Full Breakdown
Americans’ Views on Religion’s Influence in Government and Public Life: Insights from Pew’s 2026 Survey
5/15/2026, 5:45:46 AM
Survey Overview and Core Findings
The Pew Research Center conducted its May 14, 2026 study, “How Americans Feel About Religion’s Influence in Government and Public Life,” using the American Trends Panel. 3,592 U.S. adults responded between April 6-12, 2026 (margin of error ± 1.9 percentage points). 61 % say religion is losing influence, while 37 % say it is gaining influence—a 19-point rise since 2024 and the highest level since 2002. Overall, 55 % hold a positive view of religion’s societal role.
Political and Religious Group Differences
Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are markedly more supportive: 75 % view religion’s influence positively versus 38 % of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents. 45 % of Republicans think the Bible should influence U.S. law, compared with 13 % of Democrats. Among Catholics, 65 % have a positive view of religion, 55 % say the Bible should influence law, and 49 % favor federal enforcement of church-state separation.
Attitudes Toward Christian Nationalism and Church-State Separation
Familiarity with “Christian nationalism” rose from 45 % (2024) to 59 % (2026). 31 % hold an unfavorable view of the concept, while 10 % view it favorably. Support for declaring Christianity the nation’s official religion increased from 13 % (2024) to 17 % (2026). 28 % of all adults, and 55 % of Catholics, say the Bible should influence U.S. law. 54 % favor government enforcement of church-state separation, unchanged from prior years; the share wanting to stop enforcement fell from 19 % (2021) to 13 % (2026).
Criticism of Religious Influence in Public Institutions
52 % of respondents think conservative Christians have gone too far in pushing religious values into government and schools; 48 % say secular liberals have gone too far; 18 % believe both sides have overreached. 79 % oppose churches endorsing political candidates, and 66 % say houses of worship should stay out of political matters.
Official Statements from Pew Researchers
Pew researchers noted that the 19-point increase in adults perceiving a rise in religion’s influence marks the strongest upward shift since 2002. They highlighted a 14-point growth in public awareness of “Christian nationalism” over two years. The Center also emphasized that a consistent majority (79 %) oppose religious institutions endorsing candidates, underscoring enduring support for a separation of religious and electoral activities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Republicans are considerably more likely than Democrats to say religion has a positive influence on American life and to support religion having a prominent role in government and lawmaking,” — Pew researchers.
- “Although views of religion’s influence lean positive, most Americans are uneasy with the idea of churches getting directly involved with politics,” — Pew researchers.
- “Two-thirds say churches and other houses of worship should keep out of political matters rather than expressing views on day-to-day social and political questions,” — Pew researchers.
- “The public’s views on these questions have not changed very much in recent years.” — Pew researchers.
Methodological Gaps and Limitations
The survey’s cumulative response rate was 3 %, reflecting the challenges of panel recruitment despite a 95 % wave-level response. Weighting adjustments address demographic representation, yet the low overall participation and self-reported attitudes may limit precision beyond the stated ±1.9 % sampling error.
Implications for Public Policy
Findings reveal deep partisan divides over the role of religion in lawmaking and education, suggesting potential pressure on legislators regarding church-state policies and the framing of “Christian nationalism.” The persistent majority opposition to religious endorsement of candidates may influence future campaign-finance regulations and electoral guidance.
