Believing in Spirits and Life After Death Is Common Around the World
Belief in an afterlife, God and spirits in nature is widespread globally. Older adults are more likely than younger adults to believe in God.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
All
Publications
Belief in an afterlife, God and spirits in nature is widespread globally. Older adults are more likely than younger adults to believe in God.
Majorities want the church to allow use of birth control and IVF, and to permit priests to bless same-sex couples. But views differ by Mass attendance.
Most White evangelicals (72%) say they approve of how Trump is doing as president. Other religious groups are more divided or disapprove.
There are 135 cardinals who are eligible to vote in the coming papal election, and a plurality (40%) are from Europe. That’s down from 51% in 2013.
About one-fifth of Israeli Jews (22%) have switched from one Jewish group to another since childhood.
In many places surveyed, 20% or more of all adults have left their childhood religious group. Christianity and Buddhism have had especially large losses.
After years of decline, the U.S. Christian share has been relatively stable since 2019, while the rise in the share of religious “nones” has slowed – at least for now.
Catholics are one of the largest religious groups in the United States, outnumbering any single Protestant denomination.
The Religious Landscape Study is a comprehensive survey of more than 35,000 Americans’ religious identities, beliefs and practices that’s been conducted in 2007, 2014 and 2023-24. Pew Research Center.
After years of decline, the U.S. Christian share now shows signs of leveling off. The new Religious Landscape Study explores trends in identity, beliefs and practices.
Notifications