Religious denomination among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearAfrican Methodist Episcopal ChurchAfrican Methodist Episcopal Zion ChurchAmerican Baptist Churches USAAnglican ChurchApostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)Apostolic Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Assemblies of GodCalvary ChapelChristian and Missionary AllianceChristian Churches and Churches of ChristChristian Methodist Episcopal ChurchChristian Reformed ChurchChurch of God (Anderson, Indiana)Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)Church of God in ChristChurch of God of the Apostolic FaithChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsChurch of the NazareneChurches of ChristCommunity Church (Evangelical Trad.)Conservative Baptist Association of AmericaConservative Congregational Christian ConferenceDeistDisciples of ChristEclectic, a bit of everything, "I have my own beliefs"Episcopal ChurchEvangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)Foursquare ChurchFree Methodist ChurchFree Will BaptistGeneral Association of Regular Baptist ChurchesGreek OrthodoxHumanistIndependent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.)Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.)Lutheran Church-Missouri SynodMissionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)National Baptist ConventionNondenominational charismaticNondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)Nondenominational evangelicalNondenominational fundamentalistNondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)Nothing in particular (religion important)Nothing in particular (religion not important)Orthodox Church in AmericaOther Adventist (Evangelical Trad.)Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.)Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.)Other Congregationalist (Mainline Trad.)Other Episcopalian/Anglican (Mainline Trad.)Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.)Other in the "Unitarian and other liberal faiths" familyOther in the New Age familyOther Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.)Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.)Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.)Other Methodist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.)Other MormonOther Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.)Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.)Other Orthodox ChristianOther Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.)Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.)Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.)Other Reformed (Mainline Trad.)Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.)Other Restorationist (Mainline Trad.)Others in "Other Christian" TraditionPagan or WiccanPentecostal Church of GodPentecostal Holiness ChurchPresbyterian Church (USA)Presbyterian Church in AmericaProgressive Baptist ConventionReformed Church in AmericaRussian OrthodoxSeventh-day AdventistSouthern Baptist ConventionSpiritual but not religiousSpiritualistUnitarianUnited Church of ChristUnited Methodist ChurchUnited Pentecostal Church InternationalUnity ChurchWesleyan ChurchWisconsin Evangelical Lutheran SynodSample size
2014< 1%< 1%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%1%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%4%< 1%1%1%2%< 1%1%2%1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%15%21%< 1%< 1%1%3%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%1%1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%6%1%< 1%< 1%1%6%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%8,973
20071%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%3%1%1%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%3%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%13%14%< 1%< 1%1%3%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%1%1%< 1%1%< 1%1%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%2%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%9%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%9%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%10,888
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: American Baptist Churches USA, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Churches of Christ, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.), Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, National Baptist Convention, Nondenominational evangelical, Nothing in particular (religion important), Nothing in particular (religion not important), Presbyterian Church (USA), Southern Baptist Convention, United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Religious denomination18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
American Baptist Churches USA22%29%30%19%202
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints16%46%22%16%154
Churches of Christ24%31%28%18%160
Episcopal Church11%22%30%37%246
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)15%25%30%30%309
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)24%37%27%12%262
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod11%33%26%29%180
National Baptist Convention17%24%39%21%172
Nondenominational evangelical25%41%24%11%129
Nothing in particular (religion important)29%40%23%8%1,107
Nothing in particular (religion not important)32%38%20%10%1,786
Presbyterian Church (USA)8%25%24%43%160
Southern Baptist Convention17%25%30%28%536
United Church of Christ6%26%37%31%117
United Methodist Church8%31%28%34%735
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Religious denominationYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
American Baptist Churches USA16%14%21%38%9%1%202
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints8%21%33%29%7%2%154
Churches of Christ19%13%23%31%12%2%160
Episcopal Church8%10%15%40%26%1%246
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)13%5%22%37%19%4%309
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)15%15%31%31%7%< 1%262
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod8%7%29%32%22%2%180
National Baptist Convention13%4%24%47%12%1%172
Nondenominational evangelical19%11%35%28%6%< 1%129
Nothing in particular (religion important)17%19%33%26%5%< 1%1,107
Nothing in particular (religion not important)20%22%29%24%5%< 1%1,786
Presbyterian Church (USA)6%5%22%33%26%8%160
Southern Baptist Convention8%11%23%35%21%1%536
United Church of Christ3%6%22%46%17%6%117
United Methodist Church5%7%26%35%23%4%735
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Religious denominationMenWomenSample size
American Baptist Churches USA41%59%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints46%54%155
Churches of Christ42%58%161
Episcopal Church49%51%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)42%58%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)45%55%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod50%50%184
National Baptist Convention41%59%176
Nondenominational evangelical54%46%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)52%48%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)54%46%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)45%55%165
Southern Baptist Convention58%42%543
United Church of Christ40%60%119
United Methodist Church50%50%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Religious denominationWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
American Baptist Churches USA76%10%< 1%9%6%209
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints80%< 1%4%10%6%152
Churches of Christ61%17%2%15%5%160
Episcopal Church88%4%2%2%4%247
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)95%2%< 1%1%2%314
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)88%< 1%2%5%5%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod94%2%1%2%2%183
National Baptist Convention< 1%98%< 1%2%< 1%176
Nondenominational evangelical83%8%2%4%3%129
Nothing in particular (religion important)58%17%3%16%7%1,105
Nothing in particular (religion not important)75%7%4%10%4%1,783
Presbyterian Church (USA)89%8%< 1%2%< 1%164
Southern Baptist Convention83%6%< 1%3%7%537
United Church of Christ94%4%< 1%< 1%1%119
United Methodist Church93%1%1%1%3%741
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Religious denominationImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
American Baptist Churches USA5%4%91%205
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints9%11%80%153
Churches of Christ5%7%87%157
Episcopal Church6%9%85%248
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)3%9%88%316
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)4%5%90%259
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod2%7%91%183
National Baptist Convention2%2%96%170
Nondenominational evangelical7%8%85%129
Nothing in particular (religion important)12%10%78%1,107
Nothing in particular (religion not important)9%12%79%1,778
Presbyterian Church (USA)9%3%88%164
Southern Baptist Convention2%2%97%534
United Church of Christ6%5%89%118
United Methodist Church4%4%92%742
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…

Religious denominationLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
American Baptist Churches USA51%16%23%10%180
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints29%21%32%17%139
Churches of Christ46%18%22%13%142
Episcopal Church21%13%35%31%216
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)20%26%27%27%274
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)45%24%23%8%237
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod24%20%36%21%155
National Baptist Convention53%18%21%8%159
Nondenominational evangelical25%25%27%23%117
Nothing in particular (religion important)45%21%22%12%995
Nothing in particular (religion not important)31%24%26%19%1,624
Presbyterian Church (USA)29%15%25%32%140
Southern Baptist Convention40%20%25%14%486
United Church of Christ26%17%29%27%109
United Methodist Church22%20%33%25%652
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Religious denominationHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
American Baptist Churches USA66%25%7%2%209
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints35%36%23%7%155
Churches of Christ58%33%5%3%161
Episcopal Church23%29%28%21%246
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)36%32%20%13%313
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)52%37%8%2%264
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod42%39%12%7%182
National Baptist Convention61%25%10%4%176
Nondenominational evangelical34%34%21%10%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)54%30%11%5%1,125
Nothing in particular (religion not important)40%35%15%9%1,806
Presbyterian Church (USA)31%30%22%18%163
Southern Baptist Convention55%32%9%4%539
United Church of Christ39%18%22%21%119
United Methodist Church36%33%20%12%742
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Religious denominationMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
American Baptist Churches USA37%7%16%11%28%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints60%8%10%7%16%154
Churches of Christ47%7%14%11%21%161
Episcopal Church57%4%12%8%19%248
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)57%4%9%11%19%315
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)45%12%22%6%16%264
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod56%7%8%13%16%183
National Baptist Convention41%1%15%14%29%175
Nondenominational evangelical54%7%11%6%22%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)38%13%14%5%31%1,122
Nothing in particular (religion not important)39%12%11%3%36%1,806
Presbyterian Church (USA)64%1%12%13%11%165
Southern Baptist Convention49%5%18%10%18%543
United Church of Christ65%7%9%9%10%119
United Methodist Church60%6%13%11%9%742
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Religious denominationParentsNon-parentsSample size
American Baptist Churches USA29%71%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints43%57%155
Churches of Christ35%65%161
Episcopal Church19%81%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)24%76%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)34%66%264
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod21%79%184
National Baptist Convention25%75%174
Nondenominational evangelical36%64%130
Nothing in particular (religion important)32%68%1,126
Nothing in particular (religion not important)26%74%1,801
Presbyterian Church (USA)22%78%164
Southern Baptist Convention27%73%541
United Church of Christ24%76%119
United Methodist Church24%76%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they…

Religious denominationBelieve 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
American Baptist Churches USA79%18%2%1%< 1%< 1%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints75%19%4%< 1%< 1%1%155
Churches of Christ69%23%6%< 1%< 1%1%161
Episcopal Church57%27%7%4%4%1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)58%36%4%< 1%< 1%2%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)80%17%2%< 1%1%1%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod70%29%1%1%< 1%< 1%184
National Baptist Convention83%13%2%1%< 1%1%176
Nondenominational evangelical79%19%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)57%30%7%< 1%3%3%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)19%27%15%1%31%7%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)56%38%3%2%< 1%< 1%165
Southern Baptist Convention78%17%3%1%< 1%< 1%543
United Church of Christ65%30%3%1%< 1%2%119
United Methodist Church60%31%6%1%1%1%745
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Religious denominationVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA64%34%2%< 1%< 1%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints60%29%11%1%< 1%155
Churches of Christ53%41%3%2%< 1%161
Episcopal Church42%40%13%4%1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)48%42%8%2%< 1%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)51%41%6%1%< 1%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod50%43%4%2%< 1%184
National Baptist Convention82%15%3%1%< 1%176
Nondenominational evangelical66%29%3%2%< 1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)32%68%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)< 1%< 1%50%49%1%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)45%45%6%2%2%165
Southern Baptist Convention59%36%3%1%1%543
United Church of Christ58%29%12%1%1%119
United Methodist Church43%44%10%2%< 1%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA34%43%23%< 1%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints48%26%25%1%155
Churches of Christ30%48%22%< 1%161
Episcopal Church26%53%21%< 1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)28%52%20%< 1%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)22%54%23%< 1%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod31%46%23%< 1%184
National Baptist Convention46%47%7%< 1%176
Nondenominational evangelical48%39%13%< 1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)8%41%51%< 1%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)1%17%82%< 1%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)32%50%18%< 1%165
Southern Baptist Convention32%44%24%1%543
United Church of Christ32%48%20%< 1%119
United Methodist Church28%48%24%< 1%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Religious denominationAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA61%23%4%11%< 1%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints70%11%7%12%< 1%155
Churches of Christ62%22%6%10%1%161
Episcopal Church45%22%12%21%< 1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)50%28%8%14%1%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)61%21%4%12%2%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod47%32%12%9%< 1%184
National Baptist Convention76%14%4%5%1%176
Nondenominational evangelical65%21%5%9%< 1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)42%21%11%25%1%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)10%9%7%73%1%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)53%24%8%14%1%165
Southern Baptist Convention64%20%5%9%2%543
United Church of Christ48%28%11%13%1%119
United Methodist Church51%26%9%14%1%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA26%14%9%51%< 1%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints45%9%5%40%< 1%155
Churches of Christ26%10%12%52%< 1%161
Episcopal Church5%8%7%78%2%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)11%7%11%71%1%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)20%16%9%55%< 1%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod10%9%10%69%1%184
National Baptist Convention41%20%8%31%< 1%176
Nondenominational evangelical28%17%13%42%< 1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)8%6%7%78%< 1%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)1%1%2%96%< 1%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)15%11%9%65%< 1%165
Southern Baptist Convention23%11%13%53%< 1%543
United Church of Christ25%4%10%62%< 1%119
United Methodist Church14%7%10%69%< 1%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA39%9%3%48%1%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints47%12%2%39%< 1%155
Churches of Christ33%4%3%59%< 1%161
Episcopal Church38%12%4%45%1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)24%14%5%57%1%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)26%10%2%60%2%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod26%7%4%62%1%184
National Baptist Convention57%9%5%28%1%176
Nondenominational evangelical39%7%4%49%1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)31%8%4%56%1%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)20%10%4%65%1%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)37%8%4%51%< 1%165
Southern Baptist Convention35%6%3%54%2%543
United Church of Christ43%8%7%40%2%119
United Methodist Church33%9%5%52%1%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA59%18%10%12%< 1%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints62%15%7%14%2%155
Churches of Christ57%21%7%15%< 1%161
Episcopal Church47%25%11%14%2%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)51%22%15%12%< 1%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)53%15%17%13%2%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod50%23%8%17%1%184
National Baptist Convention71%11%7%9%2%176
Nondenominational evangelical64%17%11%8%< 1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)46%17%11%24%1%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)33%14%12%39%2%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)55%11%16%16%1%165
Southern Baptist Convention62%15%8%13%2%543
United Church of Christ59%19%14%6%2%119
United Methodist Church51%21%13%15%1%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA41%17%9%32%2%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints44%18%16%22%< 1%155
Churches of Christ40%13%10%37%1%161
Episcopal Church38%23%12%25%2%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)43%17%13%25%1%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)28%25%15%32%1%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod33%19%15%32%1%184
National Baptist Convention38%17%14%31%1%176
Nondenominational evangelical51%15%10%22%1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)43%17%11%29%1%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)38%15%14%32%< 1%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)39%18%18%25%< 1%165
Southern Baptist Convention33%17%14%34%1%543
United Church of Christ48%18%20%12%2%119
United Methodist Church34%15%20%29%1%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Religious denominationThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA29%69%2%1%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints37%62%< 1%< 1%155
Churches of Christ26%70%1%2%161
Episcopal Church28%69%3%< 1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)27%72%2%< 1%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)30%67%2%1%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod34%64%1%1%184
National Baptist Convention19%77%1%2%176
Nondenominational evangelical40%57%2%< 1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)26%71%1%1%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)19%79%1%1%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)31%67%2%< 1%165
Southern Baptist Convention34%63%1%1%543
United Church of Christ23%76%1%< 1%119
United Methodist Church30%69%1%1%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture…

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA37%14%10%38%1%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints49%10%10%31%< 1%155
Churches of Christ36%11%13%40%1%161
Episcopal Church15%12%12%61%< 1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)15%16%14%55%< 1%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)33%19%10%38%< 1%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod20%12%7%60%1%184
National Baptist Convention55%15%5%24%< 1%176
Nondenominational evangelical49%14%15%23%< 1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)17%12%8%62%1%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)4%3%4%90%< 1%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)25%14%12%48%< 1%165
Southern Baptist Convention41%13%10%35%1%543
United Church of Christ22%10%13%52%3%119
United Methodist Church25%12%13%50%1%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is…

Religious denominationWord 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
American Baptist Churches USA48%28%6%12%6%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints18%63%1%10%8%155
Churches of Christ35%36%3%19%7%161
Episcopal Church11%31%1%47%11%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)14%44%1%34%7%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)33%39%2%20%6%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod26%53%3%13%5%184
National Baptist Convention54%25%1%14%6%176
Nondenominational evangelical31%54%4%7%4%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)19%26%1%44%10%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)4%8%< 1%80%8%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)20%38%< 1%32%10%165
Southern Baptist Convention46%30%3%15%5%543
United Church of Christ11%32%< 1%44%12%119
United Methodist Church19%44%1%26%10%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Religious denominationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA92%4%5%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints91%3%6%155
Churches of Christ85%6%9%161
Episcopal Church76%17%7%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)84%9%7%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)94%5%2%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod92%6%2%184
National Baptist Convention95%4%1%176
Nondenominational evangelical87%9%4%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)74%18%8%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)34%54%12%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)81%12%7%165
Southern Baptist Convention90%4%7%543
United Church of Christ70%22%8%119
United Methodist Church83%9%8%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Religious denominationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA76%18%5%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints57%34%9%155
Churches of Christ77%12%10%161
Episcopal Church46%40%14%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)54%36%10%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)80%16%4%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod64%28%7%184
National Baptist Convention81%13%6%176
Nondenominational evangelical83%12%6%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)55%37%8%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)23%66%10%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)50%41%9%165
Southern Baptist Convention82%11%8%543
United Church of Christ42%46%11%119
United Methodist Church60%28%12%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Religious denominationRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
American Baptist Churches USA41%16%42%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints58%11%32%155
Churches of Christ39%17%43%161
Episcopal Church41%16%43%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)42%10%48%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)44%17%39%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod53%17%30%184
National Baptist Convention4%12%84%176
Nondenominational evangelical64%11%24%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)28%27%45%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)27%24%49%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)40%10%49%165
Southern Baptist Convention54%14%32%543
United Church of Christ31%10%59%119
United Methodist Church50%12%38%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Religious denominationConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA40%37%16%7%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints45%32%19%4%155
Churches of Christ36%40%11%13%161
Episcopal Church37%39%22%3%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)28%45%23%3%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)41%39%14%6%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod48%37%9%7%184
National Baptist Convention32%35%28%6%176
Nondenominational evangelical48%39%12%1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)27%38%27%9%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)20%37%33%10%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)39%38%22%1%165
Southern Baptist Convention49%29%15%6%543
United Church of Christ22%45%33%< 1%119
United Methodist Church37%44%17%3%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Religious denominationSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA42%53%1%4%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints70%24%3%2%155
Churches of Christ54%40%3%3%161
Episcopal Church64%29%3%4%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)63%30%4%2%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)58%37%3%1%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod68%29%< 1%2%184
National Baptist Convention19%78%2%1%176
Nondenominational evangelical76%23%< 1%1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)49%46%2%2%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)53%41%3%4%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)56%37%3%5%165
Southern Baptist Convention62%31%2%4%543
United Church of Christ51%41%4%4%119
United Methodist Church67%27%3%3%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Religious denominationDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA46%46%6%3%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints60%38%2%< 1%155
Churches of Christ48%48%2%2%161
Episcopal Church47%45%4%3%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)50%43%6%1%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)55%44%1%< 1%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod63%35%1%1%184
National Baptist Convention27%65%4%4%176
Nondenominational evangelical59%39%1%1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)45%50%3%2%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)44%50%4%2%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)35%60%1%4%165
Southern Baptist Convention58%37%4%2%543
United Church of Christ44%53%3%< 1%119
United Methodist Church54%42%3%1%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Religious denominationLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA60%39%1%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints47%50%3%155
Churches of Christ43%52%4%161
Episcopal Church81%16%3%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)70%28%1%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)47%49%4%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod55%42%4%184
National Baptist Convention67%28%5%176
Nondenominational evangelical37%61%2%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)59%35%5%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)76%21%3%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)77%20%3%165
Southern Baptist Convention47%48%5%543
United Church of Christ77%21%2%119
United Methodist Church64%31%5%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Religious denominationShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA62%32%4%3%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints52%42%5%1%155
Churches of Christ46%47%1%6%161
Episcopal Church81%13%5%2%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)76%20%2%2%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)58%35%1%5%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod64%31%4%2%184
National Baptist Convention67%26%6%1%176
Nondenominational evangelical59%36%1%4%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)75%17%4%4%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)82%13%3%2%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)64%29%3%4%165
Southern Baptist Convention46%45%6%3%543
United Church of Christ80%19%1%< 1%119
United Methodist Church67%27%4%3%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Religious denominationStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA51%42%7%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints43%49%8%155
Churches of Christ40%50%10%161
Episcopal Church71%20%9%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)69%26%5%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)46%46%8%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod48%40%12%184
National Baptist Convention47%42%11%176
Nondenominational evangelical48%45%7%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)64%27%9%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)79%15%6%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)61%36%3%165
Southern Baptist Convention35%56%9%543
United Church of Christ70%23%7%119
United Methodist Church55%36%8%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Religious denominationStricter 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
American Baptist Churches USA38%58%1%2%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints49%46%3%2%155
Churches of Christ47%46%3%4%161
Episcopal Church35%60%2%3%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)36%61%2%1%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)50%47%2%1%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod41%56%1%1%184
National Baptist Convention31%64%2%3%176
Nondenominational evangelical51%48%1%< 1%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)38%57%2%3%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)31%65%2%2%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)43%53%1%4%165
Southern Baptist Convention45%48%4%3%543
United Church of Christ35%59%3%3%119
United Methodist Church40%55%2%3%745
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious denomination

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say humans…

Religious denominationEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA28%31%2%35%3%210
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints20%34%4%38%5%155
Churches of Christ20%33%3%38%6%161
Episcopal Church46%31%5%13%4%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)25%42%3%26%4%317
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)25%32%2%38%3%265
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod23%40%3%31%2%184
National Baptist Convention17%32%2%44%5%176
Nondenominational evangelical11%32%2%49%7%131
Nothing in particular (religion important)34%27%6%30%3%1,127
Nothing in particular (religion not important)67%13%5%13%3%1,810
Presbyterian Church (USA)36%29%3%29%2%165
Southern Baptist Convention21%28%3%43%5%543
United Church of Christ45%23%4%24%4%119
United Methodist Church28%33%4%30%5%745
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.