A new Pew Research Center report finds that many adults who claim no religion nonetheless hold spiritual beliefs — though typically at lower rates than those who identify with a faith.
Released September 4, 2025, the study surveys religiously unaffiliated adults (“nones”) across 22 countries and maps a surprisingly diverse landscape of belief and practice. The report is by Jonathan Evans, Kirsten Lesage, and Manolo Corichi.
Across every country studied, at least one-fifth of “nones” say there is life after death. The shares range from 19% in Hungary to 65% in Peru, with majorities in seven countries. Many also say there is “something spiritual beyond the natural world,” underscoring that disaffiliation does not always equal disbelief.
Belief in God among the unaffiliated varies widely by region. Pew notes higher levels in parts of Latin America and South Africa, while figures are much lower in much of Europe and Australia. In short: what “none” means in São Paulo isn’t what it means in Stockholm.
Living it out
When it comes to practice, unaffiliated adults are notably less likely than the religiously affiliated to engage in activities such as praying or lighting candles or incense for spiritual reasons, and those who do tend to do so infrequently.
Views on religion’s social impact also diverge. In many countries, “nones” are more inclined to say religion encourages intolerance or superstition and are unlikely to deem it important for national leaders to have strong religious beliefs.
The research draws on 2023–24 surveys conducted in 36 countries, with analysis focused on 22 nations where sample sizes for the unaffiliated are large enough to be reported on separately. That design helps explain why the results resist one-size-fits-all conclusions.
What it means for evangelizing
Why this matters for readers of faith — and for anyone curious about the human search for meaning: The picture is more textured than “religious” versus “not religious.”
The Catholic tradition has long taught that a desire for the divine is part of being human, hardwired into our human nature.
As the Catechism puts it, “The desire for God is written in the human heart.” That desire can persist even when institutional and/or communitarian belonging fades.
For communities of faith, the data suggests an opportunity for patient listening, honest conversation, and humble witness rather than culture-war posture. For secular readers, it’s a reminder that spiritual questions are common ground, not a sectarian trap.
Pew’s study won’t settle debates about belief, but it does clarify the terms. Many “nones” aren’t committed materialists; many believers have questions. Between them is a wide field of sincere searching. That’s a space where friendships are built, curiosity is welcome, and conscience matters.
