Importance of religion in one's life among adults in the Greatest generation
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say religion is…
| Survey year | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 72% | 15% | 7% | 6% | 1% | 585 |
| 2007 | 73% | 17% | 4% | 4% | 1% | 2,001 |
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
Importance of religion in one's life among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say religion is…
| Religious tradition | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 82% | 11% | 6% | 1% | 1% | 142 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 89% | 10% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 130 |
| Mainline Protestant | 66% | 23% | 8% | 1% | 2% | 178 |
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
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among adults in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are ages…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 100% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 100% | 101 |
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: importance of religion among adults in the Greatest generation by age group
Gender composition among adults in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 33% | 67% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 46% | 54% | 101 |
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: importance of religion among adults in the Greatest generation by gender
Racial and ethnic composition among adults in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who identify as…
| Importance of religion in one's life | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 83% | 10% | 1% | 4% | 2% | 392 |
| Somewhat important | 93% | 3% | 3% | 1% | < 1% | 100 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 7% | 19% | 75% | 392 |
| Somewhat important | 6% | 37% | 57% | 100 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who have a household income of…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 62% | 22% | 12% | 4% | 284 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who have completed…
| Importance of religion in one's life | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 64% | 22% | 9% | 5% | 394 |
| Somewhat important | 52% | 24% | 13% | 12% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 30% | < 1% | 2% | 65% | 3% | 396 |
| Somewhat important | 35% | < 1% | 1% | 64% | < 1% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | < 1% | 100% | 398 |
| Somewhat important | 3% | 97% | 101 |
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.
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among adults in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say they…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 83% | 9% | 1% | 5% | < 1% | 1% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 36% | 39% | 12% | 6% | 2% | 5% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who attend religious services…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 65% | 16% | 18% | 1% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 25% | 44% | 30% | 1% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who pray…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 86% | 8% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 37% | 17% | 8% | 33% | 4% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who attend prayer group…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 37% | 7% | 9% | 44% | 2% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 13% | 10% | 7% | 69% | 1% | 101 |
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 meditation among adults in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who meditate…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 70% | 7% | 3% | 14% | 5% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 42% | 8% | 4% | 43% | 3% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 84% | 5% | 4% | 5% | 1% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 48% | 15% | 9% | 27% | 2% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 51% | 11% | 8% | 26% | 4% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 34% | 12% | 16% | 35% | 4% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Importance of religion in one's life | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 53% | 5% | 35% | 3% | 4% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 13% | 7% | 71% | 7% | 1% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 36% | 58% | 1% | 5% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 21% | 71% | 1% | 7% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who read scripture…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 58% | 9% | 5% | 24% | 3% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 17% | 9% | 10% | 63% | 1% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say the holy scripture is…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 58% | 21% | 6% | 6% | 9% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 12% | 36% | 2% | 31% | 19% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who …in heaven
| Importance of religion in one's life | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 85% | 8% | 7% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 50% | 35% | 15% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who …in hell
| Importance of religion in one's life | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 62% | 22% | 15% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 27% | 58% | 14% | 101 |
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.
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation among adults in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who identify as…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 42% | 10% | 47% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 43% | 18% | 39% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 51% | 29% | 14% | 6% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 30% | 48% | 17% | 4% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who would rather have…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 54% | 31% | 6% | 10% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 66% | 21% | 8% | 5% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say government aid to the poor…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 37% | 52% | 3% | 8% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 35% | 52% | 6% | 7% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say abortion should be…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 33% | 57% | 10% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 65% | 26% | 9% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say homosexuality…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 30% | 57% | 4% | 8% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 50% | 35% | 7% | 7% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who …same-sex marriage
| Importance of religion in one's life | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 22% | 64% | 13% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 33% | 48% | 19% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 37% | 41% | 6% | 16% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 35% | 50% | 3% | 12% | 101 |
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 in the Greatest generation by importance of religion
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say humans…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 15% | 14% | 5% | 47% | 18% | 399 |
| Somewhat important | 34% | 11% | 9% | 35% | 11% | 101 |
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.
