Atheism & Agnosticism

Around six-in-ten U.S. atheists are men (64%). And seven-in-ten are ages 49 or younger, compared with about half of U.S. adults overall (52%).

Most Americans are spiritual or religious in some way and many also say their spirituality and level of religiosity have changed over time.

Overall, 70% of U.S. adults describe themselves as spiritual in some way, including 22% who are spiritual but not religious. An overwhelming majority of U.S. adults (83%) say they believe that people have a soul or spirit in addition to their physical body. And 81% say there is something spiritual beyond the natural world, even if we cannot see it.

Despite the Chinese Communist Party's ban on religion, some 6% of party members formally identify with a religion.

Most Americans say it’s not necessary to believe in God in order to be moral and have good values, according to a spring 2022 survey.

Pew Research Center’s political typology sorts Americans into cohesive, like-minded groups based on their values, beliefs, and views about politics and the political system. Use this tool to compare the groups on some key topics and their demographics.

Roughly two-thirds of atheists (65%) and six-in-ten agnostics (57%) either “strongly” or “somewhat” oppose the death penalty.

A median of 45% across 34 surveyed countries say it is necessary to believe in God to be moral and have good values. However, public opinion on this question, as well as the role of God, prayer and religion varies by country, region and economic development.

Atheists and agnostics know more about religion than most other religious groups, while those with no particular religion are among the least knowledgeable.

A declining share of Canadians identify as Christians. Most Canadians say religion’s influence in public life is waning in their country.