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
22%
75%
1%
1%
4,984
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
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
26%
42%
23%
9%
1,089
Right or wrong depends on the situation
35%
37%
20%
9%
3,701
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who are…
Chart
Table
Share
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
14%
21%
33%
27%
5%
< 1%
1,089
Right or wrong depends on the situation
22%
21%
28%
23%
5%
< 1%
3,701
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Men
Women
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
60%
40%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
51%
49%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
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
67%
11%
3%
15%
4%
1,091
Right or wrong depends on the situation
63%
12%
5%
14%
5%
3,685
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who are…
Chart
Table
Share
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
15%
9%
77%
1,101
Right or wrong depends on the situation
14%
12%
74%
3,668
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
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
37%
21%
27%
16%
988
Right or wrong depends on the situation
37%
22%
24%
17%
3,338
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
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
50%
31%
12%
7%
1,114
Right or wrong depends on the situation
43%
32%
16%
10%
3,731
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who are…
Chart
Table
Share
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
42%
12%
12%
4%
30%
1,105
Right or wrong depends on the situation
37%
11%
12%
3%
36%
3,737
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who are…
Chart
Table
Share
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%
1,111
Right or wrong depends on the situation
27%
73%
3,738
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
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
42%
26%
12%
1%
16%
4%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
34%
27%
12%
1%
21%
5%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
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
22%
30%
24%
24%
1%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
15%
26%
28%
29%
1%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
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%
27%
64%
< 1%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
4%
28%
67%
< 1%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
30%
16%
8%
44%
1%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
24%
14%
8%
54%
< 1%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
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
9%
4%
5%
83%
< 1%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
5%
4%
4%
86%
< 1%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
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
28%
8%
3%
60%
1%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
27%
10%
5%
57%
1%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
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
45%
14%
9%
30%
2%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
41%
16%
12%
30%
2%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
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
41%
13%
13%
32%
1%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
44%
16%
12%
28%
1%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
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
14%
13%
59%
11%
3%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
8%
15%
61%
14%
2%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
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
16%
8%
5%
70%
1%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
10%
6%
6%
77%
< 1%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
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%
19%
1%
53%
8%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
12%
14%
1%
65%
8%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
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
54%
35%
11%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
48%
42%
9%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
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
41%
49%
9%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
35%
57%
9%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
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
34%
26%
40%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
23%
25%
52%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who are…
Chart
Table
Share
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
31%
36%
23%
10%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
19%
37%
36%
9%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
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
55%
40%
2%
3%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
45%
48%
3%
4%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
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
49%
45%
4%
1%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
38%
56%
3%
2%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
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
60%
36%
5%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
70%
26%
4%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
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
72%
21%
4%
4%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
80%
14%
3%
3%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
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
65%
27%
9%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
74%
19%
6%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who say…
Chart
Table
Share
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
38%
57%
2%
3%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
29%
66%
2%
3%
3,750
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 nothing in particulars by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of nothing in particulars who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
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
46%
21%
4%
26%
3%
1,116
Right or wrong depends on the situation
56%
18%
5%
18%
3%
3,750
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.