Belief in God among adults ages 65 and older
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they…
| Survey year | Believe in God; absolutely certain | Believe in God; fairly certain | Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | Believe in God; don't know | Do not believe in God | Other/don't know if they believe in God | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 70% | 17% | 4% | 2% | 6% | 2% | 9,327 |
| 2007 | 77% | 12% | 3% | 1% | 4% | 2% | 8,146 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Learn More: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God
Belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by religious group
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they…
| Religious tradition | Believe in God; absolutely certain | Believe in God; fairly certain | Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | Believe in God; don't know | Do not believe in God | Other/don't know if they believe in God | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 72% | 21% | 3% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 2,131 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 89% | 8% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | 1% | 2,399 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 90% | 7% | 1% | 2% | < 1% | < 1% | 401 |
| Jewish | 28% | 29% | 15% | 2% | 20% | 5% | 320 |
| Mainline Protestant | 67% | 23% | 4% | 3% | 2% | 1% | 2,272 |
| Mormon | 90% | 6% | 3% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 146 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 25% | 18% | 11% | 1% | 37% | 7% | 1,225 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Learn More: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God
Switch Display To: religious group among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
Demographic✭Information
Generational cohort among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
| Belief in God | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 28% | 66% | 6% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 31% | 63% | 6% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 30% | 62% | 8% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 10% | 69% | 20% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 31% | 62% | 7% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 29% | 61% | 10% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by generational group
Gender composition among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
| Belief in God | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 39% | 61% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 50% | 50% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 64% | 36% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 43% | 57% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 68% | 32% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 57% | 43% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by gender
Racial and ethnic composition among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who identify as…
| Belief in God | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 80% | 10% | 1% | 6% | 2% | 6,178 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 82% | 4% | 1% | 11% | 1% | 1,627 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 84% | 4% | 4% | 6% | 3% | 364 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 72% | 11% | 1% | 15% | 1% | 128 |
| Do not believe in God | 91% | 1% | 2% | 4% | 3% | 694 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 90% | 5% | < 1% | 2% | 3% | 222 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by race/ethnicity
Immigrant status among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
| Belief in God | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 7% | 9% | 84% | 6,195 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 13% | 12% | 75% | 1,620 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 14% | 16% | 70% | 364 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 20% | 7% | 73% | 127 |
| Do not believe in God | 8% | 21% | 70% | 703 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 8% | 20% | 72% | 220 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by immigrant status
Income distribution among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who have a household income of…
| Belief in God | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 43% | 25% | 22% | 10% | 5,068 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 39% | 20% | 24% | 17% | 1,371 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 40% | 16% | 28% | 17% | 320 |
| Do not believe in God | 22% | 16% | 33% | 29% | 621 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 32% | 15% | 24% | 29% | 176 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by household income
Educational distribution among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who have completed…
| Belief in God | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 53% | 26% | 12% | 9% | 6,234 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 46% | 23% | 17% | 15% | 1,635 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 44% | 23% | 16% | 16% | 366 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 64% | 14% | 12% | 9% | 129 |
| Do not believe in God | 27% | 22% | 24% | 27% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 28% | 30% | 21% | 21% | 227 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by educational group
Marital status among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
| Belief in God | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 54% | 2% | 13% | 28% | 4% | 6,235 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 57% | 3% | 14% | 23% | 4% | 1,633 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 54% | 5% | 14% | 22% | 5% | 367 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 41% | 1% | 15% | 41% | 2% | 129 |
| Do not believe in God | 64% | 3% | 13% | 15% | 5% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 54% | 4% | 16% | 23% | 4% | 224 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by marital status
Parent of children under 18 among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
| Belief in God | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 3% | 97% | 6,247 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 2% | 98% | 1,639 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 2% | 98% | 367 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 5% | 95% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 4% | 96% | 706 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 2% | 98% | 226 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by parental status
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Importance of religion in one's life among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say religion is…
| Belief in God | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 81% | 14% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 34% | 44% | 16% | 5% | 1% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 13% | 28% | 34% | 22% | 2% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 60% | 15% | 9% | 5% | 10% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 5% | 10% | 18% | 67% | 1% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 17% | 22% | 32% | 27% | 2% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by importance of religion
Attendance at religious services among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who attend religious services…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 60% | 24% | 16% | 1% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 31% | 32% | 36% | 1% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 10% | 28% | 61% | 1% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 39% | 28% | 26% | 6% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 4% | 15% | 81% | < 1% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 10% | 29% | 59% | 2% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by religious attendance
Frequency of prayer among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who pray…
| Belief in God | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 79% | 12% | 3% | 5% | 1% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 40% | 24% | 9% | 25% | 2% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 23% | 12% | 7% | 57% | 1% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 59% | 5% | 2% | 19% | 15% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 3% | 2% | 3% | 91% | 1% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 21% | 2% | 6% | 68% | 4% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by frequency of prayer
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who attend prayer group…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 39% | 9% | 9% | 42% | 1% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 12% | 5% | 9% | 73% | 1% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 3% | 1% | 5% | 90% | < 1% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 22% | 6% | 8% | 49% | 15% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 1% | 1% | 2% | 96% | 1% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 5% | 2% | 2% | 88% | 2% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by attendance at prayer groups
Frequency of meditation among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who meditate…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 62% | 7% | 3% | 25% | 3% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 38% | 10% | 6% | 43% | 2% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 27% | 7% | 7% | 58% | 1% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 52% | 9% | < 1% | 28% | 10% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 20% | 6% | 6% | 68% | 1% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 27% | 8% | 8% | 52% | 6% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by frequency of meditation
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 77% | 9% | 5% | 7% | 2% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 45% | 17% | 14% | 21% | 2% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 32% | 10% | 11% | 46% | 2% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 48% | 12% | 9% | 16% | 15% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 26% | 8% | 7% | 54% | 4% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 35% | 11% | 13% | 36% | 5% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 49% | 12% | 11% | 26% | 3% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 39% | 15% | 17% | 27% | 3% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 40% | 9% | 15% | 35% | 1% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 46% | 4% | 7% | 29% | 14% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 41% | 14% | 13% | 31% | 2% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 45% | 11% | 18% | 20% | 5% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Belief in God | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 51% | 5% | 37% | 4% | 3% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 19% | 11% | 58% | 9% | 3% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 4% | 13% | 67% | 13% | 3% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 22% | 7% | 53% | 4% | 14% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 1% | 19% | 51% | 26% | 3% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 9% | 16% | 57% | 14% | 4% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say…
| Belief in God | There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | Right or wrong depends on the situation | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 42% | 54% | 2% | 2% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 26% | 71% | 2% | 1% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 23% | 72% | 2% | 3% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 33% | 58% | 2% | 7% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 20% | 79% | 1% | 1% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 17% | 78% | 2% | 3% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of reading scripture among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who read scripture…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 54% | 10% | 7% | 28% | 2% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 19% | 9% | 11% | 60% | 1% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 7% | 5% | 5% | 83% | < 1% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 34% | 9% | 6% | 43% | 8% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 2% | 1% | 4% | 93% | < 1% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 12% | 5% | 4% | 77% | 2% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Interpreting scripture among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is…
| Belief in God | Word of God; should be taken literally | Word of God; not everything taken literally | Word of God; other/don't know | Not the word of God | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 48% | 30% | 5% | 10% | 7% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 14% | 27% | 3% | 45% | 11% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 6% | 12% | 1% | 71% | 9% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 37% | 14% | 9% | 18% | 21% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 1% | 1% | < 1% | 91% | 7% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 5% | 5% | 2% | 70% | 18% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture
Belief in Heaven among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who …in heaven
| Belief in God | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 87% | 6% | 6% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 64% | 23% | 13% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 30% | 56% | 14% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 60% | 16% | 25% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 3% | 96% | 1% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 12% | 51% | 37% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by belief in heaven
Belief in Hell among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who …in hell
| Belief in God | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 69% | 21% | 10% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 36% | 50% | 14% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 20% | 70% | 10% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 41% | 25% | 33% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 2% | 97% | 1% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 8% | 66% | 26% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by belief in hell
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who identify as…
| Belief in God | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 48% | 14% | 39% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 35% | 14% | 50% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 28% | 13% | 59% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 32% | 20% | 48% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 20% | 8% | 72% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 25% | 20% | 55% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by political party
Political ideology among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
| Belief in God | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 52% | 28% | 14% | 6% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 32% | 39% | 24% | 5% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 27% | 37% | 33% | 3% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 43% | 22% | 23% | 12% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 19% | 25% | 51% | 5% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 26% | 22% | 36% | 16% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by political ideology
Views about size of government among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who would rather have…
| Belief in God | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 61% | 30% | 3% | 6% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 55% | 37% | 4% | 4% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 51% | 39% | 6% | 4% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 43% | 36% | 6% | 16% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 41% | 49% | 5% | 5% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 41% | 36% | 9% | 14% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say government aid to the poor…
| Belief in God | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 50% | 42% | 4% | 4% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 42% | 52% | 4% | 2% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 35% | 57% | 4% | 5% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 38% | 36% | 6% | 20% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 29% | 66% | 3% | 2% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 29% | 61% | 6% | 4% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about abortion among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say abortion should be…
| Belief in God | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 40% | 54% | 6% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 63% | 30% | 6% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 75% | 21% | 4% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 33% | 40% | 27% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 89% | 9% | 2% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 70% | 19% | 10% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by views about abortion
Views about homosexuality among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say homosexuality…
| Belief in God | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 40% | 51% | 5% | 5% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 66% | 27% | 3% | 4% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 73% | 19% | 3% | 5% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 31% | 43% | 9% | 16% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 86% | 10% | 3% | 1% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 65% | 24% | 4% | 6% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by views about homosexuality
Views about same-sex marriage among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who …same-sex marriage
| Belief in God | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 28% | 62% | 9% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 53% | 36% | 11% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 66% | 24% | 10% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 26% | 47% | 27% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 76% | 16% | 8% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 58% | 28% | 15% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about environmental regulation among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say…
| Belief in God | Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy | Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 46% | 44% | 3% | 7% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 38% | 55% | 2% | 5% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 31% | 63% | 2% | 4% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 31% | 40% | 7% | 22% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 23% | 73% | 2% | 2% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 28% | 62% | 3% | 6% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about human evolution among adults ages 65 and older by belief in God
% of adults ages 65 and older who say humans…
| Belief in God | Evolved; due to natural processes | Evolved; due to God's design | Evolved; don't know how | Always existed in present form | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 13% | 25% | 4% | 48% | 10% | 6,253 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 38% | 23% | 7% | 23% | 8% | 1,640 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 57% | 13% | 8% | 18% | 5% | 368 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 31% | 16% | 9% | 23% | 21% | 131 |
| Do not believe in God | 83% | 3% | 2% | 9% | 3% | 707 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 69% | 2% | 11% | 12% | 6% | 228 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults ages 65 and older by views about human evolution
