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-- Religion in New Jersey - Overview
- History -- Native American beliefs The religious history of New Jersey dates back to the early indigenous peoples such as the Lenni Lenape (also known as the Delaware), who practiced their own diverse spiritual traditions which were deeply connected to nature, spiritual beliefs, and communal life. Indigenous peoples' spiritual practices were grounded in animism, the belief that natural objects, animals, and even elements like the sun and moon possessed spiritual essence. Their Creator God was called Kishelemukong or Kitanitowit, who was responsible for creating the world and all living things. One Lenape creation legend describes the earth as initially covered with water until a large tortoise raised its back out of the water to form land, from which the first humans emerged. The Lenape believed in the existence of numerous spirits, both good and evil, that inhabited the earth. Their worldview of the influence of nature affected nearly every aspect of their lives, from daily activities like hunting and farming to their ceremonies and rituals. Reflecting a deep reverence for the natural environment, natural landmarks such as rivers, mountains, and forests were often seen as sacred spaces where spiritual power was centered and were used for prayer, rituals, and ceremonies. New Jersey is one of the most religiously diverse states in the U.S. While historically anchored in Christian traditions, the state has seen a rise in non-Christian faiths and religiously unaffiliated residents. According to data from the Pew Research Center’s Religious Landscape Study conducted in 2023-24, New Jersey is ranked as the 19th most religious state in the U.S. (tied with Iowa and Kansas). The Pew survey also reported that about 55% of New Jerseyans consider themselves "highly religious," with roughly 35% attending religious services at least once a week, and over 40% praying daily. Growing percentages within the state of Immigrant communities also are shaping religious trends, with the he South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African communities influencing the religious landscape with increasing proportions of those following Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The age demographics of the state's religious profile reflect a significant generational divide, where younger residents are twice as likely to be religiously unaffiliated as older adults. Younger adults also are less likely to remain in the religion they were raised in compared to previous generations. While older populations are dominated by white Christian identities, younger generations are more religiously and racially diverse, with higher percentages of Christians of color and non-Christian faiths. Data Profile (Adults in New Jersey)
Key Religious Demographics
Religious Attendance and Importance
Religious Affiliation by Age Group
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