Religiously Unaffiliated

28% of U.S. adults are religiously unaffiliated, describing themselves as atheists, agnostics or “nothing in particular” when asked about their religion.

Although it’s possible that the “nones” have leveled off, it’s also possible that their growth has continued, but at a gradual pace that is difficult to see in the data.

Across more than 20 countries surveyed, a median of 91% say being able to speak their country’s most common language is important for being considered a true national. And 81% say sharing their country’s customs and traditions is important for true belonging.

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

Between 2010 and 2018, the share of Chinese adults who identify with Christianity remained stable at about 2%.

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.

Nearly all adults in the six countries surveyed say diversity has either a positive or a neutral impact on their country.

82% of Jewish adults in the United States said caring about Israel is an essential or important part of what being Jewish means to them.

A rising share of Asian Americans say they have no religion (32%), but many consider themselves close to one or more religious traditions for reasons such as family or culture. Christianity is still the largest faith group among Asian Americans (34%).

Read about some of the ways focus group participants with ties to different faith traditions explain the complex relationship of religion and culture in their lives.