Interpreting scripture

% of adults who say the holy scripture is…

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
201431%27%3%33%7%35,071
200733%27%3%28%9%35,556
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.

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

Interpreting scripture by religious group

% of adults 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
Buddhist5%9%1%73%12%264
Catholic26%36%3%28%8%7,202
Evangelical Protestant55%29%4%8%4%8,593
Hindu12%16%< 1%60%12%199
Historically Black Protestant59%23%3%9%6%1,916
Jehovah's Witness47%40%7%2%4%245
Jewish11%24%2%55%8%847
Mainline Protestant24%35%3%28%9%6,083
Mormon33%53%5%6%3%664
Muslim42%31%10%12%5%237
Orthodox Christian22%39%2%27%10%186
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")10%11%1%72%7%7,556
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.

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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally15%34%30%21%9,596
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%34%25%17%9,377
Word of God; other/don't know13%29%31%27%939
Not the word of God29%35%23%13%11,952
Other/don't know18%33%27%21%2,481
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: 18-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65+

Generational cohort by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally9%11%29%35%14%2%9,596
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%14%28%30%11%1%9,377
Word of God; other/don't know8%8%26%37%19%2%939
Not the word of God18%19%27%27%8%1%11,952
Other/don't know9%16%27%33%13%2%2,481
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: Younger Millennial, Older Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent, Greatest

Gender composition by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%57%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%54%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know43%57%985
Not the word of God56%44%12,132
Other/don't know50%50%2,601
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: Men, Women

Racial and ethnic composition by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%19%2%18%3%9,689
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%10%3%13%4%9,443
Word of God; other/don't know65%11%3%16%5%950
Not the word of God72%6%6%13%4%11,955
Other/don't know65%11%5%14%5%2,512
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: White, Black, Asian, Latino, Other/Mixed

Immigrant status by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%7%75%9,645
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%10%78%9,446
Word of God; other/don't know18%7%75%962
Not the word of God14%13%73%12,008
Other/don't know15%9%75%2,532
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: Immigrants, Second generation, Third generation or higher

Income distribution by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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 literally46%22%22%10%8,325
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%21%29%20%8,409
Word of God; other/don't know38%20%27%15%748
Not the word of God27%19%29%25%10,957
Other/don't know38%20%24%18%2,051
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: Less than $30,000, $30,000-$49,999, $50,000-$99,999, $100,000 or more

Educational distribution by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%29%11%5%9,741
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%34%18%11%9,509
Word of God; other/don't know45%33%14%9%971
Not the word of God31%32%22%16%12,082
Other/don't know38%35%16%12%2,565
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: High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree

Marital status by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%5%15%9%19%9,768
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%6%12%6%25%9,512
Word of God; other/don't know56%3%13%11%17%973
Not the word of God43%11%11%4%31%12,085
Other/don't know45%9%14%8%23%2,553
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: Married, Living with a partner, Divorced/separated, Widowed, Never married

Parent of children under 18 by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%69%9,776
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%69%9,506
Word of God; other/don't know28%72%974
Not the word of God26%74%12,099
Other/don't know28%72%2,578
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: Parents, Non-parents

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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 literally88%10%1%1%< 1%< 1%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally76%20%2%< 1%1%< 1%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know86%10%1%2%< 1%1%985
Not the word of God28%28%12%1%26%5%12,132
Other/don't know59%23%5%2%4%6%2,601
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: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God

Importance of religion in one's life by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%12%2%1%< 1%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%31%5%2%< 1%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know81%15%2%1%1%985
Not the word of God16%30%24%29%1%12,132
Other/don't know47%31%12%7%3%2,601
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Attendance at religious services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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 literally60%27%12%1%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%40%18%< 1%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know54%28%16%2%985
Not the word of God9%33%58%< 1%12,132
Other/don't know25%40%32%2%2,601
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month/a few times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of prayer by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally80%12%3%4%1%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%21%6%9%< 1%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know80%10%3%4%3%985
Not the word of God24%15%8%53%1%12,132
Other/don't know51%17%7%21%4%2,601
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: At least daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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 literally46%13%9%31%1%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%11%11%52%< 1%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know40%10%9%39%2%985
Not the word of God5%4%5%86%< 1%12,132
Other/don't know15%8%8%66%3%2,601
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of meditation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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 literally53%7%3%35%2%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%8%4%48%1%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know51%5%3%35%5%985
Not the word of God29%10%5%54%1%12,132
Other/don't know39%9%4%44%4%2,601
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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 literally75%11%6%7%1%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%18%10%11%1%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know72%10%8%6%5%985
Not the word of God42%17%12%28%1%12,132
Other/don't know55%14%9%17%4%2,601
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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 literally46%14%11%27%2%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%18%14%25%1%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know44%12%11%26%8%985
Not the word of God48%17%14%21%1%12,132
Other/don't know46%14%12%24%4%2,601
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Sources of guidance on right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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 literally60%4%30%5%2%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%9%45%6%2%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know51%4%32%3%11%985
Not the word of God6%18%57%16%2%12,132
Other/don't know21%11%53%8%7%2,601
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: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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%52%1%2%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%62%1%1%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know43%48%5%4%985
Not the word of God20%78%1%1%12,132
Other/don't know27%68%3%2%2,601
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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

Frequency of reading scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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 literally63%11%6%19%1%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%14%11%38%< 1%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know59%10%7%22%2%985
Not the word of God8%6%8%77%< 1%12,132
Other/don't know26%11%9%50%3%2,601
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Belief in Heaven by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%5%4%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%6%4%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know82%6%12%985
Not the word of God41%50%9%12,132
Other/don't know64%15%21%2,601
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: Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%12%6%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%23%7%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know71%13%16%985
Not the word of God26%66%8%12,132
Other/don't know47%32%22%2,601
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: Believe, Don't believe

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%18%38%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%16%38%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know42%28%29%985
Not the word of God25%18%57%12,132
Other/don't know29%29%42%2,601
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: Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.

Political ideology by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%25%15%7%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%38%17%5%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know47%25%12%16%985
Not the word of God18%37%40%5%12,132
Other/don't know28%36%23%13%2,601
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: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

Views about size of government by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%46%2%3%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%37%2%3%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know52%31%7%11%985
Not the word of God49%44%3%3%12,132
Other/don't know47%35%8%10%2,601
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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

Views about government aid to the poor by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%46%3%1%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know48%35%10%7%985
Not the word of God36%60%3%1%12,132
Other/don't know39%46%9%6%2,601
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about abortion by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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%64%4%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%49%3%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know29%57%14%985
Not the word of God78%19%3%12,132
Other/don't know56%31%13%2,601
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: Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases

Views about homosexuality by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%55%4%4%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%30%4%3%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know35%45%9%11%985
Not the word of God86%10%2%2%12,132
Other/don't know63%21%8%7%2,601
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: Should be accepted, Should be discouraged

Views about same-sex marriage by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%66%8%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%41%7%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know27%55%19%985
Not the word of God81%14%5%12,132
Other/don't know56%28%15%2,601
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: Strongly favor/favor, Oppose/strongly oppose

Views about environmental regulation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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 literally48%45%2%4%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%56%2%2%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know41%41%7%12%985
Not the word of God26%70%2%2%12,132
Other/don't know33%54%6%8%2,601
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: Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost

Views about human evolution by interpretation of scripture

% of adults 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 literally12%22%2%58%5%9,811
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%38%3%36%3%9,542
Word of God; other/don't know9%20%6%47%18%985
Not the word of God65%17%4%12%2%12,132
Other/don't know28%26%13%22%11%2,601
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: Evolved; due to natural processes, Evolved; due to God's design, Always existed in present form