Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201413%14%61%10%2%8,311
20079%12%70%7%3%9,092
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 say religion is somewhat important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic15%12%61%12%1%2,225
Evangelical Protestant23%11%59%6%2%1,382
Historically Black Protestant15%9%66%9%1%228
Jewish7%19%56%15%3%313
Mainline Protestant11%13%66%9%2%1,990
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")8%16%62%11%2%1,498
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion21%33%30%16%1,036
Philosophy/reason34%36%21%9%1,185
Common sense24%35%26%15%4,946
Science28%40%23%10%827
Don't know18%27%30%25%180
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion14%11%28%37%9%1%1,036
Philosophy/reason22%20%28%24%6%< 1%1,185
Common sense15%16%28%31%9%1%4,946
Science18%16%33%26%6%< 1%827
Don't know9%16%21%34%20%< 1%180
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion49%51%1,053
Philosophy/reason55%45%1,202
Common sense50%50%5,028
Science55%45%839
Don't know58%42%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion64%8%3%20%5%1,038
Philosophy/reason68%6%7%15%3%1,187
Common sense72%8%4%12%4%4,971
Science58%6%8%25%3%831
Don't know68%5%6%15%7%181
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion16%9%75%1,034
Philosophy/reason16%16%68%1,190
Common sense11%11%78%4,967
Science27%12%60%828
Don't know18%3%79%185
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Religion39%21%23%17%940
Philosophy/reason29%18%28%25%1,092
Common sense32%21%28%20%4,461
Science36%20%24%21%744
Don't know40%23%23%14%142
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion50%30%14%7%1,046
Philosophy/reason27%34%23%16%1,198
Common sense42%32%16%9%5,007
Science40%25%19%16%831
Don't know43%33%14%11%188
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion46%9%15%5%25%1,049
Philosophy/reason41%10%12%3%34%1,199
Common sense46%10%12%5%25%5,011
Science43%10%12%3%32%836
Don't know37%8%11%14%31%185
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion28%72%1,046
Philosophy/reason29%71%1,197
Common sense30%70%5,019
Science31%69%835
Don't know21%79%187
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Religion70%26%2%1%1%1%1,053
Philosophy/reason42%39%11%1%5%2%1,202
Common sense51%38%6%1%3%2%5,028
Science39%41%12%< 1%6%2%839
Don't know46%33%8%8%2%4%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Religion21%53%25%1%1,053
Philosophy/reason13%58%28%1%1,202
Common sense12%55%33%< 1%5,028
Science12%53%35%< 1%839
Don't know15%44%38%3%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion52%28%9%11%< 1%1,053
Philosophy/reason32%29%15%23%1%1,202
Common sense36%28%13%22%1%5,028
Science29%30%13%28%< 1%839
Don't know42%21%9%25%3%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Religion13%11%9%66%< 1%1,053
Philosophy/reason6%9%9%75%< 1%1,202
Common sense6%7%9%78%< 1%5,028
Science6%8%11%75%< 1%839
Don't know4%8%10%76%2%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion31%11%6%52%1%1,053
Philosophy/reason35%13%6%45%1%1,202
Common sense25%9%6%60%1%5,028
Science27%10%7%55%1%839
Don't know36%14%7%36%7%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Religion50%21%13%14%1%1,053
Philosophy/reason48%21%12%18%1%1,202
Common sense39%23%16%21%1%5,028
Science41%18%17%22%2%839
Don't know50%15%10%18%6%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Religion35%17%15%31%1%1,053
Philosophy/reason53%17%14%16%1%1,202
Common sense36%17%16%30%1%5,028
Science43%17%16%23%< 1%839
Don't know44%12%13%25%7%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Religion38%61%< 1%1%1,053
Philosophy/reason25%72%2%1%1,202
Common sense25%73%1%1%5,028
Science20%78%1%< 1%839
Don't know19%66%7%8%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Religion27%14%12%47%1%1,053
Philosophy/reason13%14%14%59%< 1%1,202
Common sense11%11%13%65%1%5,028
Science9%9%14%67%< 1%839
Don't know10%11%16%61%2%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Religion32%41%3%19%6%1,053
Philosophy/reason7%26%1%55%11%1,202
Common sense14%35%1%41%9%5,028
Science13%26%1%52%8%839
Don't know12%26%8%31%22%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion86%8%5%1,053
Philosophy/reason64%25%11%1,202
Common sense77%15%8%5,028
Science66%27%7%839
Don't know65%16%19%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion73%21%6%1,053
Philosophy/reason44%47%9%1,202
Common sense56%35%9%5,028
Science50%44%6%839
Don't know44%26%30%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion42%20%38%1,053
Philosophy/reason31%15%54%1,202
Common sense37%19%44%5,028
Science28%18%54%839
Don't know30%31%39%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion40%32%21%7%1,053
Philosophy/reason22%40%35%3%1,202
Common sense29%42%24%6%5,028
Science25%36%36%3%839
Don't know27%31%26%16%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion52%44%2%2%1,053
Philosophy/reason49%45%3%3%1,202
Common sense55%39%3%3%5,028
Science41%53%2%3%839
Don't know43%32%9%15%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Religion50%45%3%2%1,053
Philosophy/reason33%62%4%1%1,202
Common sense48%47%3%1%5,028
Science38%58%2%1%839
Don't know27%47%15%11%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion50%46%4%1,053
Philosophy/reason70%27%3%1,202
Common sense67%29%4%5,028
Science66%31%3%839
Don't know57%29%14%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion60%31%5%4%1,053
Philosophy/reason84%11%4%2%1,202
Common sense76%18%3%3%5,028
Science80%16%2%2%839
Don't know61%17%11%11%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion49%42%9%1,053
Philosophy/reason78%16%6%1,202
Common sense67%25%8%5,028
Science72%23%5%839
Don't know53%26%20%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Religion43%50%2%5%1,053
Philosophy/reason26%70%2%2%1,202
Common sense38%58%2%2%5,028
Science31%66%2%1%839
Don't know31%49%7%13%189
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 say religion is somewhat important by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Religion20%31%4%42%4%1,053
Philosophy/reason49%30%5%13%2%1,202
Common sense38%30%5%23%3%5,028
Science55%22%3%19%1%839
Don't know30%17%21%16%17%189
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.