Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who seldom or never read scripture
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
12%
14%
58%
14%
2%
16,085
2007
11%
12%
67%
8%
3%
15,857
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.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who seldom or never read scripture by religious group
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Buddhist
4%
25%
45%
21%
4%
147
Catholic
19%
10%
57%
12%
2%
3,807
Evangelical Protestant
27%
8%
57%
6%
1%
1,462
Hindu
2%
20%
49%
27%
2%
120
Historically Black Protestant
29%
5%
57%
7%
2%
308
Jewish
6%
17%
57%
17%
3%
580
Mainline Protestant
14%
12%
64%
8%
2%
2,641
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
4%
17%
59%
18%
2%
6,116
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.
Age distribution among adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Religion
16%
31%
30%
23%
1,871
Philosophy/reason
33%
33%
22%
12%
2,307
Common sense
25%
34%
25%
16%
9,038
Science
32%
36%
20%
12%
2,226
Don't know
19%
28%
30%
23%
378
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Religion
10%
12%
24%
37%
14%
2%
1,871
Philosophy/reason
23%
19%
25%
25%
7%
1%
2,307
Common sense
15%
16%
27%
30%
10%
1%
9,038
Science
21%
19%
28%
24%
7%
1%
2,226
Don't know
9%
15%
23%
36%
15%
2%
378
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Men
Women
Sample size
Religion
46%
54%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
55%
45%
2,345
Common sense
53%
47%
9,183
Science
59%
41%
2,263
Don't know
54%
46%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Religion
66%
10%
3%
18%
3%
1,875
Philosophy/reason
73%
4%
6%
13%
3%
2,324
Common sense
75%
6%
4%
11%
3%
9,072
Science
67%
5%
8%
17%
4%
2,239
Don't know
72%
5%
4%
16%
3%
375
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Religion
17%
10%
73%
1,860
Philosophy/reason
14%
15%
71%
2,320
Common sense
11%
11%
78%
9,091
Science
22%
14%
65%
2,234
Don't know
15%
13%
72%
387
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
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
40%
20%
24%
15%
1,630
Philosophy/reason
26%
18%
27%
28%
2,100
Common sense
29%
20%
28%
22%
8,088
Science
28%
17%
27%
28%
2,022
Don't know
33%
23%
25%
19%
287
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Religion
53%
27%
12%
8%
1,880
Philosophy/reason
26%
32%
24%
18%
2,337
Common sense
41%
32%
17%
10%
9,149
Science
31%
26%
24%
19%
2,249
Don't know
36%
30%
20%
13%
389
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Religion
49%
7%
14%
8%
21%
1,889
Philosophy/reason
40%
11%
12%
3%
34%
2,337
Common sense
46%
10%
12%
5%
27%
9,158
Science
43%
10%
10%
3%
34%
2,250
Don't know
43%
6%
12%
10%
29%
389
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Religion
28%
72%
1,887
Philosophy/reason
23%
77%
2,339
Common sense
27%
73%
9,157
Science
29%
71%
2,257
Don't know
23%
77%
395
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 God among adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
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
76%
18%
3%
1%
2%
< 1%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
28%
28%
13%
1%
25%
5%
2,345
Common sense
39%
30%
10%
1%
16%
4%
9,183
Science
22%
25%
12%
1%
37%
4%
2,263
Don't know
44%
26%
7%
5%
12%
7%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Religion
65%
28%
5%
2%
< 1%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
14%
31%
25%
28%
1%
2,345
Common sense
20%
37%
22%
20%
1%
9,183
Science
13%
27%
22%
38%
< 1%
2,263
Don't know
33%
31%
15%
17%
4%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
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
32%
40%
28%
< 1%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
7%
34%
58%
< 1%
2,345
Common sense
9%
36%
55%
< 1%
9,183
Science
6%
32%
63%
< 1%
2,263
Don't know
17%
32%
49%
2%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Religion
57%
22%
7%
14%
< 1%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
20%
17%
9%
53%
1%
2,345
Common sense
26%
18%
10%
45%
1%
9,183
Science
15%
13%
8%
64%
< 1%
2,263
Don't know
36%
14%
8%
39%
3%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
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
11%
6%
7%
75%
< 1%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
2%
3%
4%
91%
< 1%
2,345
Common sense
3%
2%
4%
91%
< 1%
9,183
Science
2%
2%
4%
92%
< 1%
2,263
Don't know
7%
2%
4%
86%
1%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
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
30%
6%
4%
59%
2%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
29%
12%
6%
53%
< 1%
2,345
Common sense
23%
8%
5%
64%
1%
9,183
Science
21%
9%
6%
63%
1%
2,263
Don't know
35%
8%
4%
49%
4%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
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
55%
15%
12%
17%
1%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
41%
20%
13%
25%
1%
2,345
Common sense
37%
17%
13%
30%
1%
9,183
Science
36%
16%
13%
33%
1%
2,263
Don't know
51%
12%
6%
24%
6%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
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
34%
13%
16%
36%
2%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
52%
18%
13%
17%
< 1%
2,345
Common sense
36%
16%
15%
32%
1%
9,183
Science
44%
16%
15%
24%
1%
2,263
Don't know
44%
10%
11%
29%
7%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say…
Chart
Table
Share
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
35%
63%
1%
1%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
20%
77%
2%
1%
2,345
Common sense
23%
75%
1%
1%
9,183
Science
19%
80%
1%
1%
2,263
Don't know
21%
65%
5%
9%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
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
37%
36%
3%
18%
7%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
6%
15%
1%
72%
7%
2,345
Common sense
11%
23%
1%
57%
8%
9,183
Science
8%
13%
< 1%
73%
6%
2,263
Don't know
12%
18%
6%
41%
24%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Religion
88%
7%
4%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
42%
48%
9%
2,345
Common sense
58%
33%
9%
9,183
Science
39%
55%
6%
2,263
Don't know
54%
28%
19%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Religion
71%
23%
7%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
29%
64%
8%
2,345
Common sense
41%
49%
9%
9,183
Science
27%
67%
6%
2,263
Don't know
36%
40%
24%
397
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.
Party affiliation among adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Religion
40%
19%
41%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
24%
16%
60%
2,345
Common sense
34%
20%
47%
9,183
Science
21%
18%
61%
2,263
Don't know
25%
32%
44%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Religion
41%
31%
20%
8%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
16%
37%
44%
4%
2,345
Common sense
25%
38%
29%
7%
9,183
Science
18%
33%
45%
4%
2,263
Don't know
21%
34%
25%
19%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Religion
50%
44%
3%
3%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
45%
48%
3%
3%
2,345
Common sense
53%
40%
3%
4%
9,183
Science
40%
55%
3%
2%
2,263
Don't know
35%
36%
9%
20%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
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
49%
45%
3%
2%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
31%
64%
4%
1%
2,345
Common sense
46%
49%
4%
2%
9,183
Science
32%
64%
3%
1%
2,263
Don't know
24%
50%
12%
14%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Religion
44%
52%
5%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
77%
20%
3%
2,345
Common sense
71%
25%
4%
9,183
Science
77%
20%
3%
2,263
Don't know
57%
26%
18%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Religion
59%
32%
5%
4%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
90%
6%
2%
1%
2,345
Common sense
79%
15%
3%
3%
9,183
Science
86%
10%
2%
2%
2,263
Don't know
68%
13%
8%
11%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Sources of guidance on right and wrong
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Religion
47%
45%
8%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
85%
12%
4%
2,345
Common sense
71%
21%
7%
9,183
Science
82%
14%
4%
2,263
Don't know
63%
16%
21%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say…
Chart
Table
Share
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
44%
51%
2%
3%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
22%
73%
2%
2%
2,345
Common sense
34%
61%
2%
3%
9,183
Science
24%
73%
1%
2%
2,263
Don't know
22%
57%
8%
13%
397
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 adults who seldom or never read scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
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
19%
34%
4%
39%
5%
1,897
Philosophy/reason
66%
18%
4%
10%
2%
2,345
Common sense
50%
22%
5%
19%
3%
9,183
Science
72%
12%
3%
11%
1%
2,263
Don't know
36%
19%
17%
9%
19%
397
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.