After years marked by a steady decline in religious affiliation and influence, recent data reveals a notable shift in how Americans perceive the role of religion in society. A growing segment of the population now believes that religion is experiencing a resurgence in cultural significance, suggesting a complex and evolving relationship between faith and contemporary American life.
Recent surveys indicate that approximately 31% of Americans feel that religion’s influence is increasing in the country, a significant rise from just 18% a year earlier. Although this viewpoint remains a minority, it has gained traction across diverse demographic groups, including Democrats, Republicans, various age categories, and multiple religious affiliations. This broadening acceptance points to a nuanced transformation in public sentiment.
Among religious and non-religious groups, Jewish Americans are the most likely to perceive a rise in religious influence, with 44% expressing this view. White evangelicals and atheists also show considerable agreement, at 36% and 38% respectively. In contrast, Black Protestants, Catholics, and those without a specific religious affiliation are less convinced, with roughly a quarter acknowledging increased religious influence.
This shift contrasts with the long-standing narrative of religious decline in the United States, which paralleled the rise of the religiously unaffiliated, or “nones.” Since 2007, the proportion of Americans identifying with no religion has grown from 16% to around 30%, stabilizing in recent years. Correspondingly, the perception that religion’s societal influence is waning peaked at 80% last year but has since dropped to 68%.
Alongside these changing perceptions, more Americans now hold a favorable view of religion’s role in society. Currently, 59% express a net-positive opinion, up from 49% in 2022. This growing positivity is particularly pronounced among Republicans, 78% of whom view religion favorably, compared to 40% of Democrats. Age also plays a role: 71% of those aged 65 and older hold positive views, while only 46% of those under 30 do so.
Faith groups differ markedly in their outlooks. White evangelicals (92%) and Black Protestants (75%) overwhelmingly endorse religion’s positive societal role, whereas atheists (6%) and agnostics (11%) are far less likely to do so. Jewish Americans and the religiously unaffiliated fall somewhere in the middle.
This renewed appreciation for religion’s societal role emerges amid broader cultural tensions. More than half of Americans (58%) report that their religious beliefs conflict with mainstream culture, a figure that has increased since 2020. White evangelicals, Jews, and atheists report the highest levels of perceived conflict, while agnostics and the unaffiliated report lower levels.
Interestingly, while patriotism is widely valued, it is less often seen as central to religious identity. Among Jews, only 22% consider loving one’s country essential to their faith, with 46% deeming it unimportant. Christians show similar patterns, with 29% viewing patriotism as essential and 47% as important but not essential. The unaffiliated generally place less emphasis on patriotism as a religious value. Political affiliation also influences these views, with Republican Christians more likely than Democrats to see patriotism as essential to their faith, though still less than half overall.
When asked about core elements of their faith, Christians prioritize traits such as honesty, kindness, belief in God, a personal relationship with Jesus, and helping others. Attending religious services and maintaining family traditions rank lower in perceived importance, reflecting a shift toward personal spirituality over institutional participation.
Regarding religious truth claims, Americans exhibit diverse perspectives. Nearly half (48%) believe that many faiths can be true, while 26% assert that only one faith is true. Conversely, 24% express skepticism about religious truth altogether. This divide is most pronounced between atheists, who overwhelmingly reject religious truth claims, and evangelicals, who strongly affirm them. Political lines also influence these beliefs, with Republicans more likely than Democrats to endorse the exclusivity of one true religion.
These findings suggest that religion’s role in American society is far from static. While secularization and religious disaffiliation remain significant trends, there is a growing recognition among many Americans of religion’s continuing importance. This dynamic reflects broader cultural currents, including political polarization, generational shifts, and evolving understandings of faith and identity.
The increasing positive attitudes toward religion may indicate a search for meaning and community in uncertain times, as well as a response to political and social movements that emphasize religious values. However, the persistent conflicts perceived between faith and mainstream culture highlight ongoing challenges in integrating religious identity within a pluralistic society.
In sum, religion in the United States is neither in straightforward decline nor unchallenged resurgence. Instead, it occupies a complex, shifting space where influence and perception fluctuate according to demographic, political, and cultural factors. This evolving landscape calls for nuanced understanding and dialogue as Americans navigate the interplay between faith and modern life.
