Faith and Politics: How America's Religious Views Are Shifting

In recent times, more Americans believe religion is becoming more influential in their country. This change might be linked to political events, like the election of President Donald Trump and the policies of his party. Both Trump and the Republican Party have shown strong support for religious values, such as promoting prayer in schools.

A Shift in Trend

This shift is not just a one-off finding. Other polls, like those by Gallup, have also noticed this trend. In fact, the number of adults who think religion is gaining influence has risen from 20% to 34% in just a year.

A Surprising Turnaround

But here's the interesting part: for a long time, many people thought religion was losing its grip on American society. Studies showed that fewer people were affiliating with religious groups. However, around 2023-2024, this decline started to slow down. Now, it seems like the tide might be turning, with more people sensing a religious resurgence.

The Numbers Tell a Story

Looking at the numbers, in February 2024, only 18% of adults believed religion was gaining influence—that was the lowest in two decades. But just a year later, that number jumped to 31%, the highest in 15 years. Even though most Americans still think religion's role is shrinking, the number of people who hold that view has dropped from 80% to 68% in just a year.

A Positive View of Religion

This change isn't just about perception. More Americans now have a positive view of religion's influence. In 2022, 49% saw religion positively, but by 2025, that number rose to 59%. Republicans are more likely than Democrats to view religion positively, which might explain some of this shift.

Conflicts Remain

But it's not all good news for religious groups. Many Americans still feel a conflict between their religious beliefs and mainstream culture. In 2025, 58% said there's a great deal or some conflict.

The Political Factor

Experts think politics plays a big role in these changing views. When Republicans win national elections, religion often seems more prominent. This was seen during George W. Bush's presidency and now with Trump's administration. Republican leaders tend to support issues important to evangelical Christians and Catholics, while Democrats often discuss their goals in secular terms.

The Data

The data comes from Pew Research Center's American Trends Panel, with thousands of Americans sharing their views. It's clear that Americans are paying attention to how politics and religion mix, and this awareness shapes their perceptions.