Religious composition of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201425%34%25%16%9,038
200722%41%24%14%10,252
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201415%16%27%30%10%1%9,038
2007< 1%16%32%35%14%3%10,252
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201453%47%9,183
200754%46%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201475%6%4%11%3%9,072
200780%6%3%8%3%10,347
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201411%11%78%9,091
20079%9%82%10,358
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201429%20%28%22%8,088
200726%22%32%20%8,758
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201441%32%17%10%9,149
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201446%10%12%5%27%9,158
200753%9%12%6%21%10,396
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201427%73%9,157
200734%66%10,429
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never 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
201439%30%10%1%16%4%9,183
200754%27%6%1%8%4%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201420%37%22%20%1%9,183
200726%40%19%14%1%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20149%36%55%< 1%9,183
200713%39%47%< 1%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201426%18%10%45%1%9,183
200731%22%10%36%1%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20143%2%4%91%< 1%9,183
20073%2%4%91%< 1%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201423%8%5%64%1%9,183
200721%7%4%67%1%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never 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
201437%17%13%30%1%9,183
200732%15%16%34%3%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never 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
201436%16%15%32%1%9,183
200729%13%16%39%2%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201423%75%1%1%9,183
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never 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
201411%23%1%57%8%9,183
200714%26%2%47%10%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201458%33%9%9,183
200765%25%11%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201441%49%9%9,183
200746%42%11%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201434%20%47%9,183
200731%19%50%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201425%38%29%7%9,183
200728%41%25%6%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201453%40%3%4%9,183
200744%46%4%6%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201446%49%4%2%9,183
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201471%25%4%9,183
200768%27%5%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201479%15%3%3%9,183
200767%24%5%4%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201471%21%7%9,183
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never 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
201434%61%2%3%9,183
200728%65%3%4%10,453
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture seldom/never 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
201450%22%5%19%3%9,183
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.