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
201454%28%4%8%5%12,336
200756%26%5%6%6%12,777
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 read scripture at least once a week by religious group

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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
Catholic42%35%4%13%7%1,810
Evangelical Protestant66%23%5%3%3%5,525
Historically Black Protestant67%20%3%4%5%1,189
Jehovah's Witness49%40%8%< 1%3%216
Jewish25%47%5%15%9%121
Mainline Protestant42%36%4%10%8%1,894
Mormon35%55%5%2%2%513
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")38%22%4%28%9%606
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%33%31%23%6,250
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%33%25%17%3,615
Word of God; other/don't know13%32%28%26%568
Not the word of God22%38%26%15%957
Other/don't know15%30%30%25%646
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally7%10%28%36%16%2%6,250
Word of God; not everything taken literally15%14%28%30%12%1%3,615
Word of God; other/don't know9%8%29%35%18%3%568
Not the word of God12%17%31%29%10%1%957
Other/don't know7%13%24%35%18%2%646
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%60%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%58%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know45%55%594
Not the word of God50%50%978
Other/don't know43%57%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%21%2%16%4%6,314
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%13%2%14%5%3,642
Word of God; other/don't know65%15%2%13%6%569
Not the word of God52%16%4%22%6%950
Other/don't know56%20%4%15%5%652
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally16%7%77%6,319
Word of God; not everything taken literally13%9%78%3,648
Word of God; other/don't know15%7%78%580
Not the word of God20%11%69%961
Other/don't know15%7%78%658
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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 literally45%22%23%10%5,451
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%22%29%19%3,238
Word of God; other/don't know34%21%31%14%465
Not the word of God40%20%24%16%881
Other/don't know46%17%22%15%538
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%31%12%6%6,364
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%36%19%13%3,672
Word of God; other/don't know38%36%15%11%588
Not the word of God36%35%16%13%973
Other/don't know39%35%15%12%665
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally55%4%15%10%17%6,378
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%5%13%6%24%3,671
Word of God; other/don't know57%3%15%9%16%586
Not the word of God40%9%16%8%27%970
Other/don't know44%7%16%12%22%658
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%70%6,382
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%66%3,667
Word of God; other/don't know30%70%588
Not the word of God30%70%976
Other/don't know26%74%666
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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%6%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%9%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know91%5%1%1%< 1%2%594
Not the word of God64%22%5%1%6%3%978
Other/don't know84%10%2%1%< 1%2%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally94%5%< 1%1%< 1%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally86%11%1%1%1%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know89%8%< 1%1%2%594
Not the word of God55%30%7%7%1%978
Other/don't know81%12%2%3%2%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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 literally77%17%6%< 1%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%23%7%< 1%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know72%18%8%2%594
Not the word of God36%37%27%1%978
Other/don't know57%28%13%2%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%7%1%1%< 1%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%9%1%1%< 1%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know93%5%< 1%< 1%2%594
Not the word of God74%14%2%10%< 1%978
Other/don't know85%9%1%2%3%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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 literally64%13%7%15%1%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%15%10%22%< 1%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know59%11%9%20%1%594
Not the word of God30%13%8%49%< 1%978
Other/don't know45%12%9%32%2%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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 literally65%6%2%25%2%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%7%2%28%1%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know64%4%1%26%4%594
Not the word of God66%8%2%23%2%978
Other/don't know62%7%1%25%4%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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 literally86%8%2%3%1%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally81%11%3%3%1%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know82%7%4%2%4%594
Not the word of God73%11%7%7%1%978
Other/don't know80%8%3%5%3%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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 literally54%14%8%22%2%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%19%9%17%1%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know52%13%8%19%9%594
Not the word of God66%11%7%14%1%978
Other/don't know60%13%6%17%3%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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 literally71%3%21%3%2%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%8%27%3%3%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know64%4%20%2%10%594
Not the word of God22%18%49%8%2%978
Other/don't know42%9%38%4%8%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say…

Interpreting scriptureThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%46%1%1%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%52%2%1%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know51%41%5%3%594
Not the word of God24%72%2%2%978
Other/don't know35%60%4%1%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%5%5%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally88%6%5%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know81%5%14%594
Not the word of God68%24%8%978
Other/don't know77%9%15%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%10%6%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%20%8%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know71%13%16%594
Not the word of God45%48%8%978
Other/don't know60%25%16%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%18%35%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%17%34%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know46%27%28%594
Not the word of God28%20%52%978
Other/don't know29%26%45%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally58%23%13%7%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%33%14%6%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know49%26%9%16%594
Not the word of God26%36%34%4%978
Other/don't know32%32%24%12%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%41%2%3%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%35%2%3%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know54%28%8%10%594
Not the word of God49%42%4%5%978
Other/don't know43%40%8%9%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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 literally50%43%4%2%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%45%4%1%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know48%34%12%6%594
Not the word of God35%60%4%2%978
Other/don't know35%50%9%5%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%70%4%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%62%3%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know23%64%14%594
Not the word of God62%34%4%978
Other/don't know46%43%11%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%63%4%4%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%44%5%4%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know27%55%10%9%594
Not the word of God74%19%4%3%978
Other/don't know48%36%9%7%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally19%73%7%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%56%7%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know19%64%17%594
Not the word of God68%25%7%978
Other/don't know41%42%17%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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 literally49%44%3%4%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%56%2%2%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know39%41%8%12%594
Not the word of God31%65%2%2%978
Other/don't know33%52%6%8%671
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 read scripture at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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 literally9%19%2%64%5%6,408
Word of God; not everything taken literally11%36%2%46%5%3,685
Word of God; other/don't know6%18%5%56%16%594
Not the word of God35%32%5%26%3%978
Other/don't know13%31%10%36%11%671
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.