Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201429%69%1%1%2,894
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

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who read scripture several times a year by religious group

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say…

Religious traditionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic31%66%2%1%755
Evangelical Protestant36%62%1%1%561
Historically Black Protestant29%71%< 1%< 1%148
Mainline Protestant29%69%1%1%703
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")18%82%1%< 1%442
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong12%39%31%17%886
Right or wrong depends on the situation26%36%24%14%1,907
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong7%12%32%36%11%1%886
Right or wrong depends on the situation17%15%29%28%10%1%1,907
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongMenWomenSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong55%45%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation49%51%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong72%9%3%12%3%885
Right or wrong depends on the situation62%11%6%17%4%1,915
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong12%9%79%887
Right or wrong depends on the situation17%11%72%1,911
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong25%21%30%23%800
Right or wrong depends on the situation34%19%28%19%1,740
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong37%33%19%11%896
Right or wrong depends on the situation39%32%16%13%1,927
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong58%6%13%5%19%895
Right or wrong depends on the situation45%8%12%6%28%1,938
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong32%68%898
Right or wrong depends on the situation29%71%1,936
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong75%18%2%< 1%3%1%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation60%26%5%1%6%2%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong58%34%4%4%1%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation45%40%9%5%1%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong27%54%18%< 1%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation20%56%23%< 1%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong55%25%10%8%2%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation46%27%10%17%1%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong9%7%26%57%1%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation7%9%24%59%< 1%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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%14%11%44%1%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation30%12%12%44%2%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong57%18%17%8%1%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation50%20%17%12%1%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong40%18%20%21%1%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation44%16%19%20%1%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong36%10%44%8%2%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation19%14%55%11%2%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong27%40%2%23%9%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation22%34%2%35%7%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong85%11%4%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation74%20%7%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong72%22%7%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation57%35%8%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong48%14%38%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation31%18%52%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong48%32%16%4%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation27%40%28%5%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong64%33%2%2%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation47%47%3%3%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong57%39%3%2%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation39%57%3%1%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong50%46%4%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation62%33%5%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong58%34%4%4%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation73%21%4%3%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong45%46%9%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation65%28%8%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong47%49%2%1%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation32%63%2%2%1,942
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 read scripture several times a year by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults who read scripture several times a year 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 wrong21%36%4%36%4%900
Right or wrong depends on the situation37%30%5%25%3%1,942
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.