Just over half of U.S. adults view religious teachings and beliefs as important for moral decisions | Pew Research Center

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February 8, 2025

21. Religion and views of right and wrong

Just over half of U.S. adults view religious teachings and beliefs as important for moral decisions

Just over half of U.S. adults view religious teachings and beliefs as important for moral decisions

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Just over half of U.S. adults view religious teachings and beliefs as important for moral decisions

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21. Religion and views of right and wrong
3 in 10 Americans say it is necessary to believe in God to be moral
Just over half of U.S. adults view religious teachings and beliefs as important for moral decisions
Religiously affiliated Americans are almost evenly split on whether morality depends on the situation or if there are absolute standards
Majority of adults in the historically Black Protestant tradition say believing in God is necessary to be moral
Practical experience and common sense are top factors for deciding between right and wrong