Religion axis
Secular vs Religious
What place should religion have in public life?
This axis mixes personal belief with politics. A moderate Secular score usually means separation of church and state; a strong one means hostility to religion. On the other side, a moderate Religious score means faith is valued, and a strong one means support for a state religion or theocracy.
Secular
Religion should stay out of government and law. At the extreme, religion is seen as something society should move past.
Statements that score Secular
- “Religion should be banned.”
- “Creationism is a myth.”
- “Religion in government should be eliminated.”
Religious
Faith is good for people and society, and religious values should shape education, charity and, at the extreme, the state itself.
Statements that score Religious
- “Theocracy is a good system of government.”
- “I believe in a higher power.”
- “I believe there is something after death.”
In practice
Where it shows up
It covers religious education in public schools, crosses and symbols in public buildings, tax status of churches, religious holidays, faith-based charities receiving public money, and how far religious values should shape laws.
A common misunderstanding
A Secular score does not require being an atheist, and a Religious score does not require being devout. Many believers want church and state kept apart, and some non-believers value religion's role in community life.
Reading your score
A moderate Secular score usually means separation of church and state with respect for belief. Above 85% Secular you want religion out of public life entirely; above 70% Religious you want faith to guide public decisions.
Historical figures at each end
Where the thinkers and leaders in our figure set stand on this axis.
Result labels
Your score is the percentage toward Secular. The label shown on your result depends on which band it falls in.
- 91-100%Antitheist
- 76-90%Atheist
- 61-75%Agnostic
- 40-60%Moderate
- 25-39%Spiritual
- 10-24%Religious
- 0-9%Ultra-religious
Where do you land on religion?
Take the test to see your score on this axis and the other eleven.
Take the 12 Axes test