Gallup poll – Belief in God in America decreased by 6% in last five years

by Seth Udinski

Seth Udinski, FISM News

 

In the findings of a recent study, the numbers of people in America who claim to believe in God are decreasing, according to a Gallup poll released on June 17.

Gallup conducted the study in May of this year, the 12th poll of similar nature the research group has orchestrated since 1944. In that first poll, 96% of Americans responded “yes” to the question, “Do you believe in God?” The numbers rose slightly in the 1950s before slowly declining to 92% in 2011. The decrease picked up over the next few years, down to 87% in 2017. Five years later, in this most recent poll, the numbers dropped to 81%.

According to Gallup, this number represents a new record low. The findings seem to indicate that both age and theological convictions have the strongest influence in determining the numbers. 88% of participants in the 50-65 age group said they believe in God, while only 68% of participants in the 18-29 age range responded the same.

Theology seemed to show an even greater divide among participants. 94% of theological conservatives said they believe God exists, while only 62% of theological liberals answered the same.

The poll revealed further indications of Americans’ beliefs about the sovereignty of God in a second question. Findings showed that only half of all Americans who believe in God also believe that He can and will intervene in human affairs.

The poll said,

A follow-up question in the survey probed further into what Americans’ belief in God entails. Specifically, the question asked whether God hears prayers and whether God intervenes when people pray. About half of those who believe in God — equal to 42% of all Americans — say God hears prayers and can intervene on a person’s behalf. Meanwhile, 28% of all Americans say God hears prayers but cannot intervene, while 11% think God does neither.

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