New research from the Policy Institute at King’s College London suggests that many people in Britain believe it is possible to feel deeply thankful for life even without faith in God.
The findings are based on a national survey of just over 2,000 adults carried out in October 2025. The research explored how people experience thankfulness for life and whether this feeling is connected to religious belief.
The study was linked to a public lecture by Dr King-Ho Leung of King’s College London, which examined the connection between thinking and giving thanks. Dr Leung said the research highlights an ongoing philosophical discussion: if there is no belief in God or a creator, who or what is the object of people’s gratitude for existence?
According to the survey, around one in five people in Britain experience a strong sense of thankfulness for being alive every week, while about one in seven say they never experience this feeling. The data shows that people with religious faith are more likely to feel thankful for life, but many non-religious people also report experiencing deep gratitude.
A majority of respondents, 59 per cent, said belief in God or a higher power is not necessary in order to feel thankful for life. By contrast, 22 per cent said such belief is essential. Even among religious respondents, opinions were divided, with similar numbers saying faith is or is not required for this kind of thankfulness.
People of faith were more likely than non-religious respondents to feel thankful for their own lives and for life in general. However, there was little difference between the two groups when it came to feeling thankful for other people in their lives.
When asked where they directed their sense of gratitude, respondents gave a range of answers. Some expressed thankfulness to God, while others pointed to nature, people around them, or their own inner sense of wellbeing.
The Christmas season appeared to have limited effect on these feelings. Over half of those surveyed said the festive period made no difference to their sense of thankfulness, while around a third said it increased their gratitude.
The research also found that younger people tend to report stronger feelings of awe, wonder and thankfulness than older age groups. However, the researchers warned that such results should be treated with caution, as online surveys may not fully reflect real changes in beliefs and attitudes.
Recent public debate has suggested that religious interest among young people may be increasing. Some surveys have reported rising belief in God among 18- to 24-year-olds in recent years. Nevertheless, researchers at the Policy Institute stressed that more detailed studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Professor Bobby Duffy, Director of the Policy Institute, said the wide differences in how people experience thankfulness, awe and wonder are striking. He added that understanding these deeply human emotions is important for grasping how people view themselves and their place in the world.
Further research into these questions is planned as part of the UK’s participation in the World Values Survey programme in 2026.
Adapted from CDI.
