One in five Americans say religion is “not that important,” according to a NBC/Wall Street Journal.
The number of Americans who feel this way have steadily risen ever since the focus on faith survey was created in 1997. Fourteen percent of Americans noted religion wasn’t important to them, but the number increased to 16 percent in 1999. Currently at 21 percent, it’s the highest percentage ever recorded.
Reports suggest men under the age of 35, with an income of more than $75,000 and live in the Northeast or West, make up those rising poll numbers.
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Despite increasing numbers, the majority of Americans still hold religion in high regards. Forty-one percent say religion is “very important,” while 13 percent say religion is “most important.”
The poll was released on the heels of one of the world’s most prominent faith leaders Pope Francis celebrates the one-year anniversary of his papacy. According to the NBC News/WSJ poll, six out of 10 Catholics agreed Pope Francis renewed and strengthened their religious faith and commitment to the Catholic Church.