Having a partner with similar religious beliefs is important to six in ten Americans
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.