Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201418%17%48%15%2%8,504
200716%15%58%8%3%6,809
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 liberals by religious group

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

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Buddhist5%36%43%11%5%136
Catholic25%13%48%14%2%1,474
Evangelical Protestant38%11%42%6%3%937
Historically Black Protestant42%7%43%4%3%467
Jewish8%19%49%20%4%394
Mainline Protestant19%16%53%9%3%1,259
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")5%23%50%21%1%3,107
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion18%37%29%17%1,374
Philosophy/reason36%33%20%11%1,567
Common sense27%35%24%14%3,897
Science31%39%18%12%1,316
Don't know16%26%30%28%236
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion12%13%29%34%11%1%1,374
Philosophy/reason22%21%25%25%6%1%1,567
Common sense17%18%27%29%8%1%3,897
Science18%21%31%22%8%1%1,316
Don't know13%5%24%37%18%3%236
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion43%57%1,392
Philosophy/reason48%52%1,588
Common sense44%56%3,947
Science50%50%1,336
Don't know39%61%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion42%24%3%26%4%1,375
Philosophy/reason68%7%6%15%4%1,569
Common sense64%12%5%15%4%3,903
Science62%6%9%19%5%1,323
Don't know65%13%4%16%3%235
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion25%10%65%1,367
Philosophy/reason17%16%67%1,575
Common sense15%13%72%3,892
Science24%14%62%1,317
Don't know18%12%69%238
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals 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
Religion50%20%18%12%1,260
Philosophy/reason30%17%27%26%1,453
Common sense35%21%25%19%3,596
Science31%17%25%27%1,208
Don't know41%20%20%19%191
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion51%28%11%10%1,387
Philosophy/reason22%30%26%22%1,581
Common sense39%30%19%12%3,933
Science27%25%24%24%1,327
Don't know32%31%18%19%239
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion41%8%18%7%25%1,385
Philosophy/reason39%11%13%3%34%1,582
Common sense40%11%13%5%31%3,937
Science41%12%12%3%32%1,326
Don't know41%9%14%12%24%237
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion29%71%1,389
Philosophy/reason24%76%1,588
Common sense27%73%3,939
Science29%71%1,331
Don't know26%74%239
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals 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
Religion77%18%3%1%1%1%1,392
Philosophy/reason31%25%12%1%26%5%1,588
Common sense44%25%8%1%18%3%3,947
Science24%24%10%1%38%3%1,336
Don't know54%19%6%3%11%7%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion80%15%3%2%< 1%1,392
Philosophy/reason22%28%21%28%1%1,588
Common sense30%30%18%21%1%3,947
Science19%25%19%37%< 1%1,336
Don't know49%23%6%15%7%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals 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
Religion52%33%16%< 1%1,392
Philosophy/reason14%34%52%< 1%1,588
Common sense16%35%49%< 1%3,947
Science11%30%59%< 1%1,336
Don't know31%32%35%2%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion74%17%3%7%< 1%1,392
Philosophy/reason29%17%8%46%1%1,588
Common sense37%16%8%39%1%3,947
Science22%13%6%58%< 1%1,336
Don't know57%12%3%27%2%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals 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
Religion38%13%9%40%< 1%1,392
Philosophy/reason9%7%7%77%1%1,588
Common sense10%6%5%77%< 1%3,947
Science7%6%5%82%< 1%1,336
Don't know23%7%11%57%3%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion52%8%5%32%3%1,392
Philosophy/reason41%13%5%40%1%1,588
Common sense34%10%6%50%1%3,947
Science28%10%6%55%1%1,336
Don't know48%5%4%37%6%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals 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
Religion71%12%7%10%1%1,392
Philosophy/reason50%19%10%19%1%1,588
Common sense47%17%12%23%1%3,947
Science41%18%12%28%1%1,336
Don't know65%9%10%12%4%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals 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
Religion50%13%12%23%1%1,392
Philosophy/reason59%17%11%12%1%1,588
Common sense45%17%13%24%1%3,947
Science50%16%14%19%< 1%1,336
Don't know54%11%13%15%8%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals 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
Religion29%68%1%2%1,392
Philosophy/reason17%82%1%< 1%1,588
Common sense17%81%1%1%3,947
Science16%82%< 1%1%1,336
Don't know16%70%4%10%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals 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
Religion54%12%8%26%< 1%1,392
Philosophy/reason16%10%9%65%1%1,588
Common sense17%8%9%66%< 1%3,947
Science8%6%7%78%1%1,336
Don't know35%10%8%45%3%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals 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
Religion47%28%3%15%7%1,392
Philosophy/reason8%15%< 1%71%6%1,588
Common sense15%20%1%58%6%3,947
Science11%10%< 1%74%5%1,336
Don't know17%12%12%39%21%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion88%8%3%1,392
Philosophy/reason39%53%8%1,588
Common sense56%37%7%3,947
Science36%57%7%1,336
Don't know52%27%21%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion71%23%6%1,392
Philosophy/reason24%69%7%1,588
Common sense40%53%7%3,947
Science26%69%4%1,336
Don't know40%40%19%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion15%19%66%1,392
Philosophy/reason8%11%80%1,588
Common sense13%15%72%3,947
Science8%12%80%1,336
Don't know7%21%72%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion25%68%4%3%1,392
Philosophy/reason25%68%3%3%1,588
Common sense32%61%3%4%3,947
Science23%72%3%2%1,336
Don't know20%51%13%15%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals 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
Religion28%66%3%2%1,392
Philosophy/reason17%80%2%1%1,588
Common sense27%69%3%1%3,947
Science19%78%2%1%1,336
Don't know14%63%14%8%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion50%45%4%1,392
Philosophy/reason84%14%2%1,588
Common sense75%22%3%3,947
Science81%17%3%1,336
Don't know61%27%12%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion57%36%4%3%1,392
Philosophy/reason90%8%1%< 1%1,588
Common sense84%12%2%2%3,947
Science90%8%1%1%1,336
Don't know70%16%6%8%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion50%43%7%1,392
Philosophy/reason90%9%2%1,588
Common sense80%16%5%3,947
Science88%9%3%1,336
Don't know64%20%16%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals 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
Religion28%67%1%3%1,392
Philosophy/reason12%86%1%1%1,588
Common sense23%74%1%2%3,947
Science14%83%1%1%1,336
Don't know13%65%6%15%241
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 liberals by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of liberals 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
Religion19%32%3%42%4%1,392
Philosophy/reason66%18%4%10%2%1,588
Common sense53%22%4%18%3%3,947
Science75%12%2%10%1%1,336
Don't know36%15%15%13%20%241
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.