New York, USA - A new CBS News poll shows that almost all Americans believe in God or some higher power and more than half pray often and consider religion an important component of their daily lives.
Eighty-two percent of poll respondents said they believe in God, with nine percent saying they had faith in some sort of higher power or spirit. Doubt about the existence of God was highest in the "young" demographic as well that of political independents, those living in the West, people who live in big cities and men.
Fifty-nine percent of Americans indicated that they pray often and 40 percent said they attend weekly services. Religious observation also seems to have an effect on political preferences. Half of those who said they attend religious services almost every week approve of President Bush's job performance. However, a significant percentage of those who are less and non-observant of a religion disapprove of the job Mr. Bush is doing.
AMERICA'S RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
Pray Often - 59%
Attend Services Nearly Every Week - 40%
Attend Less Often - 39%
Never Attend Services - 20%
Say Religion Is Very Important In Their Daily Lives - 59%
Say Religion Is Not At All Important - 13%
For those who make religion a priority, 47 percent think it is more important to adhere to religious traditions while 46 percent think it is more important to be engaged spiritually.