DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

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

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201430%38%24%8%548
200737%37%20%6%464
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

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

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201419%19%30%27%5%< 1%548
2007< 1%28%33%31%7%1%464
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

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

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201453%47%556
200752%48%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.

Racial and ethnic composition among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201475%13%< 1%6%7%548
200777%14%1%4%4%463
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201442%21%24%13%504
200738%25%27%10%409
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201458%31%8%3%555
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

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

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201440%10%14%4%32%555
200747%10%13%4%26%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.

Parent of children under 18 among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

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

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201431%69%556
200740%60%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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201455%32%7%< 1%4%2%556
200765%25%4%< 1%3%2%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.

Importance of religion in one's life among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201426%41%22%10%1%556
200724%45%21%9%1%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.

Attendance at religious services among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20147%38%54%1%556
20079%34%56%< 1%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.

Frequency of prayer among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201435%24%11%30%< 1%556
200740%22%9%28%1%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.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20147%5%6%82%< 1%556
20078%6%5%80%< 1%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.

Frequency of meditation among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201426%6%4%64%1%556
200722%4%4%68%1%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.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201440%16%11%33%< 1%556
200733%18%13%33%2%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.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%12%10%41%< 1%556
200731%15%14%39%2%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.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

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

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201414%10%66%7%3%556
20078%7%79%4%1%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.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

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

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201429%69%< 1%1%556
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201416%11%8%65%< 1%556
200719%10%9%62%< 1%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.

Belief in Heaven among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201480%12%8%556
200782%10%8%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.

Belief in Hell among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201465%28%6%556
200763%30%7%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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201433%27%40%556
200730%22%48%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.

Political ideology among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

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

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201423%44%24%10%556
200727%48%20%5%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.

Views about size of government among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201456%40%1%3%556
200738%55%3%4%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.

Views about government aid to the poor among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201448%49%2%1%556
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201457%38%4%556
200759%36%6%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.

Views about homosexuality among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201474%20%4%2%556
200765%27%4%4%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.

Views about same-sex marriage among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201467%27%6%556
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

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

Survey yearStricter 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
201436%61%2%2%556
200735%61%2%2%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.

Views about human evolution among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are third generation or higher who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201430%35%3%29%2%556
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.