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
201415%34%2%41%9%8,311
200717%34%2%36%11%9,092
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 who say religion is somewhat important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
Catholic15%36%2%39%8%2,225
Evangelical Protestant24%47%2%20%7%1,382
Historically Black Protestant26%37%2%29%6%228
Jewish3%27%< 1%64%6%313
Mainline Protestant12%38%1%38%10%1,990
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")13%20%1%56%10%1,498
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally21%37%29%14%1,045
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%34%24%15%2,732
Word of God; other/don't know8%31%42%18%115
Not the word of God27%36%25%12%3,514
Other/don't know23%34%26%17%768
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%14%31%33%9%1%1,045
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%14%27%30%9%1%2,732
Word of God; other/don't know4%6%30%43%16%1%115
Not the word of God17%18%28%29%7%1%3,514
Other/don't know12%16%29%31%11%2%768
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%49%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%50%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know41%59%121
Not the word of God53%47%3,566
Other/don't know49%51%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%13%2%22%3%1,053
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%6%4%13%3%2,751
Word of God; other/don't know65%7%3%19%6%115
Not the word of God68%7%5%16%4%3,514
Other/don't know68%7%8%12%5%775
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%9%74%1,033
Word of God; not everything taken literally11%11%78%2,737
Word of God; other/don't know26%7%67%118
Not the word of God15%13%72%3,534
Other/don't know15%11%74%782
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally48%23%19%10%923
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%21%29%20%2,478
Not the word of God29%19%29%24%3,250
Other/don't know32%22%25%20%637
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally64%27%7%3%1,048
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%32%17%8%2,764
Word of God; other/don't know53%34%9%4%119
Not the word of God32%31%22%15%3,549
Other/don't know34%38%17%11%790
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%10%16%6%27%1,053
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%8%12%5%29%2,762
Word of God; other/don't know45%8%17%12%19%119
Not the word of God46%11%11%4%27%3,557
Other/don't know46%11%14%7%23%789
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%70%1,052
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%71%2,761
Word of God; other/don't know26%74%121
Not the word of God29%71%3,559
Other/don't know32%68%791
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally72%23%3%1%1%< 1%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%36%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know72%24%1%1%1%1%121
Not the word of God35%43%11%1%7%3%3,566
Other/don't know51%36%7%2%2%4%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally19%51%30%1%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%59%25%< 1%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know18%39%42%1%121
Not the word of God9%52%38%< 1%3,566
Other/don't know10%55%33%2%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%27%10%15%1%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%33%12%15%< 1%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know61%15%9%14%2%121
Not the word of God30%26%14%29%1%3,566
Other/don't know36%27%13%20%3%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally14%10%10%65%< 1%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally7%9%11%72%< 1%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know11%14%7%68%1%121
Not the word of God4%6%7%83%< 1%3,566
Other/don't know6%8%7%77%1%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally29%9%3%57%1%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%9%6%62%1%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know38%5%6%46%5%121
Not the word of God30%12%6%51%1%3,566
Other/don't know30%9%8%52%1%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally46%21%12%20%1%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%25%18%18%1%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know55%15%10%14%6%121
Not the word of God43%20%15%21%1%3,566
Other/don't know43%19%14%21%4%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally33%13%15%37%2%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%19%17%31%< 1%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know32%9%12%37%10%121
Not the word of God46%17%15%21%< 1%3,566
Other/don't know39%18%14%26%2%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally28%7%56%9%2%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%11%64%8%2%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know27%6%50%7%10%121
Not the word of God6%18%61%13%2%3,566
Other/don't know8%16%62%9%5%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally31%67%1%1%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%70%1%< 1%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know34%52%5%9%121
Not the word of God23%76%1%< 1%3,566
Other/don't know24%71%3%2%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally25%14%11%49%1%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally13%14%15%58%< 1%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know31%10%20%37%2%121
Not the word of God8%9%12%71%< 1%3,566
Other/don't know10%10%13%64%2%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally92%5%3%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%6%4%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know74%10%16%121
Not the word of God59%31%10%3,566
Other/don't know64%13%23%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally79%15%5%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%26%6%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know70%14%15%121
Not the word of God38%53%9%3,566
Other/don't know44%32%24%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%21%40%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%17%39%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know28%36%36%121
Not the word of God29%17%55%3,566
Other/don't know31%29%40%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%31%19%8%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%43%20%4%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know43%25%19%14%121
Not the word of God20%40%35%5%3,566
Other/don't know27%38%25%10%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%53%2%2%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%39%2%2%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know45%37%5%13%121
Not the word of God51%42%3%4%3,566
Other/don't know51%33%8%8%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally52%44%3%1%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%46%3%1%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know50%37%7%5%121
Not the word of God39%57%4%1%3,566
Other/don't know39%48%8%5%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%47%4%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%37%3%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know44%38%19%121
Not the word of God76%21%3%3,566
Other/don't know64%29%8%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally58%34%3%4%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%20%4%2%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know44%35%7%14%121
Not the word of God85%11%3%2%3,566
Other/don't know71%16%9%5%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%47%9%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%28%7%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know34%46%19%121
Not the word of God79%16%6%3,566
Other/don't know61%24%15%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally47%48%3%3%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%56%1%2%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know38%36%3%23%121
Not the word of God28%68%2%2%3,566
Other/don't know33%55%7%5%797
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say religion is somewhat important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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 literally21%28%3%45%3%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%38%4%27%2%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know15%25%8%32%21%121
Not the word of God56%24%5%14%2%3,566
Other/don't know35%24%13%18%9%797
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.