Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201418%13%56%9%3%2,015
200712%11%67%6%4%1,701
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion24%41%25%10%340
Philosophy/reason39%33%22%6%275
Common sense29%40%23%8%1,107
Science37%37%21%5%193
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion11%26%27%29%6%1%340
Philosophy/reason23%25%25%24%4%< 1%275
Common sense17%19%33%26%5%< 1%1,107
Science21%24%29%22%4%< 1%193
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion45%55%352
Philosophy/reason52%48%277
Common sense52%48%1,127
Science58%42%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion47%24%3%21%6%337
Philosophy/reason52%17%6%19%6%272
Common sense58%17%3%16%7%1,105
Science43%14%5%32%5%192
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion19%7%74%336
Philosophy/reason18%13%69%274
Common sense12%10%78%1,107
Science27%10%63%189
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) 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
Religion51%19%19%11%298
Philosophy/reason44%21%22%13%250
Common sense45%21%22%12%995
Science54%21%13%12%174
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion64%25%8%4%350
Philosophy/reason40%35%17%7%276
Common sense54%30%11%5%1,125
Science60%22%11%7%192
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion39%11%17%5%28%347
Philosophy/reason36%16%10%3%36%277
Common sense38%13%14%5%31%1,122
Science33%13%11%3%40%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion37%63%349
Philosophy/reason30%70%275
Common sense32%68%1,126
Science26%74%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) 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
Religion80%14%3%< 1%1%1%352
Philosophy/reason48%33%10%1%5%3%277
Common sense57%30%7%< 1%3%3%1,127
Science39%37%13%< 1%7%3%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion70%30%< 1%< 1%< 1%352
Philosophy/reason35%65%< 1%< 1%< 1%277
Common sense32%68%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,127
Science26%74%< 1%< 1%< 1%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) 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
Religion27%36%35%1%352
Philosophy/reason9%41%50%< 1%277
Common sense8%41%51%< 1%1,127
Science2%41%56%1%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion65%21%5%10%< 1%352
Philosophy/reason39%21%10%28%2%277
Common sense42%21%11%25%1%1,127
Science30%24%13%33%< 1%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) 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
Religion30%11%6%53%< 1%352
Philosophy/reason10%8%9%73%< 1%277
Common sense8%6%7%78%< 1%1,127
Science4%8%11%78%< 1%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion44%8%3%43%2%352
Philosophy/reason40%16%5%39%< 1%277
Common sense31%8%4%56%1%1,127
Science24%11%5%56%3%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) 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
Religion60%11%8%17%3%352
Philosophy/reason55%16%9%19%< 1%277
Common sense46%17%11%24%1%1,127
Science41%16%16%26%< 1%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) 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
Religion44%11%10%33%3%352
Philosophy/reason62%14%11%12%< 1%277
Common sense43%17%11%29%1%1,127
Science40%13%12%35%< 1%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) 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
Religion34%62%2%1%352
Philosophy/reason23%73%3%1%277
Common sense26%71%1%1%1,127
Science15%84%< 1%1%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) 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
Religion47%9%5%37%2%352
Philosophy/reason18%13%11%59%< 1%277
Common sense17%12%8%62%1%1,127
Science8%10%10%72%< 1%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) 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
Religion55%23%3%12%6%352
Philosophy/reason13%15%1%59%13%277
Common sense19%26%1%44%10%1,127
Science21%22%< 1%49%8%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion83%11%6%352
Philosophy/reason56%27%16%277
Common sense74%18%8%1,127
Science66%28%7%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion68%26%7%352
Philosophy/reason39%48%12%277
Common sense55%37%8%1,127
Science52%43%5%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion32%32%36%352
Philosophy/reason23%24%53%277
Common sense28%27%45%1,127
Science18%24%59%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion32%31%24%13%352
Philosophy/reason20%40%31%9%277
Common sense27%38%27%9%1,127
Science25%32%37%6%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion40%52%2%5%352
Philosophy/reason41%52%5%1%277
Common sense49%46%2%2%1,127
Science38%56%2%4%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) 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
Religion40%51%5%4%352
Philosophy/reason35%56%7%2%277
Common sense45%50%3%2%1,127
Science47%50%1%2%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion38%56%6%352
Philosophy/reason65%30%5%277
Common sense59%35%5%1,127
Science53%42%5%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion47%43%4%6%352
Philosophy/reason83%12%2%2%277
Common sense75%17%4%4%1,127
Science76%21%2%1%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion38%53%9%352
Philosophy/reason78%15%8%277
Common sense64%27%9%1,127
Science64%30%5%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) 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%51%3%7%352
Philosophy/reason23%70%4%3%277
Common sense38%57%2%3%1,127
Science37%56%3%3%194
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 Nothing in particulars (religion important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion important) 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
Religion15%30%4%47%4%352
Philosophy/reason47%26%8%14%5%277
Common sense34%27%6%30%3%1,127
Science50%18%3%28%1%194
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.