Age distribution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who are ages…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
27%
35%
22%
16%
3,858
2007
22%
38%
26%
15%
3,394
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
17%
19%
26%
27%
10%
1%
3,858
2007
< 1%
16%
30%
35%
15%
4%
3,394
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
58%
42%
3,910
2007
62%
38%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who identify as…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
74%
5%
6%
12%
3%
3,859
2007
77%
5%
4%
11%
3%
3,400
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
14%
12%
74%
3,866
2007
14%
11%
76%
3,419
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who have a household income of…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
25%
20%
29%
26%
3,520
2007
24%
21%
31%
23%
2,960
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
33%
31%
22%
14%
3,894
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Marital status among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
43%
11%
12%
4%
29%
3,900
2007
52%
10%
11%
6%
22%
3,434
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
25%
75%
3,898
2007
32%
68%
3,444
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 God among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who say they…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
2014
19%
22%
13%
1%
40%
5%
3,910
2007
29%
27%
12%
1%
25%
6%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who say religion is…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
2014
11%
21%
27%
41%
1%
3,910
2007
16%
27%
25%
31%
1%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who attend religious services…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
6%
26%
67%
< 1%
3,910
2007
10%
28%
62%
< 1%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who pray…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
16%
9%
6%
68%
1%
3,910
2007
21%
12%
7%
58%
1%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who attend prayer group…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
4%
3%
3%
90%
< 1%
3,910
2007
5%
3%
3%
88%
< 1%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who meditate…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
28%
9%
6%
57%
1%
3,910
2007
29%
8%
5%
57%
1%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
37%
15%
11%
36%
1%
3,910
2007
35%
12%
12%
39%
3%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
44%
16%
15%
24%
1%
3,910
2007
40%
13%
15%
31%
2%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
19%
79%
1%
1%
3,910
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who read scripture…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
7%
4%
6%
82%
< 1%
3,910
2007
8%
5%
7%
79%
< 1%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
3%
7%
1%
84%
5%
3,910
2007
5%
10%
< 1%
76%
8%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who …in hell
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
5%
94%
1%
3,910
2007
6%
92%
2%
3,448
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.
Party affiliation among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who identify as…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
2014
26%
18%
56%
3,910
2007
24%
20%
56%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
18%
36%
41%
6%
3,910
2007
20%
39%
35%
5%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
51%
42%
4%
3%
3,910
2007
47%
43%
4%
6%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
37%
58%
3%
2%
3,910
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who say abortion should be…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
80%
17%
3%
3,910
2007
77%
18%
4%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who say homosexuality…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
85%
11%
2%
2%
3,910
2007
73%
20%
4%
3%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
81%
14%
5%
3,910
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who say…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
27%
70%
2%
2%
3,910
2007
23%
72%
3%
3%
3,448
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who do not believe in Heaven who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
2014
72%
10%
4%
12%
2%
3,910
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.