Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201429%39%26%6%8,311
200729%43%23%6%9,092
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: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

Political ideology among adults who say religion is somewhat important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Religious traditionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Catholic30%41%24%4%2,225
Evangelical Protestant39%36%20%6%1,382
Historically Black Protestant26%37%28%10%228
Jewish13%38%46%3%313
Mainline Protestant32%41%22%4%1,990
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")21%41%30%8%1,498
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: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are ages…

Political ideology18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Conservative19%33%31%18%2,438
Moderate26%36%24%14%3,256
Liberal30%36%22%12%2,115
Don't know36%36%20%9%365
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Political ideologyYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Conservative13%11%28%37%11%1%2,438
Moderate17%16%29%29%8%1%3,256
Liberal18%20%28%27%7%< 1%2,115
Don't know20%26%25%22%5%1%365
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Political ideologyMenWomenSample size
Conservative61%39%2,473
Moderate50%50%3,308
Liberal43%57%2,142
Don't know46%54%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Political ideologyWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Conservative74%6%3%13%3%2,435
Moderate70%7%5%14%4%3,275
Liberal62%9%6%19%4%2,123
Don't know61%11%2%18%8%375
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Political ideologyImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Conservative12%9%79%2,452
Moderate12%12%76%3,277
Liberal19%14%67%2,113
Don't know14%9%76%362
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have a household income of…

Political ideologyLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Conservative30%20%29%21%2,215
Moderate31%21%27%21%2,948
Liberal35%21%25%19%1,945
Don't know55%17%17%11%271
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have completed…

Political ideologyHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Conservative47%31%15%7%2,463
Moderate38%32%18%12%3,300
Liberal37%30%19%14%2,132
Don't know53%35%8%5%375
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Political ideologyMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Conservative52%9%13%5%21%2,466
Moderate45%10%12%5%28%3,298
Liberal40%12%14%4%31%2,134
Don't know33%11%14%6%36%382
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Political ideologyParentsNon-parentsSample size
Conservative29%71%2,466
Moderate29%71%3,296
Liberal30%70%2,137
Don't know31%69%385
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they…

Political ideologyBelieve 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
Conservative59%33%5%1%1%1%2,473
Moderate49%40%6%1%3%2%3,308
Liberal45%37%9%1%6%2%2,142
Don't know52%33%7%3%3%3%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who attend religious services…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative14%55%30%< 1%2,473
Moderate14%57%29%< 1%3,308
Liberal11%53%36%< 1%2,142
Don't know12%43%42%3%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who pray…

Political ideologyAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative40%30%11%19%1%2,473
Moderate35%30%13%21%1%3,308
Liberal35%26%13%24%1%2,142
Don't know40%22%10%26%3%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who attend prayer group…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative8%9%10%73%< 1%2,473
Moderate6%8%10%76%< 1%3,308
Liberal6%8%7%79%< 1%2,142
Don't know8%7%9%75%1%388
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 who say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who meditate…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative25%10%5%59%1%2,473
Moderate27%10%7%57%< 1%3,308
Liberal32%11%7%50%< 1%2,142
Don't know26%7%5%58%4%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative41%23%14%20%1%2,473
Moderate41%21%18%19%1%3,308
Liberal45%22%14%19%1%2,142
Don't know38%17%10%28%6%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative36%16%16%31%1%2,473
Moderate38%18%17%26%1%3,308
Liberal44%17%14%24%1%2,142
Don't know34%13%11%39%3%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Political ideologyReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Conservative18%10%61%9%2%2,473
Moderate11%14%65%9%2%3,308
Liberal10%18%56%14%2%2,142
Don't know16%8%64%6%6%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say…

Political ideologyThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative38%60%2%1%2,473
Moderate23%75%1%< 1%3,308
Liberal19%80%1%1%2,142
Don't know23%71%2%4%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who read scripture…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative14%13%13%58%1%2,473
Moderate12%12%13%62%< 1%3,308
Liberal12%9%13%66%< 1%2,142
Don't know14%10%9%65%2%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is…

Political ideologyWord 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
Conservative22%39%2%29%8%2,473
Moderate12%37%1%42%9%3,308
Liberal11%25%1%54%9%2,142
Don't know23%24%4%33%16%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in heaven

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative83%10%7%2,473
Moderate76%16%8%3,308
Liberal66%26%8%2,142
Don't know77%12%12%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in hell

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative66%25%9%2,473
Moderate54%37%9%3,308
Liberal46%47%7%2,142
Don't know58%30%13%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Political ideologyRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Conservative61%14%24%2,473
Moderate35%18%47%3,308
Liberal13%17%70%2,142
Don't know15%57%28%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who would rather have…

Political ideologySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Conservative69%28%2%2%2,473
Moderate55%38%3%4%3,308
Liberal31%62%3%3%2,142
Don't know38%46%5%12%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say government aid to the poor…

Political ideologyDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative65%31%3%1%2,473
Moderate43%52%4%1%3,308
Liberal27%68%3%1%2,142
Don't know42%47%5%7%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say abortion should be…

Political ideologyLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Conservative50%45%5%2,473
Moderate70%27%3%3,308
Liberal75%22%3%2,142
Don't know60%29%11%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say homosexuality…

Political ideologyShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative60%31%5%4%2,473
Moderate81%13%3%3%3,308
Liberal86%11%2%1%2,142
Don't know67%21%6%6%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …same-sex marriage

Political ideologyStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Conservative47%45%9%2,473
Moderate72%20%8%3,308
Liberal82%13%5%2,142
Don't know55%26%18%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say…

Political ideologyStricter 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
Conservative54%41%2%3%2,473
Moderate32%64%3%2%3,308
Liberal23%74%1%2%2,142
Don't know34%51%5%10%388
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 say religion is somewhat important by political ideology

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say humans…

Political ideologyEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Conservative28%31%5%33%4%2,473
Moderate40%32%4%22%2%3,308
Liberal51%25%5%17%3%2,142
Don't know29%26%13%23%9%388
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.