Surprising new survey data reveals a significant surge in Americans viewing religion positively and believing it’s regaining influence, a trend seen across diverse demographics.
The share of Americans who say religion has a positive impact on society has climbed sharply over the past five years, according to a new survey – the latest sign in a series of trends that indicate faith is regaining influence in the nation’s life.
The Pew Research Center poll found that 59 percent of U.S. adults have a positive view of religion’s influence on American life – a two-point increase from 2024 (57 percent) and a 10-point jump from 2022 (49 percent). In 2019, it was 52 percent.
A Pew analysis of the data said the share of Americans who view religion’s influence as positive is up “significantly” in recent years, “indicating an overall shift toward” a more favorable perception of faith in public life.
On a different question, the percentage of Americans who say religion is gaining influence also is on the uptick, rising from 18 percent in 2024 to 31 percent this year – the highest level recorded by Pew in 15 years.
“Americans’ views about religion in public life are shifting,” Pew said.
Meanwhile, a majority of Americans (58 percent) now say they sense a conflict between their religious beliefs and mainstream culture – the first time that question has found more than half of respondents expressing such a view. This perspective, Pew said, is “held by roughly half or more of Americans in both political parties.” In 2024, only 48 percent of Americans said they perceived a conflict.
Pew said the findings suggest a broader shift, among all demographics, in how Americans view faith’s role in society.
Source : Crosswalk
