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Religious Landscape Study

Religious Landscape Study

ReligionsGeographyTopics & QuestionsUser Guide

Religious composition of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

Christian 61%
Evangelical Protestant 19%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 6%
Southern Baptist Convention 3%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Missionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Baptist Association of America< 1%
Free Will Baptist< 1%
General Association of Regular Baptist Churches< 1%
Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Evangelical Trad.) 3%
Nondenominational evangelical 1%
Nondenominational fundamentalist< 1%
Nondenominational charismatic< 1%
Nondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Community Church (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Lutheran Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 1%
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod< 1%
Other Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Presbyterian Church in America< 1%
Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Evangelical Trad.) 3%
Assemblies of God 1%
Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)< 1%
Foursquare Church< 1%
Pentecostal Church of God< 1%
Pentecostal Holiness Church< 1%
Calvary Chapel< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Church of God of the Apostolic Faith< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Churches of Christ 1%
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Church of the Nazarene< 1%
Wesleyan Church< 1%
Free Methodist Church< 1%
Christian and Missionary Alliance< 1%
Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)< 1%
Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Christian Reformed Church< 1%
Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Adventist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Seventh-day Adventist< 1%
Other Adventist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pietist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other evangelical/fundamentalist family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Mainline Protestant 13%
Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
American Baptist Churches USA 1%
Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
United Methodist Church 2%
Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Lutheran Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 1%
Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Church (USA)< 1%
Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Episcopal Church 1%
Anglican Church< 1%
Other Episcopalian/Anglican (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Disciples of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
United Church of Christ< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Church in America< 1%
Other Reformed (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Friends Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
Historically Black Protestant 3%
Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 2%
National Baptist Convention 1%
Progressive Baptist Convention< 1%
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church< 1%
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
Other Methodist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Church of God in Christ< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
United Pentecostal Church International< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Catholic 23%
Mormon 1%
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1%
Other Mormon< 1%
Orthodox Christian 1%
Greek Orthodox< 1%
Russian Orthodox< 1%
Orthodox Church in America< 1%
Other Orthodox Christian< 1%
Jehovah's Witness 2%
Other Christian< 1%
Metaphysical Family< 1%
Spiritualist< 1%
Unity Church< 1%
Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.)< 1%
Others in the "Other Christian" Tradition< 1%
Non-Christian Faiths 7%
Jewish 1%
Muslim 1%
Buddhist 1%
Hindu 1%
Other World Religions 1%
Other Faiths 3%
Unitarians and other liberal faiths in the "Other Faiths" Tradition 2%
Unitarian< 1%
Humanist< 1%
Deist< 1%
Spiritual but not religious 1%
Eclectic, a bit of everything, "I have my own beliefs"< 1%
Other in the "Unitarian and other liberal faiths" family< 1%
New Age 1%
Pagan or Wiccan 1%
Other in the New Age family< 1%
Native American Religions< 1%
Unaffiliated (religious "nones") 31%
Atheist 3%
Agnostic 4%
Nothing in particular 24%
Nothing in particular (religion not important) 13%
Nothing in particular (religion important) 11%
Don't know 1%

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are ages…

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Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201428%37%22%13%3,510
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.

Compare: age group by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongage group by political party

Generational cohort among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

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Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201417%19%30%26%8%1%3,510
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.

Compare: generational group by belief in existence of standards for right and wronggenerational group by political party

Gender composition among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

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Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201448%52%3,672
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.

Compare: gender by belief in existence of standards for right and wronggender by political party

Racial and ethnic composition among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who identify as…

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Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201457%8%6%24%5%3,573
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.

Compare: race/ethnicity by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongrace/ethnicity by political party

Immigrant status among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

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Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201424%10%66%3,546
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.

Compare: immigrant status by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongimmigrant status by political party

Income distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who have a household income of…

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Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201450%20%19%12%2,844
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.

Compare: household income by belief in existence of standards for right and wronghousehold income by political party

Educational distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who have completed…

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Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201453%29%11%7%3,609
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.

Compare: educational group by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongeducational group by political party

Marital status among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

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Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201442%10%15%6%27%3,625
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.

Compare: marital status by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongmarital status by political party

Parent of children under 18 among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

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Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201433%67%3,643
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.

Compare: parental status by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongparental status by political party

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say they…

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Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201457%23%6%1%10%3%3,672
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.

Compare: belief in God by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongbelief in God by political party

Importance of religion in one's life among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say religion is…

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Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201446%28%12%14%1%3,672
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.

Compare: importance of religion by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongimportance of religion by political party

Attendance at religious services among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who attend religious services…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201428%32%38%1%3,672
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.

Compare: religious attendance by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongreligious attendance by political party

Frequency of prayer among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who pray…

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Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201448%15%7%28%1%3,672
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.

Compare: frequency of prayer by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongfrequency of prayer by political party

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who attend prayer group…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201420%8%7%63%1%3,672
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.

Compare: attendance at prayer groups by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongattendance at prayer groups by political party

Frequency of meditation among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who meditate…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%8%4%46%2%3,672
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.

Compare: frequency of meditation by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongfrequency of meditation by political party

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201454%14%9%20%3%3,672
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.

Compare: frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongfrequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by political party

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201446%13%12%27%2%3,672
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.

Compare: frequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongfrequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by political party

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

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Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201426%11%50%10%3%3,672
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.

Compare: sources of guidance on right and wrong by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongsources of guidance on right and wrong by political party

Frequency of reading scripture among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who read scripture…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201429%9%8%52%1%3,672
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.

Compare: frequency of reading scripture by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongfrequency of reading scripture by political party

Interpreting scripture among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say the holy scripture is…

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Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201427%22%3%36%12%3,672
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.

Compare: interpretation of scripture by belief in existence of standards for right and wronginterpretation of scripture by political party

Belief in Heaven among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who …in heaven

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Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201467%23%10%3,672
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.

Compare: belief in heaven by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongbelief in heaven by political party

Belief in Hell among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who …in hell

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Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201450%39%11%3,672
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.

Compare: belief in hell by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongbelief in hell by political party

SocialandPoliticalViews

Political ideology among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

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Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201422%36%22%20%3,672
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.

Compare: political ideology by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongpolitical ideology by political party

Views about size of government among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who would rather have…

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Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201444%45%5%7%3,672
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.

Compare: views about size of government by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongviews about size of government by political party

Views about government aid to the poor among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say government aid to the poor…

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Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201439%51%6%4%3,672
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.

Compare: views about government aid to the poor by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongviews about government aid to the poor by political party

Views about abortion among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say abortion should be…

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Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201453%40%7%3,672
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.

Compare: views about abortion by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongviews about abortion by political party

Views about homosexuality among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say homosexuality…

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Table
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Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201465%24%6%6%3,672
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.

Compare: views about homosexuality by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongviews about homosexuality by political party

Views about same-sex marriage among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who …same-sex marriage

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Table
Share
Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201457%30%13%3,672
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.

Compare: views about same-sex marriage by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongviews about same-sex marriage by political party

Views about environmental regulation among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say…

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Table
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Survey yearStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201434%57%4%6%3,672
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.

Compare: views about environmental protection by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongviews about environmental protection by political party

Views about human evolution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say humans…

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Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201435%23%6%29%7%3,672
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.

Compare: views about human evolution by belief in existence of standards for right and wrongviews about human evolution by political party

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