Age distribution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are ages…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
24%
35%
26%
15%
4,946
2007
23%
42%
23%
12%
6,192
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
15%
16%
28%
31%
9%
1%
4,946
2007
< 1%
17%
33%
34%
13%
3%
6,192
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
50%
50%
5,028
2007
51%
49%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
72%
8%
4%
12%
4%
4,971
2007
79%
6%
2%
9%
3%
6,262
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
11%
11%
78%
4,967
2007
8%
9%
82%
6,257
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
32%
21%
28%
20%
4,461
2007
26%
23%
32%
19%
5,357
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
42%
32%
16%
9%
5,007
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
46%
10%
12%
5%
25%
5,011
2007
53%
8%
12%
6%
21%
6,294
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
30%
70%
5,019
2007
37%
63%
6,299
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
51%
38%
6%
1%
3%
2%
5,028
2007
61%
32%
3%
1%
1%
2%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
12%
55%
33%
< 1%
5,028
2007
14%
55%
30%
< 1%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who pray…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
36%
28%
13%
22%
1%
5,028
2007
37%
30%
11%
20%
1%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
6%
7%
9%
78%
< 1%
5,028
2007
6%
6%
7%
81%
1%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
25%
9%
6%
60%
1%
5,028
2007
24%
8%
4%
63%
1%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
39%
23%
16%
21%
1%
5,028
2007
31%
19%
20%
27%
3%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
36%
17%
16%
30%
1%
5,028
2007
29%
15%
19%
34%
2%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
25%
73%
1%
1%
5,028
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
11%
11%
13%
65%
1%
5,028
2007
11%
10%
11%
67%
1%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
14%
35%
1%
41%
9%
5,028
2007
16%
35%
2%
36%
11%
6,320
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who …in heaven
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
77%
15%
8%
5,028
2007
76%
14%
10%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who …in hell
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
56%
35%
9%
5,028
2007
54%
34%
11%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
2014
37%
19%
44%
5,028
2007
33%
17%
49%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
29%
42%
24%
6%
5,028
2007
29%
44%
22%
5%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
55%
39%
3%
3%
5,028
2007
44%
47%
4%
5%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
48%
47%
3%
1%
5,028
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
67%
29%
4%
5,028
2007
66%
29%
5%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who say homosexuality…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
76%
18%
3%
3%
5,028
2007
64%
27%
5%
4%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
67%
25%
8%
5,028
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
38%
58%
2%
2%
5,028
2007
29%
64%
3%
4%
6,320
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 say religion is somewhat important
% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
38%
30%
5%
23%
3%
5,028
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.