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
201432%27%2%33%7%7,303
200732%27%3%29%8%8,092
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 in Generation X by religious group

% of adults in Generation X 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
Catholic29%34%2%27%7%1,472
Evangelical Protestant54%30%4%7%4%1,751
Historically Black Protestant59%22%3%9%7%450
Jewish11%29%1%51%7%140
Mainline Protestant22%37%2%31%8%1,044
Mormon34%54%1%8%3%166
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")12%11%1%69%8%1,764
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally< 1%100%< 1%< 1%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally< 1%100%< 1%< 1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know< 1%100%< 1%< 1%164
Not the word of God< 1%100%< 1%< 1%2,651
Other/don't know< 1%100%< 1%< 1%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%56%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%53%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know46%54%164
Not the word of God56%44%2,651
Other/don't know53%47%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%20%3%24%4%1,981
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%11%3%16%3%1,992
Word of God; other/don't know58%12%4%21%5%160
Not the word of God71%6%6%14%4%2,615
Other/don't know59%14%6%16%5%467
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally24%6%70%1,965
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%8%77%1,998
Word of God; other/don't know22%6%72%163
Not the word of God18%10%72%2,621
Other/don't know21%7%73%471
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 literally42%22%23%13%1,801
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%19%32%26%1,883
Word of God; other/don't know32%18%29%20%143
Not the word of God20%17%30%32%2,491
Other/don't know30%18%29%23%415
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%29%12%7%1,988
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%33%22%14%2,009
Word of God; other/don't know37%38%15%10%163
Not the word of God28%28%24%21%2,647
Other/don't know37%33%17%14%476
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%6%17%2%18%1,997
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%7%15%1%13%2,009
Word of God; other/don't know64%7%13%1%15%162
Not the word of God57%11%13%1%18%2,649
Other/don't know51%10%14%2%22%472
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally59%41%1,988
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%37%2,008
Word of God; other/don't know64%36%162
Not the word of God54%46%2,644
Other/don't know56%44%474
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 literally87%11%1%1%< 1%< 1%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally77%20%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know90%8%< 1%1%< 1%1%164
Not the word of God29%30%11%< 1%25%4%2,651
Other/don't know60%25%6%1%2%5%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%13%1%1%1%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%30%6%2%< 1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know80%17%2%1%< 1%164
Not the word of God15%31%24%29%1%2,651
Other/don't know44%34%13%8%1%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 literally58%29%13%< 1%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%42%19%< 1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know51%33%15%2%164
Not the word of God8%33%59%< 1%2,651
Other/don't know21%46%32%1%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally79%12%2%6%1%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%20%7%9%< 1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know85%11%2%2%< 1%164
Not the word of God25%16%9%50%< 1%2,651
Other/don't know53%17%6%20%4%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 literally45%15%9%31%< 1%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%13%10%52%< 1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know41%13%13%33%1%164
Not the word of God6%4%5%85%< 1%2,651
Other/don't know14%9%7%67%2%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 literally49%7%3%39%2%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%8%5%50%1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know46%3%5%41%5%164
Not the word of God32%10%6%52%1%2,651
Other/don't know35%9%5%49%2%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 literally73%12%7%7%1%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%18%12%10%1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know72%14%7%2%4%164
Not the word of God43%16%13%27%1%2,651
Other/don't know50%15%12%20%4%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 literally44%15%11%28%2%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%17%15%29%1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know40%14%10%32%4%164
Not the word of God44%17%15%23%1%2,651
Other/don't know43%18%13%25%1%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 literally59%4%30%5%2%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%8%47%6%2%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know52%3%33%3%9%164
Not the word of God6%17%57%18%2%2,651
Other/don't know19%13%53%8%6%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 literally45%54%1%1%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%60%1%< 1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know53%36%7%4%164
Not the word of God21%77%1%1%2,651
Other/don't know29%65%3%2%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 literally62%12%7%19%1%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%14%12%36%< 1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know65%12%6%16%< 1%164
Not the word of God9%6%8%76%< 1%2,651
Other/don't know23%15%11%49%2%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%4%5%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%6%4%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know81%5%14%164
Not the word of God41%50%8%2,651
Other/don't know66%13%20%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%12%6%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally73%21%6%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know78%9%13%164
Not the word of God27%66%7%2,651
Other/don't know49%30%21%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%21%36%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%17%37%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know42%30%28%164
Not the word of God26%19%55%2,651
Other/don't know27%31%42%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%25%16%7%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%39%17%4%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know53%22%13%13%164
Not the word of God17%37%40%5%2,651
Other/don't know29%39%22%11%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%48%2%2%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%36%2%2%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know50%35%4%10%164
Not the word of God51%43%3%3%2,651
Other/don't know48%35%10%8%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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%44%4%2%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%45%3%1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know58%30%10%2%164
Not the word of God37%58%4%1%2,651
Other/don't know40%45%10%5%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally32%63%5%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%49%2%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know28%58%14%164
Not the word of God79%17%3%2,651
Other/don't know58%31%11%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%51%5%4%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%30%5%3%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know31%46%10%13%164
Not the word of God86%10%3%2%2,651
Other/don't know64%21%9%6%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally28%62%10%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%41%8%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know26%57%17%164
Not the word of God81%13%6%2,651
Other/don't know59%27%14%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 literally46%48%3%3%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%58%2%1%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know41%43%7%9%164
Not the word of God26%71%2%2%2,651
Other/don't know30%60%6%5%477
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 in Generation X by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 literally13%24%2%58%3%1,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%38%3%37%3%2,013
Word of God; other/don't know13%19%2%49%18%164
Not the word of God66%16%4%13%2%2,651
Other/don't know28%24%15%25%8%477
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.