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
201442%29%3%20%6%12,206
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: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

Interpreting scripture among adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by religious group

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say the holy scripture is…

Religious traditionWord 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
Catholic27%42%3%22%7%2,385
Evangelical Protestant64%24%4%5%3%4,563
Historically Black Protestant62%22%4%7%6%585
Jehovah's Witness43%45%9%2%2%140
Jewish18%30%2%40%9%188
Mainline Protestant31%37%3%21%8%2,013
Mormon36%54%6%2%3%382
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")14%15%1%62%8%1,520
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.

Learn More: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally12%34%32%22%4,751
Word of God; not everything taken literally18%36%28%18%3,648
Word of God; other/don't know9%35%31%25%426
Not the word of God20%37%29%15%2,427
Other/don't know13%35%29%23%673
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 adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally6%11%28%38%15%2%4,751
Word of God; not everything taken literally11%13%30%34%12%1%3,648
Word of God; other/don't know5%7%32%37%18%1%426
Not the word of God12%16%29%34%8%< 1%2,427
Other/don't know7%12%30%35%14%3%673
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%54%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%48%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know48%52%444
Not the word of God63%37%2,466
Other/don't know54%46%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally68%13%2%13%3%4,799
Word of God; not everything taken literally76%8%2%11%3%3,664
Word of God; other/don't know74%9%2%11%4%431
Not the word of God75%6%4%12%3%2,417
Other/don't know69%13%4%10%4%683
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally12%7%81%4,816
Word of God; not everything taken literally10%9%81%3,682
Word of God; other/don't know11%7%82%437
Not the word of God13%11%76%2,447
Other/don't know13%8%79%695
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who have a household income of…

Interpreting scriptureLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%22%28%14%4,159
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%19%33%24%3,300
Word of God; other/don't know29%19%34%18%351
Not the word of God25%17%32%26%2,231
Other/don't know35%22%21%22%591
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%33%14%7%4,833
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%34%21%13%3,705
Word of God; other/don't know34%38%17%10%440
Not the word of God34%33%20%14%2,453
Other/don't know37%35%16%12%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.

Marital status among adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally62%3%12%7%15%4,848
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%5%11%5%20%3,707
Word of God; other/don't know64%3%12%8%13%439
Not the word of God50%10%12%4%24%2,455
Other/don't know53%7%13%9%19%698
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%69%4,846
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%67%3,701
Word of God; other/don't know31%69%441
Not the word of God27%73%2,459
Other/don't know25%75%704
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say they…

Interpreting scriptureBelieve 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
Word of God; should be taken literally92%7%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally83%15%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know90%6%1%1%< 1%1%444
Not the word of God32%31%11%1%21%4%2,466
Other/don't know69%19%4%2%3%3%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally89%8%1%1%1%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%25%4%1%< 1%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know83%12%1%2%2%444
Not the word of God20%34%22%24%1%2,466
Other/don't know55%28%8%7%2%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who attend religious services…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally69%22%9%< 1%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%35%15%< 1%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know65%21%12%2%444
Not the word of God10%35%54%1%2,466
Other/don't know31%39%28%2%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%9%2%3%< 1%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%18%5%7%1%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know85%9%1%2%2%444
Not the word of God28%17%8%46%1%2,466
Other/don't know60%15%7%14%4%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%13%9%25%1%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%12%12%45%< 1%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know49%12%7%31%1%444
Not the word of God6%4%5%85%< 1%2,466
Other/don't know21%7%10%60%2%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally55%6%3%33%3%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%8%4%44%1%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know52%4%2%36%5%444
Not the word of God29%9%5%56%1%2,466
Other/don't know43%8%5%40%3%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%8%4%5%1%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%16%9%9%1%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know80%8%5%4%3%444
Not the word of God44%16%12%28%1%2,466
Other/don't know62%13%8%13%4%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%14%10%24%2%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%18%12%22%1%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know49%14%10%21%5%444
Not the word of God43%17%16%24%1%2,466
Other/don't know48%12%11%26%4%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Interpreting scriptureReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally72%3%21%3%1%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%7%36%4%2%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know63%3%22%3%9%444
Not the word of God9%17%58%14%1%2,466
Other/don't know29%11%48%6%7%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who read scripture…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally71%10%5%13%1%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%13%10%30%< 1%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know70%9%4%15%2%444
Not the word of God10%7%8%74%< 1%2,466
Other/don't know34%10%11%42%3%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally88%6%6%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%6%5%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know79%6%14%444
Not the word of God48%43%9%2,466
Other/don't know70%12%17%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%10%6%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%19%7%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know70%16%14%444
Not the word of God33%59%8%2,466
Other/don't know56%26%19%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally59%15%26%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%15%27%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know54%26%20%444
Not the word of God37%18%44%2,466
Other/don't know38%24%38%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally66%20%9%6%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%31%11%4%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know57%19%7%17%444
Not the word of God28%37%29%6%2,466
Other/don't know39%32%17%12%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally65%30%2%2%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%26%2%3%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know66%20%5%9%444
Not the word of God61%34%3%3%2,466
Other/don't know58%29%7%7%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Interpreting scriptureDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally62%33%3%1%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%35%3%1%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know58%25%13%4%444
Not the word of God48%48%3%1%2,466
Other/don't know48%41%7%4%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally25%72%4%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%61%2%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know20%70%10%444
Not the word of God71%25%4%2,466
Other/don't know54%36%10%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%66%4%4%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%42%4%4%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know23%59%10%9%444
Not the word of God80%15%3%2%2,466
Other/don't know57%29%7%7%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally18%76%6%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%54%7%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know15%68%17%444
Not the word of God73%20%8%2,466
Other/don't know48%36%15%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say…

Interpreting scriptureStricter 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
Word of God; should be taken literally56%39%2%3%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%49%2%1%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know46%35%10%10%444
Not the word of God36%60%2%2%2,466
Other/don't know41%48%5%6%711
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 that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say humans…

Interpreting scriptureEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally7%19%1%69%4%4,868
Word of God; not everything taken literally15%37%2%42%3%3,717
Word of God; other/don't know7%14%5%60%14%444
Not the word of God60%20%4%14%2%2,466
Other/don't know22%30%9%29%10%711
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.