- Feb 5, 2002
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Belief in the afterlife is rising among Americans, notably even among those who identify as religious “nones,” or individuals with no formal religious affiliation. An analysis of recent data indicates a marked increase in belief in an afterlife among non-religious Americans, climbing from roughly 50% in the 1970s to around 60% today.
This finding emerges from an analysis by Ryan Burge, associate professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, who publishes articles and his analyses at "Graphs About Religion" on Substack.
Burge analyzed nearly five decades of data collected through the General Social Survey, conducted regularly since 1973. The survey posed a straightforward question: “Do you believe there is a life after death?” and respondents could answer simply “yes” or “no.” The stability and gradual rise of afterlife belief over the decades is notable, increasing modestly from 76% in 1973 to around 82% in 2022.
Continued below.
This finding emerges from an analysis by Ryan Burge, associate professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, who publishes articles and his analyses at "Graphs About Religion" on Substack.
Burge analyzed nearly five decades of data collected through the General Social Survey, conducted regularly since 1973. The survey posed a straightforward question: “Do you believe there is a life after death?” and respondents could answer simply “yes” or “no.” The stability and gradual rise of afterlife belief over the decades is notable, increasing modestly from 76% in 1973 to around 82% in 2022.
Continued below.
Belief in the afterlife is on the rise, even among religious ‘nones’
Belief in the afterlife is rising among Americans, notably even among those who identify as religious nones, or individuals with no formal religious affiliation An analysis of recent data indicates a