| Survey year | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 51% | 25% | 10% | 12% | 2% | 5,658 |
| 2007 | 54% | 26% | 9% | 9% | 2% | 5,770 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by religious group
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is…
| Religious tradition | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 61% | 31% | 6% | 2% | 1% | 1,158 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 78% | 18% | 2% | 1% | 2% | 1,230 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 82% | 13% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 184 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 94% | 5% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 188 |
| Mainline Protestant | 50% | 36% | 9% | 3% | 2% | 822 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 16% | 24% | 23% | 35% | 2% | 1,474 |
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
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are ages…
| Importance of religion in one's life | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 19% | 39% | 25% | 17% | 2,768 |
| Somewhat important | 28% | 39% | 23% | 10% | 1,341 |
| Not too important | 36% | 36% | 18% | 9% | 556 |
| Not at all important | 37% | 38% | 18% | 7% | 630 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 11% | 15% | 32% | 30% | 11% | 1% | 2,768 |
| Somewhat important | 16% | 20% | 31% | 27% | 6% | 1% | 1,341 |
| Not too important | 20% | 24% | 28% | 23% | 4% | 1% | 556 |
| Not at all important | 24% | 22% | 29% | 20% | 4% | < 1% | 630 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 41% | 59% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 51% | 49% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 61% | 39% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 67% | 33% | 655 |
| Don't know | 63% | 37% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who identify as…
| Importance of religion in one's life | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 51% | 12% | 4% | 28% | 6% | 2,832 |
| Somewhat important | 62% | 4% | 5% | 22% | 6% | 1,361 |
| Not too important | 71% | 4% | 7% | 13% | 5% | 561 |
| Not at all important | 69% | 7% | 6% | 14% | 3% | 633 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 30% | 8% | 63% | 2,828 |
| Somewhat important | 20% | 10% | 69% | 1,356 |
| Not too important | 13% | 13% | 74% | 556 |
| Not at all important | 15% | 11% | 74% | 635 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 | 53% | 20% | 18% | 9% | 2,146 |
| Somewhat important | 46% | 19% | 22% | 12% | 1,129 |
| Not too important | 42% | 19% | 24% | 16% | 472 |
| Not at all important | 43% | 19% | 24% | 15% | 540 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have completed…
| Importance of religion in one's life | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 55% | 28% | 10% | 6% | 2,871 |
| Somewhat important | 50% | 32% | 12% | 7% | 1,380 |
| Not too important | 43% | 35% | 15% | 7% | 566 |
| Not at all important | 47% | 32% | 14% | 7% | 649 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 50% | 6% | 15% | 8% | 20% | 2,889 |
| Somewhat important | 42% | 13% | 15% | 4% | 26% | 1,382 |
| Not too important | 35% | 13% | 13% | 3% | 36% | 565 |
| Not at all important | 30% | 11% | 14% | 3% | 43% | 648 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 35% | 65% | 2,897 |
| Somewhat important | 33% | 67% | 1,392 |
| Not too important | 28% | 72% | 570 |
| Not at all important | 27% | 73% | 651 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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% | 13% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | 1% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 52% | 34% | 7% | 2% | 3% | 2% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 24% | 35% | 17% | 1% | 15% | 8% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 20% | 11% | 9% | 1% | 50% | 8% | 655 |
| Don't know | 53% | 14% | 3% | 9% | 7% | 16% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 | 56% | 29% | 14% | 1% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 12% | 48% | 39% | 1% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 4% | 29% | 67% | < 1% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 3% | 10% | 86% | < 1% | 655 |
| Don't know | 26% | 17% | 33% | 23% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray…
| Importance of religion in one's life | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 79% | 12% | 3% | 4% | 2% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 36% | 24% | 12% | 26% | 1% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 16% | 13% | 9% | 62% | < 1% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 13% | 5% | 4% | 78% | 1% | 655 |
| Don't know | 41% | 4% | 6% | 19% | 29% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 | 43% | 11% | 9% | 36% | 2% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 7% | 8% | 9% | 75% | 1% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 3% | 1% | 4% | 91% | < 1% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 4% | 2% | 2% | 92% | < 1% | 655 |
| Don't know | 15% | 12% | 13% | 36% | 24% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 | 55% | 7% | 3% | 32% | 4% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 28% | 9% | 6% | 56% | 1% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 24% | 10% | 5% | 60% | 2% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 28% | 6% | 3% | 61% | 1% | 655 |
| Don't know | 46% | 9% | < 1% | 25% | 20% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 | 76% | 10% | 5% | 7% | 3% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 43% | 19% | 13% | 23% | 2% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 34% | 12% | 16% | 35% | 3% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 38% | 9% | 7% | 42% | 3% | 655 |
| Don't know | 59% | 8% | 6% | 9% | 18% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 | 53% | 11% | 10% | 23% | 3% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 37% | 16% | 14% | 31% | 1% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 43% | 13% | 15% | 29% | 1% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 46% | 11% | 8% | 34% | 1% | 655 |
| Don't know | 49% | 9% | 3% | 19% | 21% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 | 52% | 6% | 33% | 4% | 5% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 14% | 11% | 62% | 10% | 3% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 4% | 19% | 62% | 13% | 3% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 4% | 13% | 59% | 20% | 4% | 655 |
| Don't know | 25% | 11% | 28% | 8% | 28% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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% | 59% | 3% | 2% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 24% | 73% | 1% | 2% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 22% | 75% | 2% | 1% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 18% | 78% | 2% | 1% | 655 |
| Don't know | 33% | 54% | 2% | 11% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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% | 10% | 7% | 23% | 2% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 14% | 11% | 11% | 64% | 1% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 5% | 6% | 5% | 84% | < 1% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 7% | 3% | 2% | 87% | 1% | 655 |
| Don't know | 32% | 11% | 12% | 27% | 19% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 | 48% | 25% | 6% | 11% | 9% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 17% | 30% | 3% | 36% | 14% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 6% | 13% | < 1% | 67% | 14% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 5% | 5% | 1% | 81% | 9% | 655 |
| Don't know | 27% | 16% | 3% | 23% | 31% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in heaven
| Importance of religion in one's life | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 83% | 9% | 8% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 72% | 17% | 11% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 46% | 38% | 16% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 22% | 67% | 10% | 655 |
| Don't know | 43% | 15% | 42% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in hell
| Importance of religion in one's life | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 66% | 25% | 10% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 54% | 35% | 12% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 32% | 54% | 14% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 17% | 74% | 9% | 655 |
| Don't know | 33% | 31% | 36% | 103 |
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
Political ideology among independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Importance of religion in one's life | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 31% | 29% | 16% | 24% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 22% | 38% | 23% | 17% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 16% | 42% | 23% | 18% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 13% | 36% | 27% | 25% | 655 |
| Don't know | 17% | 22% | 20% | 41% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 | 41% | 47% | 5% | 8% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 49% | 41% | 4% | 6% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 53% | 36% | 5% | 6% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 58% | 31% | 5% | 6% | 655 |
| Don't know | 51% | 21% | 10% | 18% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 | 41% | 48% | 6% | 5% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 43% | 48% | 6% | 3% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 41% | 50% | 7% | 3% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 43% | 46% | 6% | 5% | 655 |
| Don't know | 30% | 32% | 16% | 22% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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% | 59% | 8% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 61% | 32% | 7% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 70% | 24% | 6% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 67% | 25% | 8% | 655 |
| Don't know | 26% | 39% | 35% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 | 44% | 41% | 7% | 7% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 73% | 16% | 5% | 6% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 79% | 13% | 4% | 4% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 78% | 12% | 6% | 4% | 655 |
| Don't know | 31% | 22% | 18% | 28% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …same-sex marriage
| Importance of religion in one's life | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very important | 34% | 50% | 15% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 64% | 23% | 13% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 74% | 16% | 9% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 75% | 14% | 11% | 655 |
| Don't know | 30% | 31% | 40% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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% | 51% | 5% | 7% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 34% | 56% | 3% | 6% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 31% | 60% | 4% | 5% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 33% | 58% | 4% | 5% | 655 |
| Don't know | 27% | 42% | 6% | 25% | 103 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by importance of religion
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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% | 25% | 4% | 47% | 9% | 2,929 |
| Somewhat important | 34% | 26% | 8% | 25% | 6% | 1,399 |
| Not too important | 57% | 17% | 8% | 14% | 4% | 572 |
| Not at all important | 64% | 12% | 6% | 14% | 5% | 655 |
| Don't know | 19% | 16% | 16% | 28% | 21% | 103 |
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.
