When it comes to relationships, there are certain things experts say couples should generally be on the same page about: children, finances, location, and division of household labor, to name just a few. But what about religion?
Data from YouGov finds that six in 10 Americans (62%) feel it is important that their romantic partner has religious beliefs that are similar to their own. Far fewer (30%) say that this is not especially important to them.
Among those who consider themselves very religious, 87% say it is important that a romantic partner has similar beliefs. Few (8%) say this is not important.
Among those who define themselves as “not at all religious,” 43% say it’s important that their romantic partner is on the same page, while 47% say it is not important to them. The figures are similar among those who say they’re “not very religious” (44% important/47% not important).
People who are Mormons or Eastern/Greek Orthodox are especially likely to say it’s important for a romantic partner to share their beliefs
Unsurprisingly, people of varying spiritual beliefs may feel differently about the importance of a partner’s religious views.
Those who are Mormon (84%), Eastern or Greek Orthodox (80%), Protestant (78%), or Muslim (77%) are especially likely to say it is important for a significant other to have beliefs that match their own.
Among those who describe themselves as agnostic, 43% say that it is important for their partner’s beliefs to mirror their own. Slightly more (50%) say it is not especially important. Those who define their religion as “nothing in particular” are evenly split – 42% think it is important for a significant other to feel similarly, 42% say the opposite.
See full results here.
Related: A quarter of Americans are interested in having an open relationship
Methodology: 44,539 US adults 18+ were surveyed between April 16 - 23, 2021. The responding sample is weighted to be representative of the US population.
