Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201443%8%41%6%2%25,048
200736%7%49%4%4%28,279
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion15%33%30%22%10,730
Philosophy/reason27%33%25%15%1,955
Common sense18%32%29%21%9,740
Science21%39%24%16%1,417
Don't know12%30%28%29%678
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion9%11%28%36%15%1%10,730
Philosophy/reason17%15%28%29%10%1%1,955
Common sense11%12%27%35%13%1%9,740
Science14%14%32%29%10%1%1,417
Don't know7%9%26%34%21%2%678
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion41%59%10,976
Philosophy/reason50%50%1,989
Common sense48%52%9,923
Science51%49%1,441
Don't know51%49%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion65%14%2%15%4%10,851
Philosophy/reason66%10%2%18%4%1,969
Common sense68%12%2%14%3%9,807
Science54%9%2%32%3%1,428
Don't know68%10%1%16%5%682
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion14%7%79%10,856
Philosophy/reason16%12%72%1,963
Common sense12%10%78%9,805
Science30%12%58%1,423
Don't know16%8%76%702
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians 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
Religion36%21%28%15%9,427
Philosophy/reason34%18%26%23%1,775
Common sense35%21%26%18%8,618
Science37%20%24%19%1,268
Don't know33%24%25%18%528
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion43%33%15%9%10,914
Philosophy/reason33%31%21%15%1,981
Common sense46%32%14%8%9,863
Science43%24%18%14%1,429
Don't know38%31%19%13%711
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion57%4%13%8%18%10,929
Philosophy/reason45%9%13%6%28%1,983
Common sense49%8%14%8%21%9,888
Science45%9%14%5%27%1,434
Don't know53%3%13%13%18%704
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion30%70%10,927
Philosophy/reason30%70%1,986
Common sense29%71%9,897
Science33%67%1,433
Don't know24%76%708
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians 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
Religion90%8%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%10,976
Philosophy/reason61%29%6%1%1%2%1,989
Common sense68%25%4%1%1%1%9,923
Science52%34%8%1%4%1%1,441
Don't know78%15%1%3%< 1%2%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion90%9%1%< 1%< 1%10,976
Philosophy/reason47%38%10%3%1%1,989
Common sense51%37%9%2%< 1%9,923
Science46%38%11%5%< 1%1,441
Don't know73%16%4%2%5%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians 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
Religion68%23%8%< 1%10,976
Philosophy/reason31%47%22%1%1,989
Common sense30%45%24%< 1%9,923
Science29%47%24%1%1,441
Don't know50%32%14%4%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion85%10%2%2%1%10,976
Philosophy/reason52%25%8%14%< 1%1,989
Common sense56%22%8%14%1%9,923
Science45%25%8%21%< 1%1,441
Don't know71%15%3%6%4%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians 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
Religion49%13%9%28%1%10,976
Philosophy/reason17%12%11%60%< 1%1,989
Common sense17%9%9%63%1%9,923
Science18%11%9%62%< 1%1,441
Don't know31%12%9%44%4%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion55%7%3%33%2%10,976
Philosophy/reason44%10%5%40%1%1,989
Common sense35%8%4%51%1%9,923
Science37%11%5%46%1%1,441
Don't know49%7%3%33%7%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians 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
Religion80%10%5%4%1%10,976
Philosophy/reason55%20%11%14%1%1,989
Common sense54%18%12%15%1%9,923
Science51%16%14%18%1%1,441
Don't know71%10%5%8%6%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians 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
Religion49%16%11%22%2%10,976
Philosophy/reason51%16%13%19%1%1,989
Common sense38%17%15%29%1%9,923
Science45%16%16%22%1%1,441
Don't know51%11%12%19%7%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians 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
Religion52%46%1%1%10,976
Philosophy/reason28%70%1%1%1,989
Common sense28%70%1%1%9,923
Science25%72%1%2%1,441
Don't know31%56%6%7%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians 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
Religion67%11%6%15%1%10,976
Philosophy/reason29%15%12%43%< 1%1,989
Common sense27%12%11%49%1%9,923
Science23%13%12%52%1%1,441
Don't know46%13%9%27%5%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians 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
Religion56%31%4%5%4%10,976
Philosophy/reason20%35%1%35%8%1,989
Common sense27%35%3%27%8%9,923
Science27%28%2%36%7%1,441
Don't know28%27%12%14%19%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion89%5%6%10,976
Philosophy/reason78%14%8%1,989
Common sense85%9%6%9,923
Science76%19%5%1,441
Don't know77%8%15%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion80%13%7%10,976
Philosophy/reason58%35%8%1,989
Common sense65%27%9%9,923
Science58%36%6%1,441
Don't know58%20%22%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion51%17%33%10,976
Philosophy/reason37%14%48%1,989
Common sense39%17%44%9,923
Science31%16%53%1,441
Don't know36%28%36%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion56%26%12%6%10,976
Philosophy/reason29%38%29%3%1,989
Common sense35%38%21%6%9,923
Science31%35%29%4%1,441
Don't know39%31%17%13%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion59%35%3%3%10,976
Philosophy/reason51%44%3%2%1,989
Common sense53%41%3%4%9,923
Science39%57%2%2%1,441
Don't know45%31%10%15%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians 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
Religion52%42%4%2%10,976
Philosophy/reason40%55%4%1%1,989
Common sense48%47%3%2%9,923
Science41%54%3%2%1,441
Don't know37%37%15%11%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion28%68%4%10,976
Philosophy/reason60%37%3%1,989
Common sense58%38%4%9,923
Science60%36%4%1,441
Don't know38%45%17%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion36%55%5%4%10,976
Philosophy/reason75%19%4%2%1,989
Common sense66%26%4%4%9,923
Science74%21%2%2%1,441
Don't know42%34%11%13%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion26%66%7%10,976
Philosophy/reason66%28%6%1,989
Common sense56%35%9%9,923
Science63%30%7%1,441
Don't know35%45%19%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians 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
Religion47%47%3%4%10,976
Philosophy/reason32%64%2%2%1,989
Common sense41%54%2%3%9,923
Science34%62%1%3%1,441
Don't know34%46%8%13%719
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 Christians by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Christians 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
Religion9%26%2%58%5%10,976
Philosophy/reason36%33%4%24%3%1,989
Common sense28%32%4%32%5%9,923
Science45%25%3%24%3%1,441
Don't know10%24%15%28%22%719
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.