Pew Studies on Religious Trends
Mike Ervin
Below is a comprehensive summary of recent findings
from Pew Research Center on religious trends, both in the United States and
globally:
U.S. Religious Trends
Decline and
Stabilization of Christianity
- As of 2024,
approximately 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christians, a decline from
78% in 2007. However, this decline has recently stabilized, indicating a
potential plateau in the trend.
Rise of the Religiously Unaffiliated (“Nones”)
- The proportion
of Americans identifying as religiously unaffiliated—often termed
“nones”—has increased to 29%, up from 16% in 2007. This group includes
atheists, agnostics, and those who describe their religion as “nothing in
particular.”
Demographic
Influences
- Younger
generations, particularly Millennials and Generation Z, are less likely to
identify with any religion. Over two-fifths of American adults under 30
are religiously unaffiliated.
Persistent
Spiritual Beliefs
- Despite
declining religious affiliation, many Americans maintain spiritual
beliefs:
- 86% believe in the existence of a soul.
- 83% believe in God or a universal spirit.
- 79% believe in something beyond the natural world.
- 70% believe in heaven, hell, or both.
Global Religious Trends
Projected Growth of Major Religions
- By 2050, Islam
is projected to nearly equal Christianity in global population due to
higher fertility rates and a younger demographic.
Regional Religious Landscapes
- Asia-Pacific:
Home to the majority of the world’s Muslims (62%) and a significant
portion of the religiously unaffiliated, especially in China.
- Sub-Saharan
Africa: High levels of religious commitment, with more than 80% of adults
considering religion very important in their lives.
- Europe: Lower
levels of religious commitment, with only 23% of respondents in the
average country considering religion very important.
Global Views on Religion’s Impact
- A 36-country
median of 77% say religion mostly helps society, while 19% say it mostly
hurts.
- Views are
particularly positive in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Pew Studies on Religious Trends