Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201428%14%45%11%2%2,884
200726%11%53%6%3%2,613
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who meditate once or twice a month by religious group

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic27%11%49%12%2%613
Evangelical Protestant54%8%32%4%1%546
Historically Black Protestant43%4%43%9%2%162
Mainline Protestant29%11%50%8%3%574
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")6%26%51%15%2%703
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion21%34%29%16%775
Philosophy/reason36%36%17%11%425
Common sense25%35%23%17%1,284
Science28%42%20%10%292
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion14%14%28%34%10%1%775
Philosophy/reason24%21%27%21%7%< 1%425
Common sense15%17%27%28%11%1%1,284
Science20%19%31%23%6%1%292
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion41%59%786
Philosophy/reason60%40%429
Common sense46%54%1,308
Science51%49%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion58%17%4%17%4%783
Philosophy/reason67%6%8%14%5%426
Common sense66%10%4%15%4%1,290
Science58%8%6%26%3%291
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion19%5%75%778
Philosophy/reason15%16%69%420
Common sense13%12%75%1,292
Science27%13%60%290
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who have a household income of…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Religion37%20%25%18%702
Philosophy/reason27%20%30%23%398
Common sense35%18%27%19%1,164
Science37%14%25%24%276
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion44%33%14%9%782
Philosophy/reason26%34%22%18%429
Common sense38%34%18%10%1,304
Science36%23%21%19%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion50%5%13%6%26%786
Philosophy/reason39%9%10%2%40%429
Common sense43%10%14%6%26%1,304
Science43%9%12%4%32%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion29%71%783
Philosophy/reason21%79%429
Common sense28%72%1,305
Science31%69%294
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 adults who meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say they…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Religion83%14%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%786
Philosophy/reason35%30%12%< 1%17%6%429
Common sense48%31%8%1%9%2%1,308
Science34%33%10%< 1%19%3%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion82%15%1%1%< 1%786
Philosophy/reason21%36%23%19%1%429
Common sense37%35%18%10%1%1,308
Science34%28%15%23%< 1%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who attend religious services…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion60%31%9%< 1%786
Philosophy/reason16%40%43%< 1%429
Common sense20%46%34%< 1%1,308
Science19%40%40%< 1%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion77%17%3%3%< 1%786
Philosophy/reason23%20%14%42%1%429
Common sense36%23%14%27%1%1,308
Science29%23%11%37%< 1%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who attend prayer group…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion38%23%11%28%< 1%786
Philosophy/reason7%12%8%74%< 1%429
Common sense11%11%10%68%< 1%1,308
Science11%14%9%66%< 1%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion71%18%5%4%1%786
Philosophy/reason50%24%10%15%1%429
Common sense46%29%12%13%1%1,308
Science45%27%16%11%1%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion42%23%14%20%2%786
Philosophy/reason56%20%15%10%< 1%429
Common sense44%22%16%18%1%1,308
Science52%19%15%13%< 1%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion44%55%1%< 1%786
Philosophy/reason20%77%1%2%429
Common sense24%75%1%< 1%1,308
Science21%79%1%< 1%294
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 adults who meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who read scripture…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion54%22%8%15%< 1%786
Philosophy/reason12%17%12%59%< 1%429
Common sense15%16%15%54%< 1%1,308
Science13%13%11%63%< 1%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say the holy scripture is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Religion49%34%2%8%7%786
Philosophy/reason7%17%1%64%11%429
Common sense19%25%1%48%7%1,308
Science16%21%< 1%60%2%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion90%6%4%786
Philosophy/reason47%46%7%429
Common sense67%25%8%1,308
Science53%42%5%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion79%15%6%786
Philosophy/reason30%63%7%429
Common sense48%44%8%1,308
Science40%55%5%294
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 adults who meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion46%15%39%786
Philosophy/reason25%13%61%429
Common sense31%18%51%1,308
Science22%16%61%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion49%31%14%6%786
Philosophy/reason17%36%44%3%429
Common sense27%38%29%5%1,308
Science19%37%41%3%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion50%44%4%2%786
Philosophy/reason47%45%2%5%429
Common sense49%45%3%3%1,308
Science34%63%2%1%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say government aid to the poor…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion47%50%1%1%786
Philosophy/reason27%69%4%1%429
Common sense42%53%3%1%1,308
Science31%66%1%2%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion34%62%3%786
Philosophy/reason76%21%3%429
Common sense69%27%4%1,308
Science75%24%1%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion45%47%4%3%786
Philosophy/reason88%8%2%1%429
Common sense78%16%4%2%1,308
Science77%16%1%5%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion34%58%7%786
Philosophy/reason84%12%4%429
Common sense70%24%7%1,308
Science75%21%5%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion44%52%2%2%786
Philosophy/reason20%76%2%2%429
Common sense33%63%2%1%1,308
Science29%68%2%2%294
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 meditate once or twice a month by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say humans…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Religion14%30%4%49%3%786
Philosophy/reason56%26%5%10%2%429
Common sense43%27%4%24%2%1,308
Science61%18%4%15%3%294
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.