Throughout Western Europe, people disagree on whether religion is good or bad. In some countries, such as Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, there are strong polarizations between religious and non-religious views.
The majority of adults in these countries have positive attitudes towards religion. In Portugal, for example, more than half of respondents say that religion gives them meaning and helps them to decide what is right and wrong.
A significant percentage of Europeans also believe they have a soul. However, there is a large minority that believes they are not spiritual. This is because Europeans who consider themselves to be neither religious nor spiritual are more likely to believe that there are no spiritual forces in the universe.
A third of adults who do not have a faith say they are spiritual. This group is often referred to as the “spiritual but not religious” group. It is eight times more likely to not discuss spiritual matters with friends than evangelicals.
Compared with secular groups, religious groups tend to hold more ambivalent views about the impact of religion. For instance, nearly a third of the practicing Christians disagree with the claim that religion is harmful to individuals.
In Italy, Austria, Ireland and Portugal, more than half of the adult population embraces spiritual beliefs. In Belgium, less than one-third of adults affirm spiritual views. In Norway, more than half of adults say that religion causes harm.
In the Netherlands, a clear majority of people agree that religion is good. In Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, and Belgium, the majority of adults believe religion gives them purpose.