Religious composition of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

DemographicInformation

Generational cohort among who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
2014< 1%< 1%< 1%30%64%6%830
2007< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%74%26%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201452%48%830
200750%50%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201486%4%2%7%2%826
200786%5%1%5%3%592
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201412%12%76%826
20078%20%72%595
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201431%19%26%24%708
200730%26%27%17%477
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201430%20%24%26%830
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201454%3%14%23%6%829
200751%2%12%29%5%601
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
20142%98%830
20072%98%601
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201446%25%7%1%16%4%830
200753%21%7%1%11%6%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201442%24%13%19%2%830
200747%25%11%16%1%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201430%25%43%1%830
200734%28%37%1%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201446%16%5%33%1%830
200748%12%6%31%2%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201417%6%7%69%1%830
200713%9%6%70%2%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201447%11%5%35%2%830
200751%9%6%30%3%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201455%13%9%20%3%830
200752%13%10%18%7%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201452%11%13%21%2%830
200753%13%10%19%4%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201426%70%1%2%830
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201427%8%7%57%1%830
200725%10%10%52%3%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord 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
201416%23%2%54%6%830
200715%22%2%48%13%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201452%36%12%830
200747%39%13%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201436%55%8%830
200728%58%13%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201431%9%59%830
200730%14%56%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201430%30%37%2%830
200728%39%29%5%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201448%42%5%5%830
200748%36%8%8%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201434%61%3%2%830
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201467%27%5%830
200765%27%8%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201473%22%3%2%830
200760%28%5%6%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201462%28%9%830
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201427%66%3%4%830
200722%68%5%5%602
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 who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of who say philosophy/reason is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201449%20%6%22%4%830
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.