
45
11
2 =100
Hindu
34
58
6
2 =100
Unaffiliated
34
58
7
1 =100
Atheist
46
47
6
1 =100
Agnostic
42
50
7
1 =100
Secular unaffiliated
35
56
8
1 =100
Religious unaffiliated
26
65
7
2 =100
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. Tell me whether the first statement or the second statement comes closer to
your own views, even if neither is exactly right. The first pair is…[READ AND RANDOMIZE ITEMS]
(g) It’s best for the future of our country to be active in world affairs, OR We should pay less attention to problems overseas and concentrate
on problems here at home.
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Jehovah’s Witnesses (64%). Only among Jews and Mormons do majorities say that it is best for
the future of the U.S. to be involved in global affairs (53% and 51%, respectively).
Overall, the unaffiliated and members of evangelical Protestant churches most closely resemble
the general public in their views of U.S. involvement in the world, but among the unaffiliated there
are substantial differences between those with a secular outlook and those with a more religious
orientation. Atheists are about evenly split over whether it is better for the U.S. to be active in
world affairs (46%) and whether the U.S. should focus on problems at home (47%). However,
among the religious unaffiliated, the overwhelming majority (65%) says that the U.S. should
concentrate on problems at home, compared with only about a quarter (26%) who say the U.S.
should be active in the world.
Diplomacy vs. Military Strength
About six-in-ten Americans (59%) say that good diplomacy is the best way to ensure peace.
Majorities or pluralities of every major religious tradition believe that diplomacy, and not military
strength, is the best way to ensure peace.
The religious groups composed of a significant proportion of immigrants are among the strongest
supporters of diplomacy as a method to ensure peace. Roughly eight-in-ten Muslims (84%),
Hindus (84%) and Buddhists (79%) say foreign policy based on good diplomacy is a better way to
ensure peace than military strength, as do nearly two-thirds of Catholics and Orthodox Christians
(64% each).
Although Mormons and members of evangelical Protestant churches are less likely than others
to favor diplomacy over military strength, pluralities of these groups also take this view (46%
and 49%, respectively). On the other hand, close to four-in-ten of these groups (38% and 37%,
respectively) say that military strength is a better way to ensure peace.
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Diplomacy vs. Military Strength
The best way to
ensure peace is
Good diplomacy
through military
is the best way
Neither/
Don’t know/
strength
to ensure peace
Both (VOL)
Refused
%
%
%
%
Total population
28
59
9
4 =100
Protestant
32
53
10
5 =100
Evangelical churches
38
46
11
5 =100
Mainline churches
29
57
11
3 =100
Hist. black churches
20
67
7
6 =100
Catholic
25
64
8
3 =100
Mormon
37
49
13
2 =100
Jehovah’s Witness
9
55
21
14 =100
Orthodox
23
64
11
2 =100
Jewish
23
64
10
3 =100
Muslim
12
84
3
1 =100
Buddhist
14
79
4
3 =100
Hindu
12
84
2
2 =100
Unaffiliated
22
68
8
3 =100
Atheist
20
73
6
1 =100
Agnostic
18
73
7
1 =100
Secular unaffiliated
21
68
8
2 =100
Religious unaffiliated
23
64
8
5 =100
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. Tell me whether the first statement or the second statement comes closer to
your own views, even if neither is exactly right. The first pair is…[READ AND RANDOMIZE ITEMS]
(f) The best way to ensure peace is through military strength, OR Good diplomacy is the best way to ensure peace.
Although there are few notable differences in views on this question that are traceable to differing
levels of religious commitment, it is interesting to note that Jews who pray frequently or say
religion is very important are significantly more likely than Jews who are less committed on these
measures to say military strength is the best way to ensure peace.
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Support for Foreign Policy Based on Military Strength
% who say military strength is the best way to ensure peace…
T
otal population
28%
Catholic
25%
Attend weekly or more
31
Attend weekly or more
25
All others
26
All others
25
Religion is very important
30
Religion is very important
25
All others
25
All others
25
Pray at least daily
29
Pray at least daily
24
All others
26
All others
26
Absolute belief in personal God
32
Absolute belief in personal God
27
All others
23
All others
23
Evangelical Protestant churches
38%
Mormon
37%
Attend weekly or more
39
Attend weekly or more
41
All others
36
All others
24
Religion is very important
39
Religion is very important
40
All others
35
All others
N/A
Pray at least daily
38
Pray at least daily
40
All others
37
All others
N/A
Absolute belief in personal God
40
Absolute belief in personal God
40
All others
33
All others
N/A
Mainline Protestant churches
29%
Orthodox Christian
23%
Attend weekly or more
29
Attend weekly or more
25
All others
29
All others
23
Religion is very important
30
Religion is very important
24
All others
28
All others
23
Pray at least daily
29
Pray at least daily
22
All others
29
All others
25
Absolute belief in personal God
32
Absolute belief in personal God
26
All others
26
All others
21
Hist. black Protestant churches
20%
Jewish
23%
Attend weekly or more
20
Attend weekly or more
N/A
All others
20
All others
21
Religion is very important
21
Religion is very important
30
All others
16
All others
20
Pray at least daily
20
Pray at least daily
30
All others
18
All others
21
Absolute belief in personal God
20
Absolute belief in personal God
29
All others
19
All others
22
Note: The “absolute belief in a personal God” category includes those who indicate that they believe in God or a universal spirit, are absolutely
certain God exists and believe God is a person.
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Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Appendix 1: Religious Composition of the U.S.
% of U.S. Adult
% of U.S. Adult
% of U.S. Adult
Population
Population
Population
Evangelical Protestant Churches
26.3
Mainline Protestant Churches
18.1
Jehovah’s Witness
0.7
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
10.8
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
1.9
Southern Baptist Convention
6.7
American Baptist Churches in USA
1.2
Independent Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
2.5
Other Baptist denomination in the Mainline Tradition
<0.3
Orthodox
0.6
Baptist Missionary Association
<0.3
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition, not further specified
0.6
Greek Orthodox
<0.3
Free Will Baptist
<0.3
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
5.4
Russian Orthodox
<0.3
General Association of Regular Baptists
<0.3
United Methodist Church
5.1
Other Orthodox church
<0.3
Other Baptist denomination in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Other Methodist denomination in the Mainline Tradition
<0.3
Orthodox, not further specified
<0.3
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition, not further specified
0.9
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition, not further specified
0.4
Methodist in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition
0.9
Other Christian
0.3
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
3.4
Interdenominational in the Mainline Tradition
0.3
Metaphysical
<0.3
Nondenominational evangelical
1.2
Other nondenominational group in the Mainline Tradition
<0.3
Spiritualist
<0.3
Nondenominational charismatic
0.5
Nondenominational in the Mainline Trad., not further specified 0.6
Unity; Unity Church; Christ Church Unity
<0.3
Nondenominational fundamentalist
0.3
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
2.8
Other Metaphysical
<0.3
Nondenominational Christian
<0.3
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
2.0
Other
<0.3
Interdenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
0.5
Other Lutheran denomination in the Mainline Tradition
<0.3
Community Church in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition, not further specified
0.8
Other nondenominational group in the Evangelical Tradition <0.3
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
1.9
Jewish
1.7
Nondenominational in the Evang. Trad., not further specified 0.8
Presbyterian Church USA
1.1
Reform
0.7
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
1.8
Other Presbyterian denomination in the Mainline Tradition
<0.3
Conservative
0.5
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod
1.4
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition, not further specified
0.7
Orthodox
<0.3
Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Synod
<0.3
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
1.4
Other Jewish groups
<0.3
Other Lutheran denomination in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Episcopal Church in the USA
1.0
Jewish, not further specified
<0.3
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition, not further specified
<0.3
Anglican Church (Church of England)
0.3
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
0.8
Other Anglican/Episcopal denomination in the Mainline Trad. <0.3
Presbyterian Church in America
0.4
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Trad., not further specified <0.3
Buddhist
0.7
Other Presbyterian denomination in the Evangelical Tradition <0.3
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
0.4
Theravada (Vipassana) Buddhism
<0.3
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition, not further specified <0.3
Disciples of Christ
0.3
Mahayana (Zen) Buddhism
<0.3
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
3.4
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition, not further specified <0.3
Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhism
<0.3
Assemblies of God
1.4
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
0.7
Other Buddhist groups
<0.3
Church of God Cleveland Tennessee
0.4
United Church of Christ
0.5
Buddhist, not further specified
0.3
Four Square Gospel
<0.3
Congregationalist in the Mainline Trad., not further specified <0.3
Pentecostal Church of God
<0.3
Reformed in the Mainline Tradition
<0.3
Pentecostal Holiness Church
<0.3
Reformed Church in America
<0.3
Muslim*
0.6
Nondenominational, Independent Pentecostal
<0.3
Other Reformed denomination in the Mainline Tradition
<0.3
Sunni
0.3
Church of God of the Apostolic Faith
<0.3
Reformed in the Mainline Tradition, not further specified
<0.3
Shia
<0.3
Apostolic Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Anabaptist in the Mainline Tradition
<0.3
Other Muslim groups
<0.3
Other Pentecostal denomination in the Evangelical Tradition <0.3
Friends in the Mainline Tradition
<0.3
Muslim, not further specified
<0.3
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition, not further specified 0.7
Other/Protestant nonspecific in the Mainline Tradition
2.5
Anglican/Episcopal in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Hindu
0.4
Restorationist in the Evangelical Tradition
1.7
Vaishnava Hinduism
<0.3
Church of Christ
1.5
Historically Black Churches
6.9
Shaivite Hinduism
<0.3
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ
<0.3
Baptist in the Historically Black Tradition
4.4
Other Hindu groups
<0.3
Restorationist in the Evangelical Trad., not further specified
<0.3
National Baptist Convention
1.8
Hindu, not further specified
<0.3
Congregationalist in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Progressive Baptist Convention
0.3
Conservative Congregational Christian
<0.3
Independent Baptist in the Historically Black Tradition
0.5
Other Congregationalist denomination in the Evangelical Trad.
<0.3
Missionary Baptist
<0.3
Other World Religions
<0.3
Congregationalist in the Evangelical Trad., not further specified <0.3
Other Baptist denomination in the Historically Black Tradition <0.3
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
1.0
Baptist in the Historically Black Tradition, not further specified 1.7
Church of the Nazarene
0.3
Methodist in the Historically Black Tradition
0.6
Other Faiths
1.2
Free Methodist Church
0.3
African Methodist Episcopal
0.4
Unitarians and other liberal faiths
0.7
Wesleyan Church
<0.3
African Methodist Episcopal Zion
<0.3
Unitarian (Universalist)
0.3
Christian and Missionary Alliance
<0.3
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
<0.3
Liberal faith
<0.3
Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)
<0.3
Other Methodist denomination in the Historically Black Trad. <0.3
Spiritual but not religious
<0.3
Other Holiness denomination in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Methodist in the Historically Black Trad., not further specified <0.3
Eclectic, “a bit of everything,” own beliefs
<0.3
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition, not further specified
<0.3
Nondenominational in the Historically Black Tradition
<0.3
Other liberal faith groups
<0.3
Reformed in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Pentecostal in the Historically Black Tradition
0.9
New Age
0.4
Christian Reformed Church
<0.3
Church of God in Christ
0.6
Wica (Wiccan)
<0.3
Other Reformed denomination in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Apostolic Pentecostal in the Historically Black Tradition
<0.3
Pagan
<0.3
Reformed in the Evangelical Tradition, not further specified
<0.3
United Pentecostal Church International
<0.3
Other New Age groups
<0.3
Adventist in the Evangelical Tradition
0.5
Other Pentecostal denomination in the Historically Black Trad. <0.3
Native American Religions
<0.3
Seventh-Day Adventist
0.4
Pentecostal in the Historically Black Trad., not further specified <0.3
Other Adventist group in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Holiness in the Historically Black Tradition
<0.3
Unaffiliated
16.1
Anabaptist in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Protestant nonspecific in the Historically Black Tradition
0.5
Atheist
1.6
Pietist in the Evangelical Tradition
<0.3
Agnostic
2.4
Other Evangelical/Fundamentalist
0.3
Catholic
23.9
Nothing in particular
12.1
Protestant nonspecific in the Evangelical Tradition
1.9
Mormon
1.7
Don’t Know
0.8
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1.6
Community of Christ
<0.3
Mormon, not further specified
<0.3
* From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Appendix 1: Religious Composition of the U.S.
110
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Appendix 2:
Detailed Data Tables
Belief in God or Universal Spirit by Religious Tradition
Believe in God
Not too
certain/
Not at all
certain/
Do not Don’t know/
Absolutely
Fairly
Unsure how believe in
Refused/
certain
certain
certain
God
Other
N
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
71
17
4
5
3
35,556
Total Protestants
84
12
2
1
1
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches 90
8
1
0
1
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
73
21
3
1
2
7,470
Members of Hist. Black Protestant Churches
90
7
1
0
1
1,995
Catholic
72
21
4
1
2
8,054
Mormon
90
8
1
0
0
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 91
8
1
0
0
556
Jehovah’s Witness
93
4
1
0
2
215
Orthodox
71
19
5
4
1
363
Greek Orthodox
76
13
4
4
2
168
Other Christian
82
11
4
1
2
129
Jewish
41
31
11
10
7
682
Reform
31
35
15
11
7
315
Conservative
46
35
9
5
6
219
Muslim
82
9
1
5
2
116
Buddhist
39
28
8
19
6
411
Hindu
57
26
9
5
3
257
Other Faiths
53
23
6
9
9
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
49
24
8
10
9
297
New Age
52
24
3
12
9
118
Unaffiliated
36
24
10
22
8
5,048
Atheist
8
7
6
73
6
515
Agnostic
17
23
15
29
16
826
Secular Unaffiliated
24
28
14
24
10
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
65
25
4
3
4
1,701
Question: Do you believe in God or a universal spirit? [IF YES, ASK:] How certain are you about this belief? Are you absolutely certain, fairly certain, not too certain, or not
at all certain?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
111
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Belief in God or Universal Spirit by Protestant Family
Believe in God
Not too
certain/
Not at all
certain/
Do not Don’t know/
Absolutely
Fairly
Unsure how believe in
Refused/
certain
certain
certain
God
Other
N
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
71
17
4
5
3
35,556
Total Protestants
84
12
2
1
1
18,937
Baptist
90
8
1
0
1
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
91
7
1
0
1
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
79
16
2
2
2
628
Baptist in the Hist. Black Church Tradition
91
7
1
0
0
1,278
Methodist
79
17
2
1
1
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
77
19
3
1
1
2,393
Methodist in the Hist. Black Church Tradition 90
7
0
1
2
210
Nondenominational
89
9
1
1
1
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evang. Tradition
93
6
0
0
0
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition 74
19
5
1
1
306
Lutheran
76
20
3
1
1
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
83
13
2
1
1
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
71
24
3
1
2
1,186
Presbyterian
73
21
4
1
1
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
82
15
2
1
0
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
69
24
5
1
2
844
Pentecostal
91
8
0
0
1
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
90
8
0
0
1
1,089
Pentecostal in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
91
5
0
1
2
256
Anglican/Episcopal
71
20
5
2
2
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition 70
21
5
2
3
672
Restorationist
87
10
2
1
0
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
87
10
1
1
0
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
85
9
5
1
0
157
Congregationalist
65
27
4
2
3
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
63
29
4
2
2
300
Holiness
87
8
2
1
2
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
87
9
2
1
1
374
Reformed
92
7
0
1
0
106
Adventist
93
5
0
0
2
151
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
Question: Do you believe in God or a universal spirit? [IF YES, ASK:] How certain are you about this belief? Are you absolutely certain, fairly certain, not too certain, or not
112
at all certain?
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Belief in God or Universal Spirit by Protestant Denomination
Believe in God
Not too
certain/
Not at all
certain/
Do not Don’t know/
Absolutely
Fairly
Unsure how believe in Refused/
certain
certain
certain
God
Other
N
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
71
17
4
5
3
35,556
Total Protestants
84
12
2
1
1
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
92
5
0
1
2
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Trad.)
84
12
2
2
1
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
70
19
5
5
2
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
93
6
0
0
1
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
88
10
1
1
0
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evang. Tradition)
96
4
0
0
1
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
90
5
0
2
2
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
91
7
0
0
2
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
86
8
5
1
0
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
71
21
5
1
3
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Trad.)
77
19
3
0
1
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
82
14
3
1
1
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
89
8
1
0
1
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
90
9
0
1
0
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
84
12
2
1
1
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
92
6
1
0
0
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evang. Trad.)
93
7
0
0
0
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evang. Trad.)
95
4
0
1
0
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.) 95
3
0
1
1
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
77
19
3
1
0
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
76
20
3
1
1
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
94
4
0
0
2
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
92
6
1
0
1
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
65
28
3
1
2
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
78
18
2
0
1
2,239
Question: Do you believe in God or a universal spirit? [IF YES, ASK:] How certain are you about this belief? Are you absolutely certain, fairly certain, not too certain, or not
at all certain?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
113
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Importance of Religion in One’s Life by Religious Tradition
Not too/
Don’t
Very
Somewhat
Not at all
know/
important
important
important
Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
56
26
16
1
35,556
Total Protestants
70
23
6
1
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
79
17
3
1
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
52
35
12
1
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches
85
13
2
0
1,995
Catholic
56
34
9
1
8,054
Mormon
83
13
4
0
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
84
13
4
0
556
Jehovah’s Witness
86
10
2
1
215
Orthodox
56
31
12
0
363
Greek Orthodox
60
29
11
0
168
Other Christian
60
22
17
1
129
Jewish
31
41
28
1
682
Reform
19
45
35
0
315
Conservative
38
50
11
1
219
Muslim*
72
18
9
1
1,050
Buddhist
35
38
24
2
411
Hindu
45
40
15
1
257
Other Faiths
39
30
28
3
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
31
30
34
5
297
New Age
46
31
21
1
118
Unaffiliated
16
25
57
2
5,048
Atheist
3
8
86
3
515
Agnostic
6
17
76
1
826
Secular Unaffiliated
0
0
97
3
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
40
60
0
0
1,701
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: How important is religion in your life -- very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
114
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Importance of Religion in One’s Life by Protestant Family
Not too/
Don’t
Very
Somewhat
Not at all
know/
important
important
important
Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
56
26
16
1
35,556
Total Protestants
70
23
6
1
18,937
Baptist
78
18
3
0
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
78
18
3
0
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
60
31
8
1
628
Baptist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
86
12
1
0
1,278
Methodist
59
33
7
0
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
56
35
8
0
2,393
Methodist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
80
18
1
1
210
Nondenominational
75
17
7
1
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
82
13
4
1
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition
45
36
18
0
306
Lutheran
56
34
9
0
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
65
30
5
0
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
50
37
12
0
1,186
Presbyterian
57
32
11
0
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
70
25
5
0
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
51
35
14
0
844
Pentecostal
86
11
2
1
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
86
11
2
1
1,089
Pentecostal in the Historically Black Church Tradition
85
11
2
2
256
Anglican/Episcopal
51
33
15
0
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
49
35
16
0
672
Restorationist
75
21
4
1
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
76
20
4
1
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
71
22
7
1
157
Congregationalist
50
37
12
1
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
45
41
13
1
300
Holiness
77
18
4
0
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
76
20
5
0
374
Reformed
81
16
3
0
106
Adventist
87
12
1
0
151
Question: How important is religion in your life -- very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
115
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Importance of Religion in One’s Life by Protestant Denomination
Not too/
Don’t
Very
Somewhat
Not at all
know/
important
important
important
Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
56
26
16
1
35,556
Total Protestants
70
23
6
1
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
81
18
1
0
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Tradition) 69
25
5
1
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
57
25
17
1
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
87
11
1
1
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
75
21
3
0
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Tradition) 91
7
1
0
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
86
10
2
2
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
80
17
4
0
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
74
19
6
1
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
50
36
14
0
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Trad.)
62
32
5
0
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
62
30
8
0
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
74
22
4
0
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
83
16
1
0
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
66
28
6
0
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
91
8
0
0
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evang. Trad.)
82
12
5
1
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evang. Trad.)
90
7
3
1
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.) 83
15
2
0
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
64
31
5
0
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
63
30
7
0
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
86
12
1
0
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
80
17
3
0
2539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
50
38
11
1
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
59
35
7
0
2239
Question: How important is religion in your life -- very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
116
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Frequency of Attendance at Religious Services by Religious Tradition
More than
Once or A few
Don’t
once a
Once
twice a
times
know/
week
a week month a year Seldom Never Refused
N
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
15
24
15
18
16
11
1
35,556
Total Protestants
22
28
16
17
12
5
1
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
30
28
14
14
9
4
1
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
8
26
19
23
16
7
1
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches 30
29
16
13
9
3
1
1,995
Catholic
9
33
19
20
13
6
0
8,054
Mormon
31
44
9
7
4
3
0
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
31
45
9
7
4
3
0
556
Jehovah’s Witness
71
11
3
7
5
2
0
215
Orthodox
8
26
21
28
12
4
1
363
Greek Orthodox
3
29
22
31
9
4
1
168
Other Christian
8
19
21
19
14
17
1
129
Jewish
6
10
16
37
19
12
1
682
Reform
1
8
12
39
28
12
0
315
Conservative
5
9
25
48
9
4
0
219
Muslim*
17
23
8
18
16
18
0
1,050
Buddhist
8
9
15
29
22
16
1
411
Hindu
10
14
23
34
11
8
0
257
Other Faiths
6
8
14
21
24
27
1
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
5
10
16
22
24
22
1
297
New Age
7
5
6
20
29
34
0
118
Unaffiliated
2
3
5
17
35
37
0
5,048
Atheist
1
3
2
8
23
62
1
515
Agnostic
1
1
2
16
38
42
0
826
Secular Unaffiliated
0
1
2
12
38
47
0
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
5
6
11
24
34
19
0
1,701
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007. Question: On average, how often do you attend the mosque or Islamic
center for salah or Jum’ah prayer? More than once a week, once a week for Jum’ah prayer, once or twice a month, a few times a year -- especially for the Eid, seldom, or
never?
Question: Aside from weddings and funerals, how often do you attend religious services? More than once a week, once a week, once or twice a month, a few times a year,
seldom, or never?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
117
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Frequency of Attendance at Religious Services by Protestant Family
More than
Once or A few
Don’t
once a
Once a twice a
times
know/
week
week
month
a year Seldom Never Refused
N
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
15
24
15
18
16
11
1
35,556
Total Protestants
22
28
16
17
12
5
1
18,937
Baptist
27
26
16
16
11
4
1
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
30
25
15
15
10
4
1
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
11
22
19
22
20
6
1
628
Baptist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
26
30
18
14
9
3
0
1,278
Methodist
11
31
20
22
12
4
1
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
10
30
21
23
13
4
1
2,393
Methodist in the Hist. Black Church Tradition
23
34
17
14
10
2
1
210
Nondenominational
29
30
15
12
9
4
0
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
33
35
14
9
7
2
0
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition
7
16
21
24
21
12
0
306
Lutheran
6
30
23
23
13
4
0
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
7
33
25
23
9
3
0
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
6
29
22
23
15
5
0
1,186
Presbyterian
13
32
19
19
13
3
1
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
18
30
21
17
12
3
1
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
10
33
19
20
14
4
1
844
Pentecostal
45
25
11
9
7
3
1
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
44
25
11
10
7
3
0
1,089
Pentecostal in the Hist. Black Church Tradition
49
26
11
6
4
3
1
256
Anglican/Episcopal
8
30
21
24
13
4
1
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
7
29
22
23
14
4
1
672
Restorationist
31
29
13
13
10
5
0
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
33
26
13
12
11
4
0
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
19
42
10
14
8
6
0
157
Congregationalist
7
28
18
29
11
6
1
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
7
25
17
32
12
6
1
300
Holiness
30
29
15
14
8
4
0
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
27
31
15
15
8
4
0
374
Reformed
31
32
17
10
5
4
1
106
Adventist
25
39
10
13
8
6
0
151
Question: Aside from weddings and funerals, how often do you attend religious services? More than once a week, once a week, once or twice a month, a few times a year,
seldom, or never?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
118
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Frequency of Attendance at Religious Services by Protestant Denomination
More than
Once or A few
Don’t
once a Once a twice a times
know/
week
week month a year Seldom Never Refused N
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
15
24
15
18
16
11
1
35,556
Total Protestants
22
28
16
17
12
5
1
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
19
38
16
12
14
1
0
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Tradition) 15
26
21
22
13
4
1
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
8
34
23
13
17
6
0
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
46
26
10
9
6
3
0
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
33
26
14
12
11
4
0
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Tradition) 52
18
12
13
3
2
0
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
43
27
12
7
6
3
1
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
30
27
16
16
9
1
1
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
22
43
10
13
9
3
0
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
7
28
22
26
13
3
1
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Tradition) 8
39
24
20
9
2
0
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
13
36
17
19
11
4
0
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
30
22
16
17
12
3
0
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
18
31
19
15
12
4
0
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
6
35
26
22
9
2
0
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
32
33
14
13
6
1
0
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evang. Trad.)
40
32
12
6
8
3
0
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evang. Trad.)
31
43
15
6
3
2
0
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.) 38
28
15
12
7
0
0
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
18
24
22
18
13
3
0
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
13
42
19
16
8
1
1
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
24
39
11
13
6
6
0
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
30
27
15
15
10
3
1
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
9
30
19
28
10
5
0
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
10
32
21
22
11
3
0
2,239
Question: Aside from weddings and funerals, how often do you attend religious services? More than once a week, once a week, once or twice a month, a few times a year,
seldom, or never?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
119
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Frequency of Prayer by Religious Tradition
Once
Once
a week/
Don’t
a day Few times Few times
know/
or more
a week
a month Seldom
Never
Refused
N
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
58
17
6
11
7
2
35,556
Total Protestants
69
17
4
6
2
1
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
78
14
3
4
1
1
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
53
23
7
12
3
2
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches
80
12
2
3
1
2
1,995
Catholic
58
21
7
10
3
1
8,054
Mormon
82
10
3
5
0
0
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
83
10
3
4
0
0
556
Jehovah’s Witness
89
6
2
1
0
1
215
Orthodox
60
17
5
12
4
2
363
Greek Orthodox
56
22
8
8
3
3
168
Other Christian
71
16
2
7
3
2
129
Jewish
26
18
8
27
17
3
682
Reform
16
20
9
34
19
2
315
Conservative
28
22
10
23
12
5
219
Muslim
71
11
1
9
7
1
116
Buddhist
45
13
9
15
16
1
411
Hindu
62
14
5
12
5
2
257
Other Faiths
42
15
8
15
17
3
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
41
16
6
14
20
3
297
New Age
37
12
14
19
16
3
118
Unaffiliated
22
13
7
24
32
2
5,048
Atheist
5
5
2
8
79
2
515
Agnostic
9
9
7
31
44
0
826
Secular Unaffiliated
11
8
8
31
40
2
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
44
21
9
18
6
2
1,701
Question: People practice their religion in different ways. Outside of attending religious services, do you pray several times a day, once a day, a few times a week, once a
week, a few times a month, seldom, or never?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
120
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Frequency of Prayer by Protestant Family
Once
Once
a week/
Don’t
a day Few times Few times
know/
or more
a week
a month Seldom
Never
Refused
N
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
58
17
6
11
7
2
35,556
Total Protestants
69
17
4
6
2
1
18,937
Baptist
77
14
3
4
1
1
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
78
14
3
4
1
1
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
61
21
7
8
2
1
628
Baptist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
82
11
2
3
1
1
1,278
Methodist
60
22
7
9
1
1
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
58
24
7
9
1
1
2,393
Methodist in the Historically Black Church Tradition 78
12
3
5
1
1
210
Nondenominational
77
13
3
4
1
1
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
83
11
2
2
0
0
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition
53
23
7
13
3
1
306
Lutheran
55
23
7
11
3
1
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
63
22
6
6
1
1
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
50
24
7
14
3
1
1,186
Presbyterian
60
22
6
9
2
1
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
70
20
4
4
1
1
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
56
23
7
11
2
2
844
Pentecostal
82
11
2
3
1
1
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
83
11
2
3
1
1
1,089
Pentecostal in the Historically Black Church Tradition 79
13
2
4
0
2
256
Anglican/Episcopal
49
24
7
14
3
2
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
48
25
7
15
3
2
672
Restorationist
71
17
6
4
2
0
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
72
17
5
4
2
0
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
65
17
9
7
2
0
157
Congregationalist
45
25
10
14
5
2
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
41
26
11
15
5
1
300
Holiness
75
14
3
5
2
1
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
74
15
3
5
2
0
374
Reformed
77
13
3
4
0
3
106
Adventist
88
10
1
1
0
0
151
Question: People practice their religion in different ways. Outside of attending religious services, do you pray several times a day, once a day, a few times a week, once a
week, a few times a month, seldom, or never?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
121
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Frequency of Prayer by Protestant Denomination
Once
Once
a week/
Don’t
a day Few times Few times
know/
or more a week
a month Seldom Never Refused
N
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
58
17
6
11
7
2
35,556
Total Protestants
69
17
4
6
2
1
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
77
9
4
8
2
1
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
67
21
6
5
0
0
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
47
25
7
15
2
4
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
85
10
2
2
1
1
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
71
18
5
4
1
0
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Tradition) 89
7
1
2
0
1
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
79
12
2
5
0
2
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
75
20
1
4
0
0
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
68
15
7
7
2
0
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
49
25
7
15
3
1
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Tradition) 59
22
6
8
3
1
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
66
16
7
8
3
1
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
77
14
3
4
1
1
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
78
13
5
4
1
0
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
64
22
6
6
1
2
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
86
9
2
2
0
1
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evang. Tradition) 81
13
2
4
1
0
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evang. Tradition) 87
10
1
1
0
1
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.) 89
8
2
2
0
0
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
65
22
5
5
2
1
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
64
21
6
7
2
1
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
86
11
1
1
0
0
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
77
14
3
4
1
1
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
46
26
11
12
5
1
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
59
24
6
8
1
1
2,239
Question: People practice their religion in different ways. Outside of attending religious services, do you pray several times a day, once a day, a few times a week, once a
week, a few times a month, seldom, or never?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
122
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Frequency of Receiving Answers to Prayers by Religious Tradition
Pray at least several times a year
At least Once or
Several
Don’t
Pray
once a
twice a
times a Seldom/
know/ seldom or
week
month
year
Never
Refused less often
N
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
19
12
18
23
8
20
35,556
Total Protestants
24
15
21
21
10
9
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
29
17
22
16
10
6
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
14
11
21
29
9
16
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches
34
16
18
16
10
6
1,995
Catholic
15
11
20
31
8
14
8,054
Mormon
32
22
20
14
6
5
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
33
22
20
14
6
5
556
Jehovah’s Witness
36
13
14
19
15
2
215
Orthodox
11
13
22
26
10
18
363
Greek Orthodox
10
10
22
28
15
14
168
Other Christian
29
20
18
14
7
11
129
Jewish
8
4
9
23
9
47
682
Reform
4
4
12
21
5
55
315
Conservative
6
3
8
30
12
40
219
Muslim
31
12
20
12
8
17
116
Buddhist
18
6
12
28
6
32
411
Hindu
13
10
18
27
13
19
257
Other Faiths
18
5
8
26
7
35
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
14
5
9
26
8
37
297
New Age
22
5
8
24
4
37
118
Unaffiliated
8
5
8
19
3
58
5,048
Atheist
2
0
1
7
1
89
515
Agnostic
4
3
3
13
2
75
826
Secular Unaffiliated
4
2
4
15
2
73
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
15
9
16
28
5
26
1,701
Question: [IF PRAY MORE THAN SELDOM, ASK:] How often do you receive a definite answer to a specific prayer request? Would you say at least once a week, once or
twice a month, several times a year, seldom, or never?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
123
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Frequency of Receiving Answers to Prayers by Protestant Family
Pray at least several times a year
At least Once or
Several
Don’t
Pray
once a
twice a
times a Seldom/
know/ seldom or
week
month
year
Never
Refused less often
N
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
19
12
18
23
8
20
35,556
Total Protestants
24
15
21
21
10
9
18,937
Baptist
28
17
22
18
10
6
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
27
17
24
17
11
6
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
20
13
20
27
8
11
628
Baptist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
33
17
18
17
10
5
1278
Methodist
16
13
23
27
9
11
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
14
13
24
29
9
12
2,393
Methodist in the Hist. Black Church Tradition
32
14
17
18
12
7
210
Nondenominational
30
18
23
15
8
6
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
33
19
24
12
9
3
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition
15
12
20
28
7
17
306
Lutheran
13
12
22
28
10
15
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
18
14
22
27
11
8
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
11
12
22
28
9
19
1,186
Presbyterian
17
12
23
28
8
12
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
25
15
24
23
8
6
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
13
11
22
31
9
15
844
Pentecostal
39
18
18
12
9
5
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
39
18
17
12
8
5
1,089
Pentecostal in the Hist. Black Church Tradition
41
15
19
9
10
6
256
Anglican/Episcopal
13
9
21
27
10
19
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
11
9
21
29
10
20
672
Restorationist
27
16
19
20
11
7
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
28
16
18
21
12
6
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
25
16
23
19
8
10
157
Congregationalist
11
10
19
30
10
21
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
9
9
19
31
10
22
300
Holiness
29
16
21
17
8
8
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
28
18
23
16
7
8
374
Reformed
33
17
19
17
8
7
106
Adventist
49
10
20
11
9
1
151
Question: [IF PRAY MORE THAN SELDOM, ASK:] How often do you receive a definite answer to a specific prayer request? Would you say at least once a week, once or
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
twice a month, several times a year, seldom, or never?
124
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Frequency of Receiving Answers to Prayers by Protestant Denomination
Pray at least several times a year
At least Once or Several
Don’t
Pray
once a twice a times a Seldom/
know/ seldom or
week
month
year
Never
Refused less often
N
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
19
12
18
23
8
20
35,556
Total Protestants
24
15
21
21
10
9
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
31
14
17
16
11
10
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Tradition) 25
15
21
24
9
5
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
11
11
21
27
9
21
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
41
20
19
9
7
4
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
28
16
18
21
12
6
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Tradition) 35
22
20
12
8
3
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
43
13
17
11
9
7
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
28
17
25
19
6
4
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
26
17
23
16
8
10
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
12
9
21
29
10
20
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Tradition) 13
14
25
26
10
13
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
21
20
25
17
6
11
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
26
15
26
17
10
6
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
26
18
18
23
10
5
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
17
14
23
27
11
9
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
34
18
18
15
11
3
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evang. Trad.)
40
23
21
8
4
5
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evang. Tradition) 31
21
29
9
7
2
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.) 40
18
14
17
9
2
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
25
17
20
24
6
8
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
14
13
27
28
8
9
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
48
10
19
12
10
1
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
26
18
23
17
11
6
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
10
9
21
32
10
18
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
15
13
24
28
9
10
2,239
Question: [IF PRAY MORE THAN SELDOM, ASK:] How often do you receive a definite answer to a specific prayer request? Would you say at least once a week, once or
twice a month, several times a year, seldom, or never?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
125
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Literal Interpretation of Scripture by Religious Tradition
Word of God,
but not literally
Book
Word of God
true word for
written
to be taken
word/Unsure
by men, Don’t know/
literally, word
if literally
not the
Refused/
for word
true
word of God
Other
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
33
30
28
9
35,556
Total Protestants
46
32
14
8
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
59
29
7
5
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
22
38
28
11
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches
62
22
9
8
1,995
Catholic
23
39
27
11
8,054
Mormon
35
57
4
4
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
35
57
4
4
556
Jehovah’s Witness
48
45
1
7
215
Orthodox
26
33
29
12
363
Greek Orthodox
23
35
28
13
168
Other Christian
5
30
44
20
129
Jewish
10
27
53
10
682
Reform
5
21
65
8
315
Conservative
7
37
45
11
219
Muslim*
50
36
8
6
1,050
Buddhist
8
10
67
16
411
Hindu
12
25
47
16
257
Other Faiths
5
7
74
14
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
5
5
76
15
297
New Age
4
4
79
12
118
Unaffiliated
11
14
64
10
5,048
Atheist
3
4
88
5
515
Agnostic
0
5
87
8
826
Secular Unaffiliated
4
9
76
11
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
25
26
37
12
1,701
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: Which comes closest to your view? [HOLY BOOK]** is the word of God, OR [HOLY BOOK] is a book written by men and is not the word of God? [IF BELIEVE
HOLY BOOK IS WORD OF GOD, ASK:] And would you say that [HOLY BOOK] is to be taken literally, word for word, OR Not everything in [HOLY BOOK] should be taken
literally, word for word? **For Christians and the unaffiliated, “the Bible” was inserted where indicated by [HOLY BOOK]; for Jews, “the Torah” was inserted; for Muslims,
“the Koran” was inserted; for all other religious groups, “the Holy Scripture” was inserted.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
126
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Literal Interpretation of Scripture by Protestant Family
Word of God,
Book
Word of God but not literally
written
to be taken
true word for
by men, Don’t know/
literally, word word/Unsure
not the
Refused/
for word
if literally true
word of God
Other
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
33
30
28
9
35,556
Total Protestants
46
32
14
8
18,937
Baptist
60
25
8
7
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
62
26
6
6
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
43
32
16
9
628
Baptist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
62
20
9
9
1,278
Methodist
27
42
21
10
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
24
43
22
10
2,393
Methodist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
52
29
12
6
210
Nondenominational
49
34
11
5
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
57
35
5
4
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition
21
31
37
11
306
Lutheran
30
40
23
7
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
44
37
15
4
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
21
42
28
9
1,186
Presbyterian
25
41
24
10
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
40
38
15
7
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
18
42
28
11
844
Pentecostal
70
22
3
6
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
68
23
3
6
1,089
Pentecostal in the Historically Black Church Tradition
74
18
2
6
256
Anglican/Episcopal
13
34
40
13
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
10
35
41
13
672
Restorationist
46
35
11
8
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
49
34
10
6
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
31
39
16
14
157
Congregationalist
18
32
37
12
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
14
33
41
12
300
Holiness
61
26
10
3
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
58
29
10
4
374
Reformed
50
38
6
7
106
Adventist
52
43
0
5
151
Question: Which comes closest to your view? [HOLY BOOK]* is the word of God, OR [HOLY BOOK] is a book written by men and is not the word of God? [IF BELIEVE HOLY
BOOK IS WORD OF GOD, ASK:] And would you say that [HOLY BOOK] is to be taken literally, word for word, OR Not everything in [HOLY BOOK] should be taken literally,
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
word for word? *For Christians and the unaffiliated, “the Bible” was inserted where indicated by [HOLY BOOK]; for Jews, “the Torah” was inserted; for Muslims, “the Koran”
127
was inserted; for all other religious groups, “the Holy Scripture” was inserted.
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Literal Interpretation of Scripture by Protestant Denomination
Word of God,
but not literally
Book
Word of God
true word for
written
to be taken
word/Unsure
by men,
Don’t know/
literally, word
if literally
not the
Refused/
for word
true
word of God
Other
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
33
30
28
9
35,556
Total Protestants
46
32
14
8
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
57
26
11
6
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Tradition) 52
30
12
6
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
13
35
37
14
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
70
24
3
4
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
50
34
10
6
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Tradition) 75
17
3
6
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
75
16
3
6
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
63
27
6
4
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
35
36
17
13
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
9
34
44
13
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Tradition) 23
48
20
9
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
50
25
21
5
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
61
26
6
7
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
68
17
9
6
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
42
39
15
4
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
68
19
6
6
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evang. Tradition) 56
38
4
2
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evang. Tradition) 61
33
2
3
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.) 63
29
4
4
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
35
36
22
8
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
23
45
22
10
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
48
46
0
5
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
63
26
6
5
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
15
36
37
12
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
25
44
21
9
2,239
Question: Which comes closest to your view? [HOLY BOOK]* is the word of God, OR [HOLY BOOK] is a book written by men and is not the word of God? [IF BELIEVE HOLY
BOOK IS WORD OF GOD, ASK:] And would you say that [HOLY BOOK] is to be taken literally, word for word, OR Not everything in [HOLY BOOK] should be taken literally,
word for word? *For Christians and the unaffiliated, “the Bible” was inserted where indicated by [HOLY BOOK]; for Jews, “the Torah” was inserted; for Muslims, “the Koran”
was inserted; for all other religious groups, “the Holy Scripture” was inserted.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
128
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Interpretation of Religious Teachings by Religious Tradition
There is only There is MORE
ONE true way than one true
to interpret way to interpret
the teachings the teachings
Neither/ Don’t know/
of my religion
of my religion
Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population*
27
68
1
4
30,236
Total Protestants
31
64
1
4
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
41
53
1
4
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
14
82
1
3
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches
39
57
1
3
1,995
Catholic
19
77
1
4
8,054
Mormon
54
43
1
2
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
55
42
1
2
556
Jehovah’s Witness
77
18
1
4
215
Orthodox
28
68
1
4
363
Greek Orthodox
25
72
0
3
168
Other Christian
13
82
1
5
129
Jewish
6
89
1
3
682
Reform
4
95
0
1
315
Conservative
4
94
0
3
219
Muslim**
33
60
2
5
1,050
Buddhist
5
90
1
5
411
Hindu
10
85
1
4
257
Other Faiths
6
89
3
3
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
5
86
4
4
297
New Age
5
95
0
0
118
Unaffiliated
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
N/A
Atheist
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
N/A
Agnostic
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
N/A
Secular Unaffiliated
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
N/A
Religious Unaffiliated
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
N/A
*Based on those who belong to a particular religion (N=30,236)
**From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007. Muslims were asked about the teachings of “Islam” rather than “my
religion.”
Question: [IF RESPONDENT HAS A RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION, ASK:] Now, as I read a pair of statements, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement
comes closer to your own views even if neither is exactly right. First/next: There is only ONE true way to interpret the teachings of my religion, OR There is MORE than one
true way to interpret the teachings of my religion.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
129
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Interpretation of Religious Teachings by Protestant Family
There is only There is MORE
ONE true way than one true
to interpret way to interpret
the teachings the teachings
Neither/ Don’t know/
of my religion
of my religion
Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population*
27
68
1
4
30,236
Total Protestants
31
64
1
4
18,937
Baptist
38
57
1
4
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
41
54
1
4
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
23
70
2
5
628
Baptist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
38
58
1
3
1,278
Methodist
16
81
1
3
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
15
83
1
2
2,393
Methodist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
26
69
2
3
210
Nondenominational
38
57
1
4
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
45
49
1
4
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition
11
86
1
2
306
Lutheran
18
78
1
3
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
29
67
1
3
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
12
85
1
3
1,186
Presbyterian
17
80
1
3
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
27
70
1
3
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
13
84
0
3
844
Pentecostal
50
43
1
6
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
50
42
2
6
1,089
Pentecostal in the Historically Black Church Tradition
51
45
1
4
256
Anglican/Episcopal
9
87
1
3
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
9
88
1
3
672
Restorationist
37
60
0
3
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
40
57
1
3
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
22
75
0
2
157
Congregationalist
10
88
0
2
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
7
91
0
2
300
Holiness
40
55
2
3
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
38
57
2
3
374
Reformed
42
55
2
1
106
Adventist
50
44
1
5
151
*Based on those who belong to a particular religion (N=30,236)
Question: [IF RESPONDENT HAS A RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION, ASK:] Now, as I read a pair of statements, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
comes closer to your own views even if neither is exactly right. First/next: There is only ONE true way to interpret the teachings of my religion, OR There is MORE than one
130
true way to interpret the teachings of my religion.
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Interpretation of Religious Teachings by Protestant Denomination
There is only There is MORE
ONE true way than one true
to interpret way to interpret
the teachings the teachings
Neither/ Don’t know/
of my religion
of my religion
Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population*
27
68
1
4
30,236
Total Protestants
31
64
1
4
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
27
67
2
4
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Tradition) 28
66
2
5
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
16
81
0
3
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
52
41
2
6
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
40
57
1
3
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Tradition) 52
39
1
8
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
46
49
1
4
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
36
56
3
5
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
22
76
0
3
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
7
91
0
2
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Tradition) 15
82
1
2
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
27
72
1
1
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
43
53
1
3
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
33
66
0
1
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
28
68
1
3
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
44
52
1
2
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evang. Tradition) 42
52
3
3
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evang. Tradition) 52
41
2
5
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.) 56
40
1
3
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
22
73
1
3
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
16
81
0
2
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
48
45
2
5
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
41
54
1
4
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
7
92
0
1
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
15
82
1
2
2,239
*Based on those who belong to a particular religion (N=30,236)
Question: [IF RESPONDENT HAS A RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION, ASK:] Now, as I read a pair of statements, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement
comes closer to your own views even if neither is exactly right. First/next: There is only ONE true way to interpret the teachings of my religion, OR There is MORE than one
true way to interpret the teachings of my religion.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
131
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
View of One’s Religion as the One True Faith by Religious Tradition
My religion
is the one,
true faith
Many religions
leading to
can lead to
Neither/ Don’t know/
eternal life
eternal life
Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population*
24
70
3
4
30,236
Total Protestants
27
66
2
4
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
36
57
3
5
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
12
83
2
4
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches
34
59
3
4
1,995
Catholic
16
79
2
3
8,054
Mormon
57
39
3
1
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
58
38
3
1
556
Jehovah’s Witness
80
16
0
3
215
Orthodox
20
72
3
6
363
Greek Orthodox
16
75
4
5
168
Other Christian
8
83
4
5
129
Jewish
5
82
7
5
682
Reform
3
86
8
3
315
Conservative
5
87
5
3
219
Muslim
33
56
2
9
116
Buddhist
5
86
5
4
411
Hindu
5
89
2
5
257
Other Faiths
3
85
9
2
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
2
83
12
4
297
New Age
4
90
6
1
118
Unaffiliated
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
N/A
Atheist
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
N/A
Agnostic
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
N/A
Secular Unaffiliated
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
N/A
Religious Unaffiliated
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
Not asked
N/A
*Based on those who belong to a particular religion (N=30,236)
Question: [IF RESPONDENT HAS A RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION, ASK:] Now, as I read a pair of statements, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement
comes closer to your own views even if neither is exactly right. First/next: My religion is the one, true faith leading to eternal life, OR Many religions can lead to eternal
life.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
132
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
View of One’s Religion as the One True Faith by Protestant Family
My religion
is the one,
true faith
Many religions
leading to
can lead to
Neither/ Don’t know/
eternal life
eternal life
Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population*
24
70
3
4
30,236
Total Protestants
27
66
2
4
18,937
Baptist
31
62
2
4
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
33
60
2
4
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
19
73
3
5
628
Baptist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
32
62
2
4
1,278
Methodist
12
84
1
2
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
11
85
1
2
2,393
Methodist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
23
72
1
4
210
Nondenominational
41
51
3
5
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
48
43
3
5
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition
12
84
1
3
306
Lutheran
14
82
1
2
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
20
77
1
2
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
10
86
2
2
1,186
Presbyterian
17
77
2
3
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
28
66
3
3
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
12
82
2
3
844
Pentecostal
40
50
5
5
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
39
50
5
6
1,089
Pentecostal in the Historically Black Church Tradition
43
49
4
4
256
Anglican/Episcopal
7
88
2
2
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
6
90
2
2
672
Restorationist
35
59
2
4
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
38
57
2
3
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
19
73
3
5
157
Congregationalist
9
86
2
3
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
5
90
2
3
300
Holiness
36
57
2
5
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
34
59
2
5
374
Reformed
41
49
3
6
106
Adventist
32
61
3
4
151
*Based on those who belong to a particular religion (N=30,236)
Question: [IF RESPONDENT HAS A RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION, ASK:] Now, as I read a pair of statements, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
comes closer to your own views even if neither is exactly right. First/next: My religion is the one, true faith leading to eternal life, OR Many religions can lead to eternal
133
life.
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
View of One’s Religion as the One True Faith by Protestant Denomination
My religion
is the one,
true faith
Many religions
leading to
can lead to
Neither/
Don’t know/
eternal life
eternal life
Both equally
Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population*
24
70
3
4
30,236
Total Protestants
27
66
2
4
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
25
69
2
4
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Tradition) 22
73
2
4
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
8
83
4
5
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
38
53
4
5
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
39
56
2
3
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Tradition) 39
53
5
4
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
38
54
5
3
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
34
63
0
2
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
18
75
3
3
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
5
92
1
1
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Tradition) 12
85
2
2
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
24
70
1
4
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
32
60
3
5
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
38
60
0
1
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
19
78
1
2
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
34
59
2
5
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evang.Tradition) 52
42
2
4
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evang. Tradition) 58
34
4
4
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.) 56
34
6
4
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
23
71
3
3
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
16
80
2
2
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
28
65
3
4
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
33
61
2
4
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
5
90
1
3
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
11
85
1
2
2,239
*Based on those who belong to a particular religion (N=30,236)
Question: [IF RESPONDENT HAS A RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION, ASK:] Now, as I read a pair of statements, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement
comes closer to your own views even if neither is exactly right. First/next: My religion is the one, true faith leading to eternal life, OR Many religions can lead to eternal
life.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
134
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Party Affiliation by Religious Tradition
Other/
No preference/
Lean
Lean
Don’t know/
Republican Republican Independent Democratic Democratic Refused N
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
26
10
10
15
32
8
35,556
Total Protestants
32
10
9
12
32
6
18,937
Members of Evang. Prot. Churches
38
12
9
10
24
7
9,472
Members of Mainline Prot. Churches
31
10
10
14
29
6
7,470
Members of Hist. Black Prot. Churches
7
3
6
12
66
6
1,995
Catholic
23
10
10
15
33
9
8,054
Mormon
52
13
8
7
15
5
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 52
12
7
7
15
5
556
Jehovah’s Witness
4
6
14
7
8
61
215
Orthodox
27
8
8
18
32
7
363
Greek Orthodox
22
9
10
19
32
8
168
Other Christian
16
9
14
25
30
5
129
Jewish
17
6
8
18
47
3
682
Reform
10
5
9
18
57
2
315
Conservative
21
8
5
15
48
2
219
Muslim*
7
4
10
26
37
16
1,050
Buddhist
10
8
9
30
37
6
411
Hindu
6
7
13
22
41
11
257
Other Faiths
7
6
15
29
37
5
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
6
4
9
32
45
4
297
New Age
9
10
25
26
26
4
118
Unaffiliated
13
10
15
24
31
8
5,048
Atheist
10
6
13
28
37
7
515
Agnostic
12
12
11
31
32
3
826
Secular Unaffiliated
12
10
16
24
30
9
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
15
10
15
19
30
10
1,701
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: In politics TODAY, do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat, or Independent? [IF INDEPENDENT, NO PREFERENCE, OTHER PARTY OR DK/REF ASK:] As
of today, do you lean more to the Republican Party or more to the Democratic Party?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
135
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Party Affiliation by Protestant Family
Other/
No preference/
Lean Lean Don’t know/
Republican Republican Independent Democratic Democratic Refused N
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
26
10
10
15
32
8
35,556
Total Protestants
32
10
9
12
32
6
18,937
Baptist
30
8
7
10
39
6
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
40
11
8
9
27
6
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
27
8
12
11
33
9
628
Baptist in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
6
2
5
10
72
5
1,278
Methodist
33
9
8
12
34
4
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
36
10
9
12
30
4
2,393
Methodist in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
8
1
4
10
72
5
210
Nondenominational
35
13
10
13
23
6
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evang. Trad.
42
15
9
10
18
6
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Trad.
19
8
13
22
32
6
306
Lutheran
33
10
9
14
28
6
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
39
13
9
11
23
6
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
30
9
9
15
31
5
1,186
Presbyterian
40
10
7
13
27
3
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
41
11
7
12
25
4
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
39
10
7
14
28
2
844
Pentecostal
30
10
10
13
28
10
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
34
11
10
12
22
10
1,089
Pentecostal in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
17
6
9
14
46
9
256
Anglican/Episcopal
32
11
8
15
30
4
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Trad.
33
11
8
15
30
5
672
Restorationist
31
10
9
11
34
5
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
32
10
9
10
34
5
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
27
8
9
18
33
5
157
Congregationalist
27
11
12
18
30
3
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Trad.
26
11
12
17
32
3
300
Holiness
33
9
7
8
34
9
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
35
9
7
8
33
8
374
Reformed
46
13
10
5
19
7
106
Adventist
24
8
8
11
32
16
151
Question: In politics TODAY, do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat, or Independent? [IF INDEPENDENT, NO PREFERENCE, OTHER PARTY OR DK/REF ASK:] As
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
of today, do you lean more to the Republican Party or more to the Democratic Party?
136
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Party Affliliation by Protestant Denomination
Other/
No
preference/
Don’t
Lean Lean know/
Republican Republican Independent Democratic Democratic Refused N
%
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
26
10
10
15
32
8 35,556
Total Protestants
32
10
9
12
32
6 18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Hist. Black Trad.)
8
2
3
11
72
4
127
Amer. Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Trad.) 29
9
10
11
33
7
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
36
14
7
16
21
7
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
45
11
10
11
17
7
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
32
11
9
10
34
4
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evang. Trad.) 31
12
9
13
28
7
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Trad.)
13
6
9
13
51
8
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
43
4
11
8
29
6
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
27
9
9
16
34
5
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
32
10
7
15
34
2
474
Evang. Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Trad.) 33
9
8
17
28
5
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
18
16
6
12
39
10
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
42
10
10
11
22
5
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
7
5
9
11
63
4
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evang. Trad.)
40
13
8
12
22
5
588
National Baptist Convention (Hist. Black Trad.)
6
1
4
8
78
4
549
Nondenom. Charismatic Churches (Evang.Trad.)
38
16
9
13
17
6
172
Nondenominational Evang. Churches (Evang.Trad.) 54
16
7
5
14
3
413
Nondenom. Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.) 49
22
10
11
6
2
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Trad.)
38
11
7
16
25
4
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
43
10
5
14
26
2
544
Seventh-Day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
24
8
7
11
33
17
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Trad.)
41
11
6
8
29
5
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
25
11
11
17
34
3
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
37
10
8
12
30
4
2,239
Question: In politics TODAY, do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat, or Independent? [IF INDEPENDENT, NO PREFERENCE, OTHER PARTY OR DK/REF ASK:] As
of today, do you lean more to the Republican Party or more to the Democratic Party?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
137
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Political Ideology by Religious Tradition
Don’t know/
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
37
36
20
7
35,556
Total Protestants
44
34
15
6
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
52
30
11
7
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
36
41
18
5
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches
35
36
21
8
1,995
Catholic
36
38
18
8
8,054
Mormon
60
27
10
3
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
60
28
9
3
556
Jehovah’s Witness
21
12
17
50
215
Orthodox
30
45
20
6
363
Greek Orthodox
28
51
16
6
168
Other Christian
20
35
40
5
129
Jewish
21
39
38
3
682
Reform
12
41
45
2
315
Conservative
27
41
31
1
219
Muslim*
19
38
24
19
1,050
Buddhist
12
32
50
6
411
Hindu
12
44
35
10
257
Other Faiths
12
33
47
8
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
9
32
51
8
297
New Age
16
32
46
6
118
Unaffiliated
20
39
34
8
5,048
Atheist
14
27
50
8
515
Agnostic
15
39
44
3
826
Secular Unaffiliated
17
39
35
8
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
25
41
24
10
1,701
*From”Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: In general, would you describe your political views as very conservative, conservative, moderate, liberal, or very liberal?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
138
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Political Ideology by Protestant Family
Don’t know/
Conservative Moderate
Liberal
Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
37
36
20
7
35,556
Total Protestants
44
34
15
6
18,937
Baptist
47
32
14
7
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
53
30
10
7
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
38
37
17
8
628
Baptist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
35
36
21
8
1,278
Methodist
40
39
16
5
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
41
40
15
5
2,393
Methodist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
30
38
25
7
210
Nondenominational
47
35
12
6
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
52
33
9
6
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition
28
46
23
3
306
Lutheran
41
39
15
5
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
48
35
12
5
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
36
42
17
5
1,186
Presbyterian
38
43
16
3
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
46
37
12
4
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
34
45
18
2
844
Pentecostal
54
25
12
9
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
57
22
11
9
1,089
Pentecostal in the Historically Black Church Tradition
41
33
15
11
256
Anglican/Episcopal
32
40
22
6
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
31
41
22
5
672
Restorationist
49
34
12
5
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
51
33
11
5
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
37
44
13
6
157
Congregationalist
32
44
20
4
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
29
46
21
5
300
Holiness
49
29
17
6
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
51
29
16
5
374
Reformed
56
22
16
6
106
Adventist
42
29
15
14
151
Question: In general, would you describe your political views as very conservative, conservative, moderate, liberal, or very liberal?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
139
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Political Ideology by Protestant Denomination
Don’t know/
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
37
36
20
7
35,556
Total Protestants
44
34
15
6
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
35
37
24
3
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
43
36
16
5
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
44
35
14
7
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
66
19
8
7
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
53
32
12
4
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Tradition)
62
20
12
6
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
38
33
16
13
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
56
26
14
4
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
40
41
12
6
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
27
43
26
4
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Tradition)
39
42
15
4
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
49
28
22
1
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
54
30
9
7
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
36
39
18
6
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
48
36
12
4
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
36
35
23
5
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evangelical Tradition)
49
36
8
6
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evangelical Tradition)
63
30
4
3
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evangelical Tradition)
80
16
4
0
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
42
40
14
3
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
35
47
16
2
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
40
31
16
13
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
55
29
10
6
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
28
45
21
5
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
41
41
14
4
2,239
Question: In general, would you describe your political views as very conservative, conservative, moderate, liberal, or very liberal?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
140
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Size of Government by Religious Tradition
Prefer smaller Prefer bigger
government, government,
Don’t know/
fewer services more services Depends Refused N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
43
46
5
6
35,556
Total Protestants
45
44
5
7
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
48
41
4
7
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
51
37
5
7
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches
18
72
5
5
1,995
Catholic
39
51
4
6
8,054
Mormon
56
36
5
4
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
56
36
4
4
556
Jehovah’s Witness
23
47
6
23
215
Orthodox
42
46
6
7
363
Greek Orthodox
46
38
7
9
168
Other Christian
44
42
6
8
129
Jewish
40
46
7
7
682
Reform
38
50
7
5
315
Conservative
46
39
8
7
219
Muslim*
21
70
3
6
1,050
Buddhist
35
51
7
7
411
Hindu
31
59
5
5
257
Other Faiths
38
46
7
9
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
40
44
6
10
297
New Age
33
50
10
7
118
Unaffiliated
41
48
5
6
5,048
Atheist
38
50
5
7
515
Agnostic
48
43
5
4
826
Secular Unaffiliated
44
44
5
6
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
35
54
4
7
1,701
*From “Muslim Americans: Middle Class adn Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: If you had to choose, would you rather have a smaller government providing fewer services, or a bigger government providing more services?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
141
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Size of Government by Protestant Family
Prefer smaller Prefer bigger
government, government,
Don’t know/
fewer services mor
e services Depends Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
43
46
5
6
35,556
Total Protestants
45
44
5
7
18,937
Baptist
39
51
4
6
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
49
41
4
7
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
33
54
5
8
628
Baptist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
17
74
4
5
1,278
Methodist
52
37
4
7
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
55
33
5
7
2,393
Methodist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
25
64
4
6
210
Nondenominational
49
41
4
5
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
52
39
4
6
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition
48
41
6
5
306
Lutheran
55
33
5
6
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
58
33
3
5
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
54
34
6
7
1,186
Presbyterian
56
33
5
6
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
59
32
4
5
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
55
34
5
6
844
Pentecostal
34
53
5
8
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
37
50
5
8
1,089
Pentecostal in the Historically Black Church Tradition
21
65
7
7
256
Anglican/Episcopal
54
35
5
6
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
54
35
5
6
672
Restorationist
46
45
4
6
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
45
46
4
6
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
50
40
5
5
157
Congregationalist
54
35
5
6
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
51
37
5
7
300
Holiness
45
45
3
7
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
48
41
3
7
374
Reformed
50
31
13
5
106
Adventist
36
52
3
9
151
Question: If you had to choose, would you rather have a smaller government providing fewer services, or a bigger government providing more services?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
142
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Size of Government by Protestant Denomination
Prefer smaller Prefer bigger
government, government,
Don’t know/
fewer services more services Depends
Refused N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
43
46
5
6
35,556
Total Protestants
45
44
5
7
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
21
70
4
5
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
32
57
4
7
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
61
26
4
9
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
41
48
5
7
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
46
45
4
6
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Tradition)
43
40
5
13
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
20
66
9
6
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
52
39
1
8
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
51
38
5
6
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
54
36
5
6
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Tradition)
55
32
6
7
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
47
45
3
4
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
51
39
4
6
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
17
78
3
2
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
58
33
3
5
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
18
72
5
5
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evangelical Trad.)
42
48
5
5
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evangelical Trad.)
59
33
3
5
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.)
71
21
1
7
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
58
32
3
7
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
59
31
5
5
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
36
52
3
9
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
48
41
4
7
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
46
39
6
8
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
55
34
5
7
2,239
Question: If you had to choose, would you rather have a smaller government providing fewer services, or a bigger government providing more services?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
143
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Abortion by Religious Tradition
Legal in Legal in
Illegal in Illegal in Don’t know/
all cases most cases most cases all cases Refused N
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
18
33
27
16
6
35,556
Total Protestants
14
31
30
18
6
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
9
24
36
25
6
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
20
42
25
7
7
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches 18
29
23
23
8
1,995
Catholic
16
32
27
18
7
8,054
Mormon
8
19
61
9
4
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
7
19
62
9
3
556
Jehovah’s Witness
5
11
25
52
7
215
Orthodox
24
38
20
10
8
363
Greek Orthodox
30
36
20
3
12
168
Other Christian
33
42
13
6
7
129
Jewish
40
44
9
5
2
682
Reform
44
47
5
2
2
315
Conservative
43
42
7
5
2
219
Muslim
13
35
35
13
4
116
Buddhist
35
46
10
3
6
411
Hindu
23
46
19
5
7
257
Other Faiths
36
41
13
4
6
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
39
42
10
2
7
297
New Age
34
40
18
3
4
118
Unaffiliated
29
41
16
8
6
5,048
Atheist
41
42
8
5
5
515
Agnostic
34
49
12
2
3
826
Secular Unaffiliated
32
44
14
5
5
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
21
35
23
13
8
1,701
Question: On another subject, do you think abortion should be [READ CATEGORIES IN ORDER TO HALF SAMPLE, IN REVERSE ORDER TO OTHER HALF OF SAMPLE]
legal in all cases, legal in most cases, illegal in most cases, or illegal in all cases?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
144
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Abortion by Protestant Family
Legal in Legal in Illegal in Illegal in Don’t know/
all cases most cases most cases all cases Refused N
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
18
33
27
16
6
35,556
Total Protestants
14
31
30
18
6
18,937
Baptist
12
28
31
23
7
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
9
26
35
24
6
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
14
32
28
18
8
628
Baptist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
19
31
20
22
8
1,278
Methodist
18
41
28
7
7
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
17
42
28
6
7
2,393
Methodist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
24
35
22
11
9
210
Nondenominational
11
24
39
21
5
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
7
20
43
26
5
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition
23
41
27
3
5
306
Lutheran
19
40
27
8
6
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
15
34
32
14
6
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
22
43
23
5
6
1,186
Presbyterian
18
45
25
8
4
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
11
40
30
15
4
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
21
47
22
5
4
844
Pentecostal
6
16
36
35
7
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
5
15
38
35
7
1,089
Pentecostal in the Historically Black Church Tradition
10
17
28
38
7
256
Anglican/Episcopal
29
44
18
5
6
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
30
44
17
4
6
672
Restorationist
11
28
35
19
6
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
10
26
37
21
6
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
20
35
29
10
6
157
Congregationalist
22
48
19
5
6
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
25
51
17
3
4
300
Holiness
10
21
36
28
5
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
10
22
36
27
4
374
Reformed
6
28
36
27
3
106
Adventist
8
27
29
28
8
151
Question: On another subject, do you think abortion should be [READ CATEGORIES IN ORDER TO HALF SAMPLE, IN REVERSE ORDER TO OTHER HALF OF SAMPLE]
legal in all cases, legal in most cases, illegal in most cases, or illegal in all cases?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
145
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Abortion by Protestant Denomination
Legal in Legal in Illegal in Illegal in Don’t know/
all cases most cases most cases all cases Refused N
%
%
%
%
%
Total Population
18
33
27
16
6
35,556
Total Protestants
14
31
30
18
6
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
28
32
25
6
8
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
13
31
29
20
7
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
27
39
26
2
6
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
6
14
39
35
5
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
9
27
37
21
6
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Tradition)
3
13
41
39
4
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
13
17
23
36
10
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
8
24
39
28
1
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
19
35
30
10
6
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
30
46
15
4
5
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Tradition)
18
42
26
6
7
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
13
32
36
15
4
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
8
27
32
29
5
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
20
31
23
19
7
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
16
35
32
13
5
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
18
30
22
23
7
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evang. Trad.)
7
20
37
31
5
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evang. Trad.)
6
15
51
27
2
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.)
8
16
49
26
2
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
12
45
22
17
5
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
19
45
26
6
4
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
9
26
29
27
8
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
10
26
37
22
6
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
23
49
19
3
4
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
17
42
29
6
7
2,239
Question: On another subject, do you think abortion should be [READ CATEGORIES IN ORDER TO HALF SAMPLE, IN REVERSE ORDER TO OTHER HALF OF SAMPLE]
legal in all cases, legal in most cases, illegal in most cases, or illegal in all cases?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
146
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Homosexuality by Religious Tradition
Homosexuality Homosexuality
should be
should be
Neither/ Don’t know/
accepted
discouraged
Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
50
40
5
5
35,556
Total Protestants
38
51
5
5
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
26
64
5
5
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
56
34
6
5
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches
39
46
6
8
1,995
Catholic
58
30
5
7
8,054
Mormon
24
68
5
3
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
23
69
5
3
556
Jehovah’s Witness
12
76
6
5
215
Orthodox
48
37
7
8
363
Greek Orthodox
56
28
5
11
168
Other Christian
69
20
6
5
129
Jewish
79
15
3
3
682
Reform
88
8
2
1
315
Conservative
77
14
4
4
219
Muslim*
27
61
5
7
1,050
Buddhist
82
12
2
4
411
Hindu
48
37
3
11
257
Other Faiths
84
8
4
3
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
86
6
5
3
297
New Age
86
10
3
2
118
Unaffiliated
71
20
5
5
5,048
Atheist
80
14
3
3
515
Agnostic
83
10
5
3
826
Secular Unaffiliated
74
17
4
4
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
59
29
5
7
1,701
*From”Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. For each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views, even if neither is exactly right. 1 - Homosexuality is a way of life that should be accepted by society, OR 2 - Homosexuality is a way of life that should be discouraged
by society.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
147
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Homosexuality by Protestant Family
Homosexuality Homosexuality
should be
should be
Neither/ Don’t know/
accepted
discouraged Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
50
40
5
5
35,556
Total Protestants
38
51
5
5
18,937
Baptist
31
58
5
6
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
25
67
5
4
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
44
44
6
6
628
Baptist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
43
43
6
9
1,278
Methodist
51
38
6
5
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
51
38
6
4
2,393
Methodist in the Historically Black Church Tradition
50
34
8
9
210
Nondenominational
33
57
6
4
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Tradition
24
66
6
4
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Tradition
69
22
4
5
306
Lutheran
53
37
5
5
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
43
48
4
5
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
59
31
6
4
1,186
Presbyterian
52
39
5
4
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
36
55
4
5
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
58
32
5
4
844
Pentecostal
20
69
5
6
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
18
71
5
6
1,089
Pentecostal in the Historically Black Church Tradition
26
61
5
8
256
Anglican/Episcopal
64
28
4
3
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
66
27
4
3
672
Restorationist
34
57
5
5
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
31
60
5
4
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
46
41
8
6
157
Congregationalist
64
28
4
4
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
69
24
3
4
300
Holiness
28
65
3
3
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
29
64
3
4
374
Reformed
30
60
6
4
106
Adventist
22
68
6
4
151
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. For each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views, even if neither is exactly right. 1 - Homosexuality is a way of life that should be accepted by society, OR 2 - Homosexuality is a way of life that should be discouraged
by society.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
148
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Homosexuality by Protestant Denomination
Homosexuality Homosexuality
should be should be Neither/ Don’t know/
accepted discouraged Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
50
40
5
5
35,556
Total Protestants
38
51
5
5
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
54
29
10
7
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
40
49
5
6
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
63
31
3
3
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
16
73
5
6
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
31
61
4
3
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Tradition)
19
75
2
4
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
31
56
5
8
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
31
65
1
3
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
43
43
7
6
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
70
23
3
3
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Tradition)
56
33
6
5
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
46
50
1
4
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
27
64
5
3
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
52
31
4
12
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
44
47
4
5
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
35
51
5
9
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evangelical Trad.)
26
70
1
2
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evangelical Trad.)
18
73
5
3
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evan. Trad.)
14
77
5
5
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
41
52
3
4
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
52
38
6
4
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
23
67
5
5
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
23
68
4
4
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
69
24
3
4
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
51
39
6
4
2,239
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. For each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views, even if neither is exactly right. 1 - Homosexuality is a way of life that should be accepted by society, OR 2 - Homosexuality is a way of life that should be discouraged
by society.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
149
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Government’s Role in Protecting Morality by Religious Tradition
I worry the
The government government
should do more
is getting
to protect morality too involved in
Neither/ Don’t know/
in society issue of morality Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
40
52
3
5
35,556
Total Protestants
44
47
4
5
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
50
41
4
5
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
33
58
4
5
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches
48
42
3
6
1,995
Catholic
43
49
3
5
8,054
Mormon
54
39
4
3
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
55
38
4
3
556
Jehovah’s Witness
38
36
10
16
215
Orthodox
43
48
3
6
363
Greek Orthodox
39
47
4
9
168
Other Christian
23
69
3
5
129
Jewish
22
71
3
5
682
Reform
17
77
2
4
315
Conservative
22
73
3
2
219
Muslim*
59
29
4
8
1,050
Buddhist
26
67
3
4
411
Hindu
44
45
4
7
257
Other Faiths
18
75
3
4
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
14
80
3
3
297
New Age
21
70
3
6
118
Unaffiliated
27
66
3
4
5,048
Atheist
20
75
2
3
515
Agnostic
13
84
2
2
826
Secular Unaffiliated
23
70
3
4
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
39
53
3
6
1,701
*From”Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream,” Pew Research Center, 2007.
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. For each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views, even if neither is exactly right. 1 - The government should do more to protect morality in society, OR 2 - I worry the government is getting too involved in the issue
of morality.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
150
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Government’s Role in Protecting Morality by Protestant Family
I worry the
The government
government
should do more
is getting
to protect morality
too involved in
Neither/ Don’t know/
in society
issue of morality Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
40
52
3
5
35,556
Total Protestants
44
47
4
5
18,937
Baptist
47
43
4
6
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
48
43
4
6
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
43
45
6
6
628
Baptist in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
48
44
3
5
1,278
Methodist
36
55
4
5
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
36
56
4
5
2,393
Methodist in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
41
47
4
8
210
Nondenominational
50
42
3
5
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evang. Trad.
56
37
3
4
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Trad.
28
65
3
4
306
Lutheran
36
56
3
4
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
42
51
3
4
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
33
59
4
4
1,186
Presbyterian
34
58
4
4
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
42
49
4
5
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
31
62
3
4
844
Pentecostal
57
33
4
7
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
58
32
4
6
1,089
Pentecostal in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
55
36
2
7
256
Anglican/Episcopal
29
65
3
4
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Trad.
28
66
2
4
672
Restorationist
46
45
4
4
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
49
43
4
5
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
36
59
3
2
157
Congregationalist
25
67
4
4
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
22
69
5
5
300
Holiness
50
40
4
6
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
50
40
5
5
374
Reformed
49
40
5
6
106
Adventist
47
40
7
6
151
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. For each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views, even if neither is exactly right. 1 - The government should do more to protect morality in society, OR 2 - I worry the government is getting too involved in the issue
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
of morality.
151
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Government’s Role in Protecting Morality by Protestant Denomination
I worry the
The government government
should do more is getting
to protect morality too involved in Neither/ Don’t know/
in society issue of morality Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
40
52
3
5
35,556
Total Protestants
44
47
4
5
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Trad.)
36
52
5
7
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Trad.)
46
45
4
5
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
32
62
1
5
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
61
30
5
4
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
49
43
4
5
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Trad.)
53
34
5
7
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
52
39
2
8
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
50
38
4
8
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
36
59
3
2
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
26
68
3
4
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Trad.)
34
59
4
4
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
43
49
4
4
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
47
44
3
6
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
52
40
3
5
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
39
54
3
4
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
46
46
3
4
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evang. Trad.)
64
31
1
3
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evang.Trad.)
61
33
3
3
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.) 55
34
7
3
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
39
52
3
6
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
33
60
4
3
544
Seventh-Day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
48
39
8
6
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
49
42
4
5
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
22
68
5
5
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
36
56
4
4
2,239
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. For each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views, even if neither is exactly right. 1 - The government should do more to protect morality in society, OR 2 - I worry the government is getting too involved in the issue
of morality.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
152
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Environmental Protection by Religious Tradition
Stricter
environmental
Stricter
laws and
environmental
regulations cost
laws and
too many jobs and regulations are Neither/ Don’t know/
hurt the economy worth the cost Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
30
61
3
6
35,556
Total Protestants
33
57
4
6
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
35
54
4
6
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
28
64
3
5
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches
38
52
3
7
1,995
Catholic
32
60
3
6
8,054
Mormon
36
55
4
5
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
36
54
4
6
556
Jehovah’s Witness
24
60
8
8
215
Orthodox
30
60
5
5
363
Greek Orthodox
26
61
7
7
168
Other Christian
22
66
6
5
129
Jewish
16
77
2
5
682
Reform
14
83
1
3
315
Conservative
17
75
3
5
219
Muslim
26
69
3
2
116
Buddhist
19
75
3
3
411
Hindu
24
67
2
6
257
Other Faiths
17
77
3
4
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
14
80
2
3
297
New Age
20
73
3
4
118
Unaffiliated
24
69
3
4
5,048
Atheist
20
75
2
3
515
Agnostic
18
78
3
1
826
Secular Unaffiliated
21
72
3
4
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
31
59
3
6
1,701
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. For each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views, even if neither is exactly right. 1 - Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, OR 2 - Stricter environmental laws and
regulations are worth the cost.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
153
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Environmental Protection by Protestant Family
Stricter
environmental Stricter
laws and environmental
regulations cost laws and
too many jobs and
r
egulations are
Neither/ Don’t know/
hurt the econom
y worth the cost Both equally Refused N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
30
61
3
6
35,556
Total Protestants
33
57
4
6
18,937
Baptist
37
54
3
7
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
36
54
3
6
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
37
52
3
8
628
Baptist in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
38
53
2
6
1,278
Methodist
30
62
3
5
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
29
63
3
5
2,393
Methodist in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
33
56
2
8
210
Nondenominational
31
62
3
4
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evang. Trad.
33
59
3
4
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Trad.
21
73
3
3
306
Lutheran
28
64
4
4
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
32
59
5
4
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
26
67
3
5
1,186
Presbyterian
28
65
3
4
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
33
59
3
5
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
26
68
3
4
844
Pentecostal
38
49
4
10
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
37
50
4
9
1,089
Pentecostal in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
42
43
5
10
256
Anglican/Episcopal
23
70
3
4
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Trad.
23
71
2
4
672
Restorationist
35
55
4
6
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
36
54
4
6
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
33
56
7
4
157
Congregationalist
23
68
3
6
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Trad.
21
70
3
6
300
Holiness
36
52
5
7
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
36
52
5
7
374
Reformed
30
52
8
10
106
Adventist
30
59
6
5
151
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. For each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views, even if neither is exactly right. 1 - Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, OR 2 - Stricter environmental laws and
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
regulations are worth the cost.
154
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Environmental Protection by Protestant Denomination
Stricter Stricter
environmental laws environmental
and regulations cost laws and
too many jobs and regulations are Neither/ Don’t know/
hurt the economy worth the cost Both equally Refused N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
30
61
3
6
35,556
Total Protestants
33
57
4
6
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Trad.)
33
58
3
6
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Trad.)
38
52
2
8
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
29
65
4
3
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
40
47
5
9
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
35
55
3
6
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Trad.)
43
48
1
8
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
45
44
5
6
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
40
51
3
6
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
33
55
8
5
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
21
73
2
4
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Trad.)
26
67
3
4
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
36
55
5
4
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
40
51
3
6
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
38
51
5
5
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
33
57
5
5
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
39
54
2
5
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evang. Trad.)
33
61
2
4
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evang. Trad.)
38
55
3
4
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.) 47
47
3
2
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
34
59
4
3
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
26
69
2
4
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
31
57
6
6
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
35
56
3
6
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
22
69
3
6
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
29
63
3
4
2,239
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. For each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views, even if neither is exactly right. 1 - Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, OR 2 - Stricter environmental laws and
regulations are worth the cost.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
155
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Country’s Role in World Affairs by Religious Tradition
It’s best for
We should
the future of
pay less
our country to
attention to
be active in
problems
Neither/ Don’t know/
world affairs
overseas
Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
36
55
7
2
35,556
Total Protestants
36
55
8
2
18,937
Members of Evangelical Protestant Churches
36
54
8
2
9,472
Members of Mainline Protestant Churches
40
52
8
1
7,470
Members of Historically Black Protestant Churches
23
68
7
1
1,995
Catholic
36
55
6
2
8,054
Mormon
51
37
10
1
581
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
52
37
10
1
556
Jehovah’s Witness
13
64
13
10
215
Orthodox
34
56
9
1
363
Greek Orthodox
30
60
8
1
168
Other Christian
34
56
8
2
129
Jewish
53
37
8
2
682
Reform
53
36
9
2
315
Conservative
53
38
9
0
219
Muslim
31
59
7
2
116
Buddhist
41
45
11
2
411
Hindu
34
58
6
2
257
Other Faiths
37
52
8
3
449
Unitarian and Other Liberal Faiths
41
46
10
3
297
New Age
34
59
4
3
118
Unaffiliated
34
58
7
1
5,048
Atheist
46
47
6
1
515
Agnostic
42
50
7
1
826
Secular Unaffiliated
35
56
8
1
2,006
Religious Unaffiliated
26
65
7
2
1,701
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. For each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views, even if neither is exactly right. 1 - It’s best for the future of our country to be active in world affairs, OR 2 - We should pay less attention to problems overseas and
concentrate on problems here at home.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
156
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Country’s Role in World Affairs by Protestant Family
It’s best for the future We should pay
of our country to be less attention to Neither/ Don’t know/
active in world affairs
problems overseas Both equally Refused
N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
36
55
7
2
35,556
Total Protestants
36
55
8
2
18,937
Baptist
29
62
8
2
5,914
Baptist in the Evangelical Tradition
33
57
8
2
4,008
Baptist in the Mainline Tradition
26
65
7
2
628
Baptist in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
21
71
7
1
1,278
Methodist
39
53
8
1
2,657
Methodist in the Mainline Tradition
41
51
8
1
2,393
Methodist in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
25
64
10
1
210
Nondenominational
41
49
9
1
1,550
Nondenominational in the Evangelical Trad.
43
47
8
2
1,177
Nondenominational in the Mainline Trad.
35
54
11
1
306
Lutheran
39
53
7
1
1,926
Lutheran in the Evangelical Tradition
40
53
6
1
740
Lutheran in the Mainline Tradition
38
54
7
1
1,186
Presbyterian
46
47
6
1
1,164
Presbyterian in the Evangelical Tradition
41
54
4
1
320
Presbyterian in the Mainline Tradition
48
44
7
1
844
Pentecostal
33
56
8
3
1,345
Pentecostal in the Evangelical Tradition
34
54
8
3
1,089
Pentecostal in the Hist. Black Church Trad.
29
61
8
3
256
Anglican/Episcopal
49
43
7
1
706
Anglican/Episcopal in the Mainline Tradition
49
42
7
1
672
Restorationist
34
58
6
1
776
Restorationist in the Evanglical Tradition
33
60
5
2
619
Restorationist in the Mainline Tradition
40
50
10
0
157
Congregationalist
47
46
6
1
345
Congregationalist in the Mainline Tradition
48
44
7
2
300
Holiness
34
57
8
1
411
Holiness in the Evangelical Tradition
33
58
8
1
374
Reformed
46
46
9
0
106
Adventist
33
57
9
1
151
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. For each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views, even if neither is exactly right. 1 - It’s best for the future of our country to be active in world affairs, OR 2 - We should pay less attention to problems overseas and
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
concentrate on problems here at home.
157
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Views About Country’s Role in World Affairs by Protestant Denomination
It’s best for We should
the future of pay less
our country to attention to
be active in problems Neither/ Don’t know/
world affairs overseas Both equally Refused N
%
%
%
%
Total Population
36
55
7
2
35,556
Total Protestants
36
55
8
2
18,937
African Methodist Episcopal (Historically Black Tradition)
22
67
11
1
127
American Baptist Churches in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
26
66
6
3
411
Anglican Church (Mainline Tradition)
51
41
7
1
134
Assemblies of God (Evangelical Tradition)
39
50
8
3
480
Church of Christ (Evangelical Tradition)
33
60
5
2
564
Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee (Evangelical Tradition)
35
54
8
2
124
Church of God in Christ (Historically Black Tradition)
28
61
10
2
160
Church of the Nazarene (Evangelical Tradition)
38
54
7
1
103
Disciples of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
41
51
7
0
137
Episcopal Church in the USA (Mainline Tradition)
50
42
7
1
474
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Mainline Tradition)
39
53
7
1
869
Free Methodist Church (Evangelical Tradition)
19
74
6
1
103
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Tradition)
33
58
8
1
912
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Tradition)
17
74
7
1
121
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (Evangelical Tradition)
40
53
6
1
588
National Baptist Convention (Historically Black Tradition)
21
71
7
1
549
Nondenominational Charismatic Churches (Evang. Trad.)
41
52
6
1
172
Nondenominational Evangelical Churches (Evang. Trad.)
51
40
7
1
413
Nondenominational Fundamentalist Churches (Evang. Trad.)
43
49
5
4
103
Presbyterian Church in America (Evangelical Tradition)
38
57
4
2
168
Presbyterian Church USA (Mainline Tradition)
53
41
5
0
544
Seventh-day Adventist (Evangelical Tradition)
33
57
9
1
135
Southern Baptist Convention (Evangelical Tradition)
34
56
8
2
2,539
United Church of Christ (Mainline Tradition)
45
45
8
2
248
United Methodist Church (Mainline Tradition)
42
50
7
1
2,239
Question: Now I’m going to read you a few pairs of statements. For each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views, even if neither is exactly right. 1 - It’s best for the future of our country to be active in world affairs, OR 2 - We should pay less attention to problems overseas and
concentrate on problems here at home.
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
158
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Belief in God or Universal Spirit by U.S. Region and State
Believe in God
Not too certain/Not at all certain/
Do not
Don’t know/
Absolutely certain
Fairly certain
Unsure how certain
believe in God
Refused/Other
Total
N
Margin of Error
%
%
%
%
%
National
71
17
4
5
3
= 100
35,556
± 0.6%
Northeast
65
20
6
6
3
=100
6,556
± 1.5%
Connecticut/Rhode Island
57
22
6
9
6
= 100
482
± 5%
Maine
59
23
7
8
4
= 100
245
± 7%
Massachusetts
60
22
6
8
5
= 100
748
± 4%
New Hampshire/Vermont
54
25
8
9
4
= 100
320
± 6.5%
New Jersey
66
20
6
6
3
= 100
932
± 4%
New York
64
20
6
7
3
= 100
1,933
± 2.5%
Pennsylvania
72
17
5
4
2
= 100
1,896
± 2.5%
Midwest
72
18
3
4
3
= 100
9,078
± 1.5%
Illinois
70
19
4
4
3
= 100
1,340
± 3%
Indiana
76
15
3
3
3
= 100
924
± 4%
Iowa
70
18
3
6
2
= 100
487
± 5%
Kansas
77
14
2
4
2
= 100
421
± 5.5%
Michigan
71
19
3
5
3
= 100
1,275
± 3.5%
Minnesota
70
21
3
3
2
= 100
789
± 4%
Missouri
77
16
3
3
2
= 100
879
± 4%
Nebraska
71
19
6
1
3
= 100
247
± 7%
North Dakota/South Dakota
79
13
1
5
2
= 100
238
± 7%
Ohio
72
17
4
4
3
= 100
1,654
± 3%
Wisconsin
68
21
4
4
3
= 100
824
± 4%
South
79
13
3
3
2
=100
12,643
± 1%
Alabama
86
10
1
2
1
= 100
681
± 4.5%
Arkansas
84
8
2
2
4
= 100
378
± 6%
Delaware
70
22
1
5
2
= 100
110
± 10.5%
Florida
72
17
3
6
3
= 100
1,694
± 3%
Georgia
81
11
4
2
3
= 100
967
± 3.5%
Kentucky
83
10
3
1
3
= 100
599
± 4.5%
Louisiana
83
11
3
2
1
= 100
528
± 5%
Maryland/DC
71
15
4
6
4
= 100
756
± 4%
Mississippi
91
7
1
1
0
= 100
333
± 6%
North Carolina
81
12
3
2
2
= 100
1,166
± 3.5%
Oklahoma
80
14
3
2
2
= 100
465
± 5%
South Carolina
86
8
2
3
1
= 100
570
± 5%
Tennessee
84
10
2
2
1
= 100
837
± 4%
Texas
77
14
4
2
3
= 100
2,266
± 2.5%
Virginia
72
15
5
5
3
= 100
997
± 3.5%
West Virginia
76
16
1
3
3
= 100
296
± 6.5%
West
65
20
5
7
4
= 100
7,279
± 1.5%
Alaska
61
22
5
9
3
= 100
200
± 7.5%
Arizona
69
19
3
6
4
= 100
578
± 4.5%
California
62
22
5
7
4
= 100
3,574
± 2%
Colorado
63
21
4
8
4
= 100
590
± 4.5%
Hawaii
69
22
3
5
2
= 100
201
± 8.5%
Idaho
71
14
7
5
3
= 100
196
± 8%
Montana/Wyoming
71
19
4
4
3
= 100
272
± 7%
Nevada
63
23
5
6
3
= 100
252
± 7%
New Mexico
71
17
3
5
4
= 100
228
± 7.5%
Oregon
63
19
6
9
3
= 100
521
± 5%
Utah
80
13
2
3
3
= 100
323
± 6%
Washington
64
19
6
7
4
= 100
745
± 4%
Bold, blue numbers indicate values that are significantly different from the national population.
Question: Do you believe in God or a universal spirit? [IF YES, ASK:] How certain are you about this belief? Are you absolutely certain, fairly certain, not too certain, or not at all certain?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
159
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Importance of Religion in One’s Life by U.S. Region and State
Not too important/
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Don’t know/Refused
Total
N
Margin of Error
%
%
%
%
National
56
26
16
1
= 100
35,556
± 0.6%
Northeast
48
30
21
1
= 100
6,556
± 1.5%
Connecticut/Rhode Island
44
30
25
0
= 100
482
± 5%
Maine
42
32
26
1
= 100
245
± 7%
Massachusetts
40
35
24
1
= 100
748
± 4%
New Hampshire/Vermont
36
32
30
1
= 100
320
± 6.5%
New Jersey
52
28
19
1
= 100
932
± 4%
New York
46
31
22
1
= 100
1,933
± 2.5%
Pennsylvania
54
29
16
1
= 100
1,896
± 2.5%
Midwest
55
30
15
1
= 100
9,078
± 1.5%
Illinois
53
31
15
1
= 100
1,340
± 3%
Indiana
60
27
13
0
= 100
924
± 4%
Iowa
51
33
16
1
= 100
487
± 5%
Kansas
61
25
13
1
= 100
421
± 5.5%
Michigan
54
30
16
1
= 100
1,275
± 3.5%
Minnesota
52
31
17
1
= 100
789
± 4%
Missouri
59
27
14
0
= 100
879
± 4%
Nebraska
61
26
13
0
= 100
247
± 7%
North Dakota/South Dakota
56
32
12
0
= 100
238
± 7%
Ohio
55
30
15
1
= 100
1,654
± 3%
Wisconsin
47
34
18
1
= 100
824
± 4%
South
66
22
11
1
= 100
12,643
± 1%
Alabama
74
19
6
1
= 100
681
± 4.5%
Arkansas
74
17
8
1
= 100
378
± 6%
Delaware
55
29
16
0
= 100
110
± 10.5%
Florida
57
25
16
2
= 100
1,694
± 3%
Georgia
68
21
11
1
= 100
967
± 3.5%
Kentucky
67
23
9
1
= 100
599
± 4.5%
Louisiana
73
16
10
1
= 100
528
± 5%
Maryland/DC
56
25
17
1
= 100
756
± 4%
Mississippi
82
15
3
0
= 100
333
± 6%
North Carolina
69
20
10
1
= 100
1,166
± 3.5%
Oklahoma
69
20
10
0
= 100
465
± 5%
South Carolina
70
20
9
1
= 100
570
± 5%
Tennessee
72
20
7
1
= 100
837
± 4%
Texas
67
22
10
1
= 100
2,266
± 2.5%
Virginia
59
25
15
1
= 100
997
± 3.5%
West Virginia
60
29
11
0
= 100
296
± 6.5%
West
49
27
22
1
= 100
7,279
± 1.5%
Alaska
37
30
31
2
= 100
200
± 7.5%
Arizona
51
26
22
2
= 100
578
± 4.5%
California
48
28
23
1
= 100
3,574
± 2%
Colorado
44
29
25
1
= 100
590
± 4.5%
Hawaii
55
25
18
2
= 100
201
± 8.5%
Idaho
58
26
16
1
= 100
196
± 8%
Montana/Wyoming
47
34
18
1
= 100
272
± 7%
Nevada
50
23
23
3
= 100
252
± 7%
New Mexico
53
27
19
1
= 100
228
± 7.5%
Oregon
46
25
27
2
= 100
521
± 5%
Utah
66
18
16
0
= 100
323
± 6%
Washington
48
29
22
1
= 100
745
± 4%
Bold, blue numbers indicate values that are significantly different from the national population.
Question: How important is religion in your life? Very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important?
Appendix 2: Detailed Data Tables
160
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life / U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Frequency of Attendance at Religious Services by U.S. Region and State
Once or twice a month/
At least once a week
Few times a year
Seldom or never
Don’t know/Refused
Total
N
Margin of Error
%
%
%
%
National
39
33
27
1
= 100
35,556
± 0.6%
Northeast
34
36
30
1
= 100
6,556
± 1.5%
Connecticut/Rhode Island
30
36
34
1
= 100
482
± 5%
Maine
23
31
45
0
= 100
245
± 7%
Massachusetts
30
36
33
1
= 100
748
± 4%
New Hampshire/Vermont
23
40
37
1
= 100
320
± 6.5%
New Jersey
36
36
28
0
= 100
932
± 4%
New York
32
36
32
1
= 100
1,933
± 2.5%
Pennsylvania
39
36
25
1
= 100
1,896
± 2.5%
Midwest
39
35
25
1
= 100
9,078
± 1.5%
Illinois
39
36
24
1
= 100
1,340
± 3%
Indiana
44
32
23
1
= 100
924
± 4%
Iowa
40
30
28
1
= 100
487
± 5%
Kansas
48
30
21
1
= 100
421
± 5.5%
Michigan
38
34
27
1
= 100
1,275
± 3.5%
Minnesota
38
39
23
0
= 100
789
± 4%
Missouri
43
30
26
1
= 100
879
± 4%
Nebraska
47
30
22
0
= 100
247
± 7%
North Dakota/South Dakota
42
41
17
0
= 100
238
± 7%
Ohio
36
35
27
1
= 100
1,654
± 3%
Wisconsin
33
41
25
0
= 100
824
± 4%
South
46
31
22
1
= 100
12,643
± 1%
Alabama
52
33
15
1
= 100
681
± 4.5%
Arkansas
50
31
18
2
= 100
378
± 6%
Delaware
35
42
23
0
= 100
110
± 10.5%
Florida
37
32
30
1
= 100
1,694
± 3%
Georgia
45
35
19
1
= 100
967
± 3.5%
Kentucky
47
31
21
1
= 100
599
± 4.5%
Louisiana
53
30
17
0
= 100
528
± 5%
Maryland/DC
37
35
27
1
= 100
756
± 4%
Mississippi
60
27
11 
