Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201420%77%1%1%10,023
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who are ages…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong25%41%23%11%1,971
Right or wrong depends on the situation36%36%19%10%7,629
Neither/both equally20%43%27%10%135
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong14%20%32%27%6%< 1%1,971
Right or wrong depends on the situation23%22%27%22%6%1%7,629
Neither/both equally13%22%28%29%7%< 1%135
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongMenWomenSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong61%39%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation55%45%7,765
Neither/both equally70%30%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong69%9%6%12%4%1,964
Right or wrong depends on the situation67%8%9%11%5%7,628
Neither/both equally59%8%8%15%9%131
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong16%11%73%1,979
Right or wrong depends on the situation16%14%71%7,635
Neither/both equally16%12%72%141
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who have a household income of…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong32%18%28%22%1,780
Right or wrong depends on the situation32%20%26%23%6,921
Neither/both equally44%19%20%17%112
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who have completed…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong40%32%16%12%2,008
Right or wrong depends on the situation34%31%20%15%7,727
Neither/both equally33%39%12%17%143
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong45%10%11%3%30%1,998
Right or wrong depends on the situation38%11%11%3%37%7,722
Neither/both equally35%11%11%2%42%141
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong30%70%2,007
Right or wrong depends on the situation26%74%7,742
Neither/both equally19%81%141
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who say they…

Belief in absolute standards for 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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong38%24%10%1%23%4%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation28%22%12%1%31%6%7,765
Neither/both equally39%20%10%3%16%12%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who say religion is…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong24%26%21%28%1%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation16%24%25%35%1%7,765
Neither/both equally41%17%20%20%2%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who attend religious services…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong11%28%60%1%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation7%28%65%< 1%7,765
Neither/both equally11%26%61%2%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who pray…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong31%13%8%48%1%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation22%11%7%59%1%7,765
Neither/both equally36%10%8%40%6%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who attend prayer group…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong10%5%6%78%1%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation6%4%5%84%< 1%7,765
Neither/both equally11%6%8%73%2%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who meditate…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong30%8%4%56%2%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation29%10%5%54%1%7,765
Neither/both equally39%7%3%48%3%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong45%15%10%28%2%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation41%16%11%30%2%7,765
Neither/both equally49%10%9%25%7%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong44%15%13%27%1%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation48%16%12%22%1%7,765
Neither/both equally55%7%15%20%3%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong14%16%53%14%3%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation7%18%55%17%2%7,765
Neither/both equally13%23%44%5%16%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who read scripture…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong16%8%7%68%1%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation10%6%7%76%1%7,765
Neither/both equally24%7%3%62%4%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in absolute standards for 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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong15%16%1%59%8%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation9%11%1%72%8%7,765
Neither/both equally16%10%4%52%19%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who …in heaven

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong45%44%11%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation37%53%9%7,765
Neither/both equally42%40%18%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who …in hell

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong34%57%9%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation26%66%8%7,765
Neither/both equally35%46%19%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong32%24%45%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation20%21%58%7,765
Neither/both equally16%40%45%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong27%36%28%9%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation15%35%43%7%7,765
Neither/both equally21%31%22%26%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who would rather have…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong55%40%3%2%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation42%50%3%4%7,765
Neither/both equally50%19%15%16%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong46%49%4%2%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation32%63%4%2%7,765
Neither/both equally29%49%19%4%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who say abortion should be…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong66%30%4%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation76%21%4%7,765
Neither/both equally60%26%14%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who say homosexuality…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong74%19%3%3%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation83%12%2%2%7,765
Neither/both equally71%11%11%7%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who …same-sex marriage

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong68%24%8%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation79%15%5%7,765
Neither/both equally61%17%22%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who say…

Belief in absolute standards for 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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong34%61%2%2%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation24%71%2%2%7,765
Neither/both equally24%57%8%10%145
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 Non-Christians by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Non-Christians who say humans…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong54%18%4%21%3%2,018
Right or wrong depends on the situation64%15%5%14%3%7,765
Neither/both equally37%15%18%19%11%145
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.