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
25%
73%
1%
< 1%
1,927
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who pray monthly by religious group
% of adults who pray monthly who say…
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Religious tradition
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
Catholic
25%
74%
1%
< 1%
485
Evangelical Protestant
30%
69%
1%
< 1%
242
Mainline Protestant
30%
69%
< 1%
1%
417
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
21%
78%
2%
< 1%
480
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.
Age distribution among adults who pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who are ages…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
19%
40%
27%
13%
499
Right or wrong depends on the situation
30%
36%
22%
12%
1,369
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
10%
17%
32%
33%
8%
< 1%
499
Right or wrong depends on the situation
20%
19%
26%
27%
7%
1%
1,369
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Men
Women
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
66%
34%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
56%
44%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who identify as…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
71%
9%
5%
12%
3%
503
Right or wrong depends on the situation
63%
9%
5%
18%
3%
1,374
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
17%
6%
77%
500
Right or wrong depends on the situation
16%
13%
71%
1,360
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who have a household income of…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
24%
18%
34%
24%
455
Right or wrong depends on the situation
33%
19%
24%
24%
1,236
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who have completed…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
41%
32%
18%
9%
505
Right or wrong depends on the situation
42%
31%
15%
12%
1,377
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
54%
11%
11%
3%
21%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
43%
11%
10%
4%
33%
1,380
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
32%
68%
507
Right or wrong depends on the situation
28%
72%
1,379
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 adults who pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who say they…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
46%
38%
11%
1%
4%
< 1%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
38%
42%
11%
1%
5%
3%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who say religion is…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
25%
54%
17%
4%
< 1%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
19%
53%
20%
7%
1%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who attend religious services…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
8%
58%
34%
< 1%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
9%
56%
35%
< 1%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who attend prayer group…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
4%
7%
10%
79%
< 1%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
4%
6%
9%
81%
< 1%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who meditate…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
19%
13%
8%
60%
1%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
18%
17%
8%
56%
1%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
37%
21%
18%
23%
1%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
32%
23%
19%
24%
2%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
35%
18%
19%
27%
1%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
34%
19%
19%
27%
1%
1,384
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
18%
12%
59%
10%
2%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
9%
15%
62%
12%
2%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who read scripture…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
5%
11%
16%
68%
< 1%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
5%
9%
13%
72%
< 1%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who say the holy scripture is…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
18%
33%
1%
39%
9%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
14%
28%
1%
50%
8%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who …in heaven
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
77%
17%
6%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
70%
22%
8%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who …in hell
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
61%
32%
8%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
49%
44%
7%
1,384
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 adults who pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who identify as…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
45%
20%
35%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
30%
19%
51%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who are…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
37%
37%
21%
5%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
21%
41%
32%
6%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who would rather have…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
65%
31%
1%
2%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
46%
48%
3%
4%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who say government aid to the poor…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
58%
37%
2%
2%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
41%
54%
3%
2%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who say abortion should be…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
57%
40%
3%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
67%
29%
3%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who say homosexuality…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
69%
25%
3%
2%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
78%
17%
2%
3%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who …same-sex marriage
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
54%
35%
10%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
71%
24%
6%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who say…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
48%
48%
2%
1%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
31%
66%
2%
2%
1,384
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 pray monthly by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of adults who pray monthly who say humans…
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Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
36%
30%
4%
26%
3%
508
Right or wrong depends on the situation
47%
25%
5%
21%
2%
1,384
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.