Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201424%13%51%10%3%2,894
200722%12%57%5%4%2,904
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who read scripture several times a year by religious group

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic27%11%50%11%2%755
Evangelical Protestant37%8%47%5%3%561
Historically Black Protestant33%8%51%6%1%148
Mainline Protestant23%12%56%7%3%703
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")6%23%52%17%2%442
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion17%36%30%17%695
Philosophy/reason29%39%23%9%377
Common sense22%36%26%16%1,409
Science25%42%22%11%284
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion11%11%31%35%11%1%695
Philosophy/reason19%17%31%25%6%1%377
Common sense14%15%29%30%11%1%1,409
Science15%14%37%25%7%1%284
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion43%57%700
Philosophy/reason55%45%381
Common sense52%48%1,438
Science54%46%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion67%13%3%15%3%694
Philosophy/reason68%8%5%16%4%376
Common sense67%10%4%14%4%1,416
Science49%8%14%26%4%283
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion13%7%79%691
Philosophy/reason14%12%74%377
Common sense15%11%75%1,413
Science33%13%54%283
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who have a household income of…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Religion27%22%31%20%611
Philosophy/reason31%14%29%26%355
Common sense33%20%28%18%1,280
Science32%23%22%23%260
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion39%36%16%10%699
Philosophy/reason25%30%27%18%381
Common sense42%33%14%11%1,427
Science38%20%22%19%282
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion54%4%14%5%23%699
Philosophy/reason45%9%10%3%32%380
Common sense46%9%13%7%25%1,433
Science57%5%9%3%25%285
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion30%70%699
Philosophy/reason30%70%379
Common sense30%70%1,434
Science27%73%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say they…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Religion87%12%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%700
Philosophy/reason44%32%11%1%10%2%381
Common sense63%26%4%1%4%2%1,438
Science43%32%9%< 1%15%1%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion79%19%1%< 1%< 1%700
Philosophy/reason32%44%14%9%1%381
Common sense42%45%8%4%1%1,438
Science34%41%14%10%1%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who attend religious services…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion38%50%11%< 1%700
Philosophy/reason13%57%29%< 1%381
Common sense18%59%23%< 1%1,438
Science21%52%27%1%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion67%23%6%3%1%700
Philosophy/reason36%29%11%23%< 1%381
Common sense45%27%12%15%1%1,438
Science42%24%8%26%< 1%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who attend prayer group…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion13%10%29%48%< 1%700
Philosophy/reason4%8%21%67%< 1%381
Common sense6%7%24%62%< 1%1,438
Science6%14%23%57%< 1%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion29%10%12%46%2%700
Philosophy/reason39%14%12%34%1%381
Common sense28%13%12%46%1%1,438
Science33%12%12%41%3%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion61%17%16%5%1%700
Philosophy/reason50%22%12%14%1%381
Common sense49%21%18%11%1%1,438
Science47%16%18%17%1%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion36%18%21%24%1%700
Philosophy/reason60%15%15%10%1%381
Common sense40%17%20%22%1%1,438
Science48%18%17%16%1%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion44%55%< 1%1%700
Philosophy/reason22%75%2%< 1%381
Common sense25%74%1%< 1%1,438
Science22%75%1%2%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say the holy scripture is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Religion39%43%2%9%6%700
Philosophy/reason10%25%1%55%9%381
Common sense20%37%2%33%8%1,438
Science19%23%2%49%7%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion93%5%3%700
Philosophy/reason57%31%13%381
Common sense78%16%6%1,438
Science59%33%8%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion83%13%4%700
Philosophy/reason39%50%11%381
Common sense60%32%8%1,438
Science46%45%9%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion48%16%36%700
Philosophy/reason30%17%53%381
Common sense34%17%49%1,438
Science23%15%62%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion47%30%18%5%700
Philosophy/reason25%37%35%3%381
Common sense31%39%24%5%1,438
Science23%42%32%3%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion57%39%2%2%700
Philosophy/reason52%44%1%3%381
Common sense52%41%3%3%1,438
Science39%56%3%3%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say government aid to the poor…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion52%44%3%1%700
Philosophy/reason29%66%4%1%381
Common sense46%50%3%1%1,438
Science33%64%2%1%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion41%55%3%700
Philosophy/reason72%25%3%381
Common sense63%32%5%1,438
Science67%31%2%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion53%39%5%3%700
Philosophy/reason84%10%3%3%381
Common sense70%23%4%3%1,438
Science74%20%2%3%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion43%48%8%700
Philosophy/reason79%16%5%381
Common sense61%30%9%1,438
Science60%35%4%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion43%53%1%3%700
Philosophy/reason24%73%2%1%381
Common sense39%57%2%1%1,438
Science23%70%3%5%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who read scripture several times a year by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say humans…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Religion12%37%1%46%3%700
Philosophy/reason48%28%8%13%3%381
Common sense34%32%5%26%3%1,438
Science54%21%4%19%2%288
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.