Californians seem to be more spiritual these days. But they don’t seem to be as sure that God exists. A Pew Research Center study says about 54-percent said in 2014 that they’re, quote, “absolutely certain” that God is real, down from 62-percent in 2007. Mike Griffin, the pastor at Sierra Presbyterian Church in Nevada City, says a number of north state counties have the fewest numbers of churchgoers, with participation also low in Nevada County. He says there are a lot of self-reliant populations around here…

click to listen to Pastor Griffin

Only four states, all in New England, had a lower percentage of adults totally certain of God’s existence. But the study also says 57-percent of Californians experience, quote, “spiritual peace and well being” at least once a week, up 6 points…

click to listen to Pastor Griffin

The number of Californians expressing confidence that God does not exist grew from 7 to 12-percent. The Pew Survey shows that, nationwide, young adults are behind much of the trend, with many not affiliated with any particular religion.