More or Less Do 85% of the world’s population practice a religion?
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Sep 21, 2024 
Conrad Hackett, a leading demographer at the Pew Research Center, delves into the complexities of global religious practices. He tackles the intriguing claim that 85% of the world’s population engages in religion, dissecting how self-identification differs from actual participation. The conversation also unveils the unique challenges faced in measuring religion in countries like China, where many spiritual practices go unreported. As religious identities evolve, Hackett highlights shifting trends and the rise of non-religious affiliations, sparking thought-provoking insights on faith's future.
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Religious Identification vs. Practice
- 84% of the world's population in 2010 identified with a religion, according to Pew Research Center data.
- Identifying with a religion doesn't necessarily equate to practicing it, as some who identify may not actively participate, and vice-versa.
Revised Estimate and Methodology
- Pew's estimate of religious affiliation has been revised downwards to approximately 77% in more recent data.
- This change is largely due to methodological revisions, especially regarding religious identification in China.
Challenges in Measuring Religiosity in China
- Measuring religiosity in China is complex due to the recent introduction of the term "religion" and its specific meaning.
- The Chinese term zong jiao only includes formal religious affiliations recognized by the government, excluding folk religions and ancestor veneration.