Sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Survey year | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 33% | 11% | 45% | 9% | 3% | 35,071 |
| 2007 | 29% | 9% | 52% | 5% | 4% | 35,556 |
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 by religious group
% of adults who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Religious tradition | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buddhist | 8% | 28% | 44% | 16% | 5% | 264 |
| Catholic | 30% | 10% | 48% | 10% | 2% | 7,202 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 60% | 5% | 30% | 3% | 2% | 8,593 |
| Hindu | 6% | 19% | 50% | 24% | 1% | 199 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 47% | 6% | 41% | 4% | 2% | 1,916 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 78% | 1% | 14% | 3% | 4% | 245 |
| Jewish | 17% | 17% | 50% | 14% | 3% | 847 |
| Mainline Protestant | 29% | 10% | 51% | 6% | 3% | 6,083 |
| Mormon | 64% | 4% | 25% | 4% | 3% | 664 |
| Muslim | 37% | 9% | 36% | 13% | 4% | 237 |
| Orthodox Christian | 27% | 14% | 48% | 8% | 3% | 186 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 7% | 18% | 57% | 17% | 2% | 7,556 |
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
Switch Display To: religious group by sources of guidance on right and wrong
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who are ages…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 16% | 33% | 30% | 21% | 11,483 |
| Philosophy/reason | 33% | 33% | 22% | 12% | 3,822 |
| Common sense | 23% | 34% | 26% | 17% | 14,914 |
| Science | 29% | 37% | 21% | 13% | 3,156 |
| Don't know | 17% | 30% | 28% | 25% | 970 |
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: 18-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65+
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by age group
Generational cohort by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who are…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 10% | 12% | 28% | 36% | 14% | 1% | 11,483 |
| Philosophy/reason | 22% | 18% | 26% | 25% | 8% | 1% | 3,822 |
| Common sense | 14% | 15% | 28% | 31% | 11% | 1% | 14,914 |
| Science | 19% | 18% | 30% | 24% | 8% | 1% | 3,156 |
| Don't know | 10% | 12% | 26% | 33% | 18% | 2% | 970 |
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: Younger Millennial, Older Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent, Greatest
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by generational group
Gender composition by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who are…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 41% | 59% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 54% | 46% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 50% | 50% | 15,190 |
| Science | 56% | 44% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 53% | 47% | 1,034 |
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.
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by gender
Racial and ethnic composition by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who identify as…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 64% | 15% | 2% | 15% | 4% | 11,598 |
| Philosophy/reason | 67% | 8% | 6% | 16% | 4% | 3,833 |
| Common sense | 69% | 11% | 4% | 13% | 4% | 14,983 |
| Science | 61% | 7% | 7% | 21% | 4% | 3,169 |
| Don't know | 68% | 10% | 3% | 15% | 5% | 966 |
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: White, Black, Asian, Latino, Other/Mixed
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by race/ethnicity
Immigrant status by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who are…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 14% | 8% | 78% | 11,603 |
| Philosophy/reason | 16% | 14% | 71% | 3,837 |
| Common sense | 12% | 10% | 77% | 14,988 |
| Science | 26% | 13% | 61% | 3,163 |
| Don't know | 16% | 8% | 76% | 1,002 |
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: Immigrants, Second generation, Third generation or higher
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by immigrant status
Income distribution by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who have a household income of…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 37% | 21% | 27% | 15% | 10,084 |
| Philosophy/reason | 31% | 18% | 27% | 25% | 3,485 |
| Common sense | 34% | 21% | 26% | 19% | 13,303 |
| Science | 32% | 19% | 25% | 24% | 2,862 |
| Don't know | 34% | 23% | 25% | 17% | 756 |
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: Less than $30,000, $30,000-$49,999, $50,000-$99,999, $100,000 or more
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by household income
Educational distribution by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who have completed…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 44% | 32% | 15% | 9% | 11,685 |
| Philosophy/reason | 29% | 32% | 22% | 17% | 3,866 |
| Common sense | 43% | 32% | 15% | 9% | 15,111 |
| Science | 35% | 26% | 22% | 18% | 3,188 |
| Don't know | 35% | 32% | 19% | 14% | 1,018 |
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: High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by educational group
Marital status by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who are…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 56% | 4% | 13% | 8% | 19% | 11,697 |
| Philosophy/reason | 40% | 10% | 12% | 4% | 34% | 3,866 |
| Common sense | 46% | 9% | 13% | 6% | 26% | 15,129 |
| Science | 44% | 9% | 11% | 3% | 33% | 3,189 |
| Don't know | 49% | 4% | 13% | 11% | 23% | 1,010 |
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: Married, Living with a partner, Divorced/separated, Widowed, Never married
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by marital status
Parent of children under 18 by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who are…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 31% | 69% | 11,697 |
| Philosophy/reason | 25% | 75% | 3,873 |
| Common sense | 28% | 72% | 15,146 |
| Science | 29% | 71% | 3,199 |
| Don't know | 25% | 75% | 1,018 |
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: Parents, Non-parents
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by parental status
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who say they…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Believe in God; absolutely certain | Believe in God; fairly certain | Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | Believe in God; don't know | Do not believe in God | Other/don't know if they believe in God | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 89% | 9% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 42% | 26% | 10% | 1% | 17% | 4% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 54% | 25% | 7% | 1% | 11% | 3% | 15,190 |
| Science | 33% | 26% | 10% | 1% | 28% | 3% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 68% | 15% | 3% | 3% | 5% | 5% | 1,034 |
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: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by belief in God
Importance of religion in one's life by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who say religion is…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 88% | 10% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 31% | 31% | 18% | 19% | 1% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 38% | 33% | 15% | 13% | 1% | 15,190 |
| Science | 26% | 28% | 18% | 28% | 1% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 60% | 19% | 6% | 8% | 6% | 1,034 |
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by importance of religion
Attendance at religious services by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who attend religious services…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 66% | 24% | 10% | 1% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 19% | 38% | 43% | < 1% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 21% | 39% | 39% | < 1% | 15,190 |
| Science | 16% | 35% | 49% | 1% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 39% | 31% | 26% | 4% | 1,034 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month/a few times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by religious attendance
Frequency of prayer by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who pray…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 83% | 11% | 2% | 3% | 1% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 37% | 19% | 8% | 36% | 1% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 43% | 18% | 8% | 30% | 1% | 15,190 |
| Science | 29% | 16% | 7% | 48% | 1% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 61% | 13% | 4% | 17% | 5% | 1,034 |
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: At least daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by frequency of prayer
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who attend prayer group…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 48% | 13% | 9% | 29% | 1% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 11% | 8% | 8% | 72% | < 1% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 13% | 7% | 8% | 72% | 1% | 15,190 |
| Science | 10% | 7% | 7% | 76% | < 1% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 26% | 9% | 8% | 53% | 5% | 1,034 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by attendance at prayer groups
Frequency of meditation by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who meditate…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 54% | 7% | 3% | 34% | 3% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 40% | 11% | 5% | 43% | 1% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 32% | 9% | 5% | 53% | 1% | 15,190 |
| Science | 30% | 10% | 5% | 54% | 1% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 48% | 7% | 3% | 35% | 7% | 1,034 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by frequency of meditation
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 79% | 10% | 5% | 5% | 1% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 51% | 19% | 11% | 19% | 1% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 48% | 17% | 12% | 21% | 1% | 15,190 |
| Science | 43% | 16% | 13% | 26% | 2% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 66% | 10% | 6% | 11% | 7% | 1,034 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 49% | 15% | 11% | 23% | 2% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 56% | 16% | 12% | 15% | 1% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 40% | 16% | 14% | 28% | 1% | 15,190 |
| Science | 47% | 16% | 14% | 22% | 1% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 51% | 11% | 11% | 19% | 8% | 1,034 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who say…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | Right or wrong depends on the situation | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 50% | 47% | 1% | 1% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 23% | 74% | 2% | 1% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 25% | 73% | 1% | 1% | 15,190 |
| Science | 21% | 77% | 1% | 1% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 29% | 57% | 7% | 7% | 1,034 |
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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation
Frequency of reading scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who read scripture…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 66% | 11% | 6% | 17% | 1% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 20% | 11% | 10% | 58% | 1% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 21% | 10% | 9% | 59% | 1% | 15,190 |
| Science | 13% | 8% | 9% | 69% | 1% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 38% | 11% | 8% | 38% | 4% | 1,034 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by frequency of reading scripture
Interpreting scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who say the holy scripture is…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Word of God; should be taken literally | Word of God; not everything taken literally | Word of God; other/don't know | Not the word of God | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 55% | 30% | 4% | 6% | 4% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 12% | 22% | 1% | 57% | 7% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 20% | 27% | 2% | 42% | 8% | 15,190 |
| Science | 16% | 17% | 1% | 61% | 6% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 22% | 23% | 11% | 23% | 20% | 1,034 |
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: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
Belief in Heaven by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who …in heaven
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 88% | 6% | 6% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 53% | 37% | 10% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 69% | 24% | 7% | 15,190 |
| Science | 49% | 44% | 7% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 67% | 16% | 17% | 1,034 |
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: Believe, Don't believe
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by belief in heaven
Belief in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who …in hell
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 79% | 14% | 7% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 38% | 54% | 8% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 52% | 40% | 9% | 15,190 |
| Science | 37% | 57% | 6% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 50% | 27% | 22% | 1,034 |
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: Believe, Don't believe
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by belief in hell
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who identify as…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 49% | 18% | 33% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 27% | 16% | 56% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 34% | 19% | 47% | 15,190 |
| Science | 23% | 18% | 59% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 30% | 32% | 38% | 1,034 |
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: Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.
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Political ideology by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who are…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 54% | 26% | 13% | 7% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 20% | 37% | 39% | 4% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 30% | 38% | 26% | 7% | 15,190 |
| Science | 22% | 34% | 40% | 4% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 32% | 30% | 22% | 16% | 1,034 |
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: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by political ideology
Views about size of government by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who would rather have…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 57% | 37% | 3% | 3% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 46% | 47% | 3% | 3% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 52% | 42% | 3% | 4% | 15,190 |
| Science | 39% | 55% | 3% | 3% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 41% | 31% | 10% | 17% | 1,034 |
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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by views about size of government
Views about government aid to the poor by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who say government aid to the poor…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 51% | 43% | 4% | 2% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 33% | 62% | 4% | 1% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 45% | 50% | 4% | 2% | 15,190 |
| Science | 34% | 62% | 3% | 2% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 31% | 43% | 14% | 12% | 1,034 |
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm
Views about abortion by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who say abortion should be…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 29% | 67% | 4% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 70% | 27% | 3% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 64% | 32% | 4% | 15,190 |
| Science | 71% | 26% | 3% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 45% | 37% | 18% | 1,034 |
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: Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by views about abortion
Views about homosexuality by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who say homosexuality…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 37% | 54% | 5% | 4% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 83% | 13% | 3% | 2% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 72% | 21% | 4% | 3% | 15,190 |
| Science | 81% | 15% | 2% | 2% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 51% | 27% | 10% | 13% | 1,034 |
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: Should be accepted, Should be discouraged
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by views about homosexuality
Views about same-sex marriage by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who …same-sex marriage
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 27% | 65% | 7% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 77% | 18% | 5% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 63% | 29% | 8% | 15,190 |
| Science | 75% | 20% | 5% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 43% | 35% | 21% | 1,034 |
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: Strongly favor/favor, Oppose/strongly oppose
Switch Display To: sources of guidance on right and wrong by views about same-sex marriage
Views about environmental regulation by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who say…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy | Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 46% | 48% | 3% | 4% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 25% | 70% | 2% | 2% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 37% | 58% | 2% | 3% | 15,190 |
| Science | 26% | 70% | 2% | 2% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 29% | 50% | 8% | 13% | 1,034 |
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: Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Views about human evolution by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who say humans…
| Sources of guidance on right and wrong | Evolved; due to natural processes | Evolved; due to God's design | Evolved; don't know how | Always existed in present form | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 10% | 27% | 2% | 56% | 5% | 11,754 |
| Philosophy/reason | 53% | 24% | 5% | 16% | 2% | 3,881 |
| Common sense | 40% | 26% | 4% | 26% | 4% | 15,190 |
| Science | 62% | 16% | 3% | 17% | 2% | 3,212 |
| Don't know | 20% | 22% | 16% | 23% | 20% | 1,034 |
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: Evolved; due to natural processes, Evolved; due to God's design, Always existed in present form
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