Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20143%16%63%16%2%2,969
20072%15%70%9%3%2,006
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: Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Philosophy/reason38%34%19%9%496
Common sense32%38%20%10%1,786
Science37%35%17%10%517
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Philosophy/reason27%20%26%23%5%< 1%496
Common sense20%22%29%24%5%< 1%1,786
Science25%19%29%20%7%< 1%517
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Philosophy/reason56%44%504
Common sense54%46%1,810
Science59%41%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Philosophy/reason69%5%9%13%4%501
Common sense75%7%4%10%4%1,783
Science65%5%11%15%5%515
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Philosophy/reason15%15%70%494
Common sense9%12%79%1,778
Science24%12%64%515
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason26%20%30%24%451
Common sense31%24%26%19%1,624
Science29%17%26%27%467
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Philosophy/reason30%32%21%16%502
Common sense40%35%15%9%1,806
Science29%28%24%19%521
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Philosophy/reason38%9%12%2%40%502
Common sense39%12%11%3%36%1,806
Science44%9%8%1%38%520
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Philosophy/reason19%81%504
Common sense26%74%1,801
Science26%74%522
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason17%22%19%1%33%7%504
Common sense19%27%15%1%31%7%1,810
Science13%19%14%< 1%46%7%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Philosophy/reason< 1%< 1%51%47%1%504
Common sense< 1%< 1%50%49%1%1,810
Science< 1%< 1%42%57%1%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason1%21%79%< 1%504
Common sense1%17%82%< 1%1,810
Science1%18%81%< 1%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Philosophy/reason13%9%8%69%< 1%504
Common sense10%9%7%73%1%1,810
Science8%6%5%79%1%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason3%1%2%94%< 1%504
Common sense1%1%2%96%< 1%1,810
Science2%1%3%94%< 1%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason28%12%6%52%1%504
Common sense20%10%4%65%1%1,810
Science21%8%5%65%1%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason42%20%10%27%1%504
Common sense33%14%12%39%2%1,810
Science36%16%11%36%2%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason52%19%13%16%< 1%504
Common sense38%15%14%32%< 1%1,810
Science45%17%11%27%< 1%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason18%79%2%1%504
Common sense19%79%1%1%1,810
Science20%79%< 1%1%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason6%4%5%84%< 1%504
Common sense4%3%4%90%< 1%1,810
Science2%2%5%91%1%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason3%9%< 1%83%6%504
Common sense4%8%< 1%80%8%1,810
Science2%5%< 1%85%7%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Philosophy/reason26%64%10%504
Common sense34%54%12%1,810
Science22%67%11%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Philosophy/reason15%76%9%504
Common sense23%66%10%1,810
Science16%76%7%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Philosophy/reason17%22%61%504
Common sense27%24%49%1,810
Science23%23%54%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Philosophy/reason11%36%48%5%504
Common sense20%37%33%10%1,810
Science15%33%45%7%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Philosophy/reason45%47%4%5%504
Common sense53%41%3%4%1,810
Science42%52%4%3%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason30%66%3%1%504
Common sense44%50%4%2%1,810
Science32%62%4%2%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Philosophy/reason78%19%3%504
Common sense76%21%3%1,810
Science79%15%6%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Philosophy/reason91%4%3%1%504
Common sense82%13%3%2%1,810
Science86%9%2%3%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Philosophy/reason90%7%3%504
Common sense79%15%6%1,810
Science82%12%6%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason20%76%2%1%504
Common sense31%65%2%2%1,810
Science18%78%2%2%524
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not 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
Philosophy/reason73%12%5%8%2%504
Common sense67%13%5%13%3%1,810
Science77%9%4%8%2%524
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.