Gallup has been tracking several religion statistics year-after-year for as many as 75 years in some cases. Because of the extent of the study, their statistics reveal trends not seen in more modern studies—trends which can be thought-provoking, and in some cases, disturbing.
Religion Statistic: What is Your Religious Preference?
In answer to the question, “What is your religious preference?” statistics have stayed consistent for Catholics (~22-27%), Jews (~2-4%), and Mormons (~1-2%) since they began tracking. For Protestants though, it’s another story. When first polled in 1948, 69% of people considered themselves “Protestant.” Today, that’s dropped 34 points to 35%. But the most disturbing statistic? People who consider themselves as a part of “No Religion” has risen…from 2% in 1948 to a whopping 20% today. One in five people don’t consider themselves a part of any religion at all.
Religion Statistic: How Important is Religion in Your Life?
Another religion statistic from Gallup that’s a sign of the times we live in asked, “How important would you say religion is in your own life?” The answer “Not very important” has more than doubled since 1992—raising from a low 12% to a high 26% today. Interestingly, those who consider religion very important to their life has only dropped 8% over the same period of time.
Religion Statistic: How Relevant is Religion?
Gallup also asked participants about the relevancy of religion in the world today with the question, “Do you believe that religion can answer all or most of today’s problems, or that religion is largely old-fashioned and out of date?” The result of the survey will give you pause: In 2000, only 19% of people thought religion was “old-fashioned and out of date.” Today, that number has doubled…to 38% who don’t see any relevancy in religion at all.
Religion Statistic: Do You Believe in God?
Perhaps behind much of the dissatisfaction with religion can be traced back to a general belief in God. When asked specifically, “Do you believe in God?” a full 96% answered affirmatively in 1944. That number raised to 98% in 1953 and stayed that high for more than a decade. But in 2013, for the first time recorded, the percentage of people who don’t believe in God at all hit double digits, standing today at 12%. Numbers have also risen in those who don’t believe in the devil, angels, heaven, or hell.
Religion Statistics: The Good News
While religion statistics like these can be disturbing, there’s also good news: Statistics can change. Though it’s true that there’s an overall downward trend in America today, at DonorDirect, we’ve seen partners greatly impact their communities and go against the grain of the dominant statistics. Much of this happens because of the relationships built between ministries and their supporters.
If you’d like a closer look at how we can partner with your ministry to build engaging follow-up programs and make sure no one “falls through the cracks,” schedule a personalized demo with our team today.
Together we can make a difference!