Religion is a system of belief that is based on a common set of principles. Usually, it focuses on the existence of a supreme being or an eternal principle. It involves an established set of beliefs that are universally adhered to by the community. A religion may be outside of the self, or it may be within. Spirituality, by contrast, begins on an internal level and extends outward through self-transcendence, connection to others, and a relationship with the world beyond the known world.
A majority of Americans do not identify with a religion, and approximately 20% of Americans are agnostic, or otherwise unaffiliated. In fact, most religious groups are more ambivalent about religion than secular groups. Some 98% of evangelicals, for example, do not identify as religious, but are still “spiritual” (as do one-third of unaffiliated individuals).
Faith is a process of finding meaning in life and discovering connections between various experiences. Faith is an ongoing process that develops over a person’s lifetime. It is a process that aims to create a unified “big picture” or an overall meaning that encompasses all of life. Faith can have many meanings, depending on the individual and the beliefs that guide them.
The survey aims to measure people’s attitudes toward religion. In most countries, attitudes toward religion are positive. However, in Norway, Denmark, and Italy, attitudes toward religion are more negative. Despite the mixed results, those who say they are religious express positive feelings toward their religion. In addition, they agree that religion gives them purpose and moral guidance.