Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201447%29%13%10%1%2,884
200754%29%9%6%1%2,613
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who meditate once or twice a month by religious group

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic57%35%7%1%< 1%613
Evangelical Protestant71%25%3%1%< 1%546
Historically Black Protestant91%7%< 1%1%1%162
Mainline Protestant48%39%10%2%< 1%574
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")11%23%31%33%1%703
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important20%37%26%18%1,323
Somewhat important28%31%24%17%823
Not too important35%39%18%8%374
Not at all important35%37%16%11%302
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.

Generational cohort among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important12%14%30%31%11%2%1,323
Somewhat important18%17%25%29%11%1%823
Not too important23%21%29%20%4%1%374
Not at all important25%22%26%20%7%< 1%302
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.

Gender composition among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important42%58%1,343
Somewhat important50%50%838
Not too important53%47%378
Not at all important57%43%306
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.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important54%18%4%20%4%1,338
Somewhat important67%6%5%18%4%824
Not too important79%3%5%9%4%372
Not at all important73%5%8%10%4%301
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.

Immigrant status among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important20%9%72%1,326
Somewhat important17%11%72%825
Not too important10%15%74%375
Not at all important11%13%76%299
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.

Income distribution among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important38%21%25%17%1,197
Somewhat important34%20%27%19%749
Not too important27%15%30%27%344
Not at all important27%16%28%29%285
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.

Educational distribution among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important46%29%15%10%1,339
Somewhat important37%33%20%11%836
Not too important22%41%20%17%376
Not at all important21%39%21%18%306
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.

Marital status among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important50%6%12%7%25%1,341
Somewhat important40%11%13%5%31%836
Not too important40%10%14%2%34%378
Not at all important37%10%15%3%35%305
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.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important32%68%1,340
Somewhat important23%77%837
Not too important26%74%376
Not at all important21%79%306
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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Very important82%15%2%< 1%1%1%1,343
Somewhat important43%43%8%1%3%2%838
Not too important17%41%19%< 1%17%5%378
Not at all important11%15%14%1%51%8%306
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.

Attendance at religious services among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important54%37%9%< 1%1,343
Somewhat important16%57%27%< 1%838
Not too important1%40%59%< 1%378
Not at all important2%14%84%1%306
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 prayer among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important74%17%5%4%1%1,343
Somewhat important30%34%18%18%1%838
Not too important10%16%16%58%< 1%378
Not at all important6%6%7%82%< 1%306
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 participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important33%22%13%32%< 1%1,343
Somewhat important7%13%12%69%< 1%838
Not too important1%3%3%93%< 1%378
Not at all important2%3%1%94%< 1%306
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 spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important67%21%7%4%1%1,343
Somewhat important44%31%14%11%< 1%838
Not too important38%26%13%22%1%378
Not at all important39%25%11%22%2%306
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 who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important41%24%15%19%1%1,343
Somewhat important47%20%15%17%< 1%838
Not too important50%19%17%14%< 1%378
Not at all important58%18%13%10%1%306
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 who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important49%7%35%8%2%1,343
Somewhat important14%18%55%10%3%838
Not too important3%24%59%12%2%378
Not at all important2%27%46%23%1%306
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 who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important38%61%1%1%1,343
Somewhat important23%75%1%1%838
Not too important18%81%1%1%378
Not at all important15%84%1%< 1%306
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 who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important45%24%11%20%< 1%1,343
Somewhat important12%18%17%54%< 1%838
Not too important4%7%10%79%< 1%378
Not at all important1%4%5%90%< 1%306
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 who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Very important42%33%3%14%8%1,343
Somewhat important14%30%1%46%8%838
Not too important3%12%1%78%7%378
Not at all important4%1%< 1%91%4%306
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 Heaven among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important89%7%5%1,343
Somewhat important71%21%8%838
Not too important36%55%9%378
Not at all important15%76%8%306
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 Hell among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important74%19%7%1,343
Somewhat important49%44%7%838
Not too important24%68%8%378
Not at all important12%82%6%306
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important39%16%45%1,343
Somewhat important33%17%50%838
Not too important29%16%55%378
Not at all important16%16%68%306
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.

Political ideology among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important41%34%19%5%1,343
Somewhat important29%38%30%4%838
Not too important15%42%37%6%378
Not at all important12%29%54%5%306
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 size of government among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important44%49%3%3%1,343
Somewhat important51%43%3%3%838
Not too important54%41%2%3%378
Not at all important45%50%2%3%306
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 who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important44%53%2%1%1,343
Somewhat important42%53%4%2%838
Not too important33%64%3%1%378
Not at all important26%70%2%2%306
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 who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important44%52%4%1,343
Somewhat important70%26%4%838
Not too important78%19%3%378
Not at all important86%10%4%306
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 homosexuality among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important55%37%4%3%1,343
Somewhat important77%17%4%3%838
Not too important90%5%1%4%378
Not at all important92%6%1%1%306
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 same-sex marriage among adults who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important46%47%7%1,343
Somewhat important69%25%6%838
Not too important85%10%6%378
Not at all important88%9%3%306
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 who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important41%55%2%3%1,343
Somewhat important33%63%3%2%838
Not too important23%76%1%< 1%378
Not at all important17%78%4%1%306
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 who meditate once or twice a month by importance of religion

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important18%32%4%42%4%1,343
Somewhat important41%31%6%19%3%838
Not too important70%15%5%9%1%378
Not at all important80%6%1%10%2%306
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.