Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are ages…

Religious tradition18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Catholic18%31%29%21%2,722
Evangelical Protestant25%36%25%14%2,430
Historically Black Protestant34%35%21%10%453
Jehovah's Witness16%36%29%20%101
Jewish29%31%21%20%177
Mainline Protestant20%30%25%25%2,133
Mormon26%39%20%14%356
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")34%37%23%7%699
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.

Learn More: 18-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65+

DemographicInformation

Generational cohort among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Age distributionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
18-2967%33%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,558
30-49< 1%18%82%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,492
50-64< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%2,788
65+< 1%< 1%< 1%29%66%5%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Age distributionMenWomenSample size
18-2946%54%1,558
30-4947%53%2,492
50-6446%54%2,788
65+42%58%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…

Age distributionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
18-2955%14%5%20%6%1,552
30-4967%11%3%16%4%2,470
50-6478%8%2%9%4%2,746
65+87%5%1%4%2%2,520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Age distributionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
18-2914%17%69%1,542
30-4916%8%77%2,470
50-649%7%84%2,769
65+7%10%83%2,522
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have a household income of…

Age distributionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
18-2939%22%25%14%1,376
30-4924%20%33%24%2,334
50-6426%18%31%25%2,518
65+35%25%27%13%2,108
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have completed…

Age distributionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
18-2942%40%13%4%1,558
30-4931%33%22%14%2,487
50-6436%32%18%13%2,782
65+45%28%16%12%2,535
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Age distributionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
18-2917%8%3%< 1%72%1,556
30-4962%8%14%1%15%2,487
50-6464%4%19%5%9%2,778
65+58%2%12%24%4%2,535
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Age distributionParentsNon-parentsSample size
18-2922%78%1,554
30-4964%36%2,485
50-6416%84%2,780
65+3%97%2,536
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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they…

Age distributionBelieve 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
18-2971%25%3%< 1%1%< 1%1,558
30-4977%20%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,492
50-6479%19%2%< 1%1%< 1%2,788
65+79%18%2%1%< 1%< 1%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is…

Age distributionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
18-2956%35%7%2%< 1%1,558
30-4961%31%6%2%< 1%2,492
50-6464%30%4%2%< 1%2,788
65+67%27%4%1%1%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend religious services…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2938%45%17%< 1%1,558
30-4939%43%19%< 1%2,492
50-6441%39%19%< 1%2,788
65+53%29%18%1%2,539
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray…

Age distributionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2957%24%7%12%< 1%1,558
30-4963%20%7%9%< 1%2,492
50-6466%20%5%8%< 1%2,788
65+68%19%5%8%1%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2924%15%12%48%< 1%1,558
30-4925%13%11%51%< 1%2,492
50-6423%9%11%57%< 1%2,788
65+26%7%11%55%1%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2929%10%4%57%< 1%1,558
30-4936%8%4%51%1%2,492
50-6443%8%4%44%1%2,788
65+51%8%5%33%3%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2954%22%11%13%< 1%1,558
30-4959%18%11%11%1%2,492
50-6461%16%11%11%1%2,788
65+66%14%8%11%1%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2944%22%13%21%< 1%1,558
30-4938%18%15%29%1%2,492
50-6445%17%13%25%< 1%2,788
65+44%14%14%26%2%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Age distributionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
18-2933%14%45%7%1%1,558
30-4938%8%46%6%2%2,492
50-6440%7%46%5%2%2,788
65+41%6%45%4%3%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…

Age distributionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
18-2927%72%1%< 1%1,558
30-4938%61%1%< 1%2,492
50-6441%57%1%1%2,788
65+38%60%1%1%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture…

Age distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
18-2937%19%10%34%< 1%1,558
30-4937%13%12%37%< 1%2,492
50-6437%12%11%39%< 1%2,788
65+37%11%9%41%1%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in heaven

Age distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
18-2991%6%3%1,558
30-4990%6%4%2,492
50-6488%7%5%2,788
65+87%7%7%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in hell

Age distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
18-2976%20%4%1,558
30-4974%20%6%2,492
50-6468%25%7%2,788
65+60%29%11%2,539
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…

Age distributionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
18-2944%16%39%1,558
30-4945%17%37%2,492
50-6447%14%39%2,788
65+49%12%39%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Age distributionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
18-2932%41%21%6%1,558
30-4939%39%17%5%2,492
50-6445%36%16%3%2,788
65+47%36%14%4%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who would rather have…

Age distributionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
18-2947%50%1%1%1,558
30-4958%37%2%2%2,492
50-6463%31%2%3%2,788
65+67%26%2%4%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…

Age distributionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
18-2945%51%3%1%1,558
30-4951%45%3%1%2,492
50-6452%44%3%1%2,788
65+52%42%3%2%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say abortion should be…

Age distributionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
18-2945%53%2%1,558
30-4948%50%2%2,492
50-6452%45%3%2,788
65+48%47%5%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say homosexuality…

Age distributionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
18-2971%24%3%2%1,558
30-4962%30%5%3%2,492
50-6461%31%5%3%2,788
65+56%37%3%4%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …same-sex marriage

Age distributionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
18-2964%32%4%1,558
30-4952%41%7%2,492
50-6448%44%8%2,788
65+41%49%9%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…

Age distributionStricter 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
18-2934%63%1%2%1,558
30-4939%59%2%1%2,492
50-6444%53%2%1%2,788
65+46%49%2%3%2,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by age group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say humans…

Age distributionEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
18-2926%36%2%34%2%1,558
30-4920%38%3%37%3%2,492
50-6417%41%3%36%3%2,788
65+17%36%4%37%6%2,539
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.