Introduction
This page presents summary points related to religion and faith from the 2023 Oregon Values & Beliefs Typology Study. The summary draws from a scientifically conducted public opinion survey completed in the fall of 2023.
The survey’s full sample size was N=3,414 which is sufficient to assess Oregonians’ values and beliefs generally, to learn how Oregonians feel about different planning and policymaking issues, and to review findings by multiple subgroups.
General Observations – Religion and Faith
Oregonians are split between considering themselves to be non-religious and religious (either moderately or very). Around a quarter of Oregonians identify as Christian. Almost half of Oregonians indicate that they never attend religious services, and a slim majority reports that religion is not important to them. Oregonians generally believe that abortion and same-sex marriage should be legal. Moreover, they believe that society can flourish even when people do not prioritize marriage and children. Oregonians generally support a secular government.
Findings
Q13. A or B?
| Response category | N = 3,414 | |
| FEEL STRONGLY: Same-gender romantic relationships should be discouraged in society | 11% | 24% |
| LEAN TOWARDS A | 13% | |
| LEAN TOWARDS B | 23% | 76% |
| FEEL STRONGLY: Same-gender relationships should be respected in society | 53% | |
Q19. A or B?
| Response category | N = 3,414 | |
| FEEL STRONGLY: Society is better off if people make marriage and having children a priority | 14% | 33% |
| LEAN TOWARDS A | 19% | |
| LEAN TOWARDS B | 27% | 67% |
| FEEL STRONGLY: Society is just as well off if people have priorities other than marriage and children | 39% | |
Q25. Which option comes closest to your view about abortion? It should be…
| Response category | N = 3,414 | |
| Legal in all cases | 33% | 72% |
| Legal in most cases | 38% | |
| Illegal in most cases | 23% | 28% |
| Illegal in all cases | 6% | |
Q26. A or B?
| Response category | N = 3,414 | |
| FEEL STRONGLY: Government should not favor any one religion or faith | 61% | 78% |
| LEAN TOWARDS A | 17% | |
| LEAN TOWARDS B | 12% | 22% |
| FEEL STRONGLY: Our government should reflect and favor Christian faith and values | 10% | |
Q49. What is your religious preference?
| Response category | N = 3,414 |
| Baptist | 3% |
| Catholic | 10% |
| Christian | 25% |
| Evangelical | 1% |
| Jewish | 2% |
| Methodist | 1% |
| Muslim | 1% |
| Nature-based | 4% |
| No religious identity | 31% |
| Pentecostal | 1% |
| Protestant | 3% |
| Seventh Day Adventist | 1% |
| Other (please specify) | 12% |
| Refused | 5% |
Q50. How religious do you consider yourself to be?
| Response category | N = 3,414 |
| Very religious | 13% |
| Moderately religious | 37% |
| Not religious | 45% |
| Other (please specify) | 6% |
Q51. Is religion important in your daily life?
| Response category | N = 3,414 |
| Yes | 40% |
| No | 53% |
| Other (please specify) | 6% |
Q52. How often do you attend religious services?
| Response category | N = 3,414 |
| Monthly or more often | 20% |
| Seldom | 29% |
| Never | 45% |
| Other (please specify) | 6% |
Q32. Thinking of a future fifty years from now, briefly stated in 20 words or less, what is your biggest hope for Oregon?
“That people will be open to the Bible and turn to Jesus as the way, truth, and life.”
Curry County
“That we fight against white Christian nationalism.”
Clackamas County
“That Oregon will turn to Jesus.”
Douglas County
“I hope that all religions are made illegal, since they are the source of all evil.”
Benton County
Q33 What is your biggest fear for Oregon thinking ahead fifty years, again in 20 words or less?
“We live in an Authoritarian White Supremacist Christian Nation.”
Multnomah County
“Church & state will no longer be separate.”
Multnomah County
“Environmental devastation; political/racial/religious divisions; under educated populace.”
Deschutes County
“That the state and country will become dominated by Islam believing people.”
Columbia County