Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201423%17%46%12%2%3,291
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 younger Millennials by religious group

% of younger Millennials who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic20%16%49%13%2%533
Evangelical Protestant52%9%33%4%2%643
Historically Black Protestant43%9%41%4%2%184
Mainline Protestant27%15%49%8%1%371
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")4%23%52%20%1%1,180
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion100%< 1%< 1%< 1%785
Philosophy/reason100%< 1%< 1%< 1%550
Common sense100%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,492
Science100%< 1%< 1%< 1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion46%54%785
Philosophy/reason57%43%550
Common sense50%50%1,492
Science56%44%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion52%20%5%18%5%780
Philosophy/reason52%11%10%22%5%542
Common sense55%13%6%22%5%1,485
Science56%7%9%23%6%400
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion13%17%70%780
Philosophy/reason14%26%59%545
Common sense11%20%69%1,467
Science19%21%59%397
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials 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
Religion42%18%26%14%653
Philosophy/reason37%22%23%17%479
Common sense40%20%23%17%1,272
Science40%20%24%17%353
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion46%44%8%1%783
Philosophy/reason43%44%12%1%550
Common sense50%40%8%1%1,489
Science47%38%13%2%402
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion12%6%2%< 1%80%783
Philosophy/reason4%9%1%< 1%86%550
Common sense6%12%1%< 1%80%1,490
Science6%9%1%< 1%84%402
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion14%86%783
Philosophy/reason7%93%549
Common sense14%86%1,491
Science9%91%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials 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
Religion89%9%1%< 1%1%< 1%785
Philosophy/reason33%25%16%< 1%21%5%550
Common sense42%26%10%< 1%18%3%1,492
Science26%21%9%< 1%41%3%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion82%14%2%2%< 1%785
Philosophy/reason21%32%24%22%1%550
Common sense27%36%20%17%< 1%1,492
Science16%27%23%34%< 1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials 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
Religion64%27%8%< 1%785
Philosophy/reason16%38%46%< 1%550
Common sense18%44%38%< 1%1,492
Science10%37%54%< 1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion76%16%3%4%< 1%785
Philosophy/reason24%19%9%47%1%550
Common sense30%19%9%41%< 1%1,492
Science17%14%6%62%< 1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials 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
Religion46%16%11%28%< 1%785
Philosophy/reason10%9%8%73%1%550
Common sense11%10%8%71%< 1%1,492
Science5%8%7%80%< 1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion40%10%3%46%2%785
Philosophy/reason29%13%5%53%< 1%550
Common sense21%9%5%64%1%1,492
Science18%11%6%64%1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials 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
Religion73%15%5%6%1%785
Philosophy/reason44%25%8%21%2%550
Common sense42%22%13%22%1%1,492
Science35%20%15%29%1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials 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
Religion46%19%13%21%1%785
Philosophy/reason62%19%8%11%< 1%550
Common sense46%21%12%21%< 1%1,492
Science43%21%13%22%1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials 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
Religion38%59%1%1%785
Philosophy/reason15%85%< 1%< 1%550
Common sense16%83%1%1%1,492
Science14%86%< 1%< 1%403
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 reading scripture among younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who read scripture…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion59%16%7%18%< 1%785
Philosophy/reason18%12%9%61%< 1%550
Common sense15%12%9%64%< 1%1,492
Science7%11%7%75%< 1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials 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
Religion42%44%3%7%3%785
Philosophy/reason9%25%1%59%6%550
Common sense14%29%1%52%4%1,492
Science11%20%1%64%5%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion92%6%2%785
Philosophy/reason54%37%8%550
Common sense66%28%6%1,492
Science47%46%7%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion84%13%3%785
Philosophy/reason39%55%7%550
Common sense53%41%5%1,492
Science38%57%5%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion47%20%33%785
Philosophy/reason25%17%58%550
Common sense32%18%50%1,492
Science25%21%54%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion41%35%16%8%785
Philosophy/reason16%39%40%4%550
Common sense24%38%31%7%1,492
Science19%37%38%6%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion42%54%2%2%785
Philosophy/reason45%51%1%3%550
Common sense44%53%1%2%1,492
Science39%58%1%2%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials 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
Religion48%49%2%1%785
Philosophy/reason35%62%3%< 1%550
Common sense42%54%3%2%1,492
Science31%67%1%< 1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion29%70%1%785
Philosophy/reason67%31%2%550
Common sense62%36%2%1,492
Science69%29%2%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion51%43%4%2%785
Philosophy/reason91%6%2%1%550
Common sense85%12%2%1%1,492
Science91%7%< 1%1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion42%51%6%785
Philosophy/reason86%11%3%550
Common sense80%17%3%1,492
Science86%13%1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials 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
Religion39%57%1%3%785
Philosophy/reason25%72%2%1%550
Common sense33%64%1%2%1,492
Science28%69%1%1%403
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 younger Millennials by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of younger Millennials 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
Religion14%32%1%51%3%785
Philosophy/reason60%21%4%14%1%550
Common sense51%24%3%21%2%1,492
Science74%13%< 1%12%1%403
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.