Interpreting scripture among adults who believe in Hell

% of adults who believe in Hell 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
201444%32%3%15%6%19,167
200746%30%4%13%7%20,461
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 believe in Hell by religious group

% of adults who believe in Hell 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
Catholic31%41%3%19%6%4,475
Evangelical Protestant59%28%4%5%4%6,978
Historically Black Protestant62%23%3%7%5%1,557
Jewish29%43%4%19%5%144
Mainline Protestant33%40%3%17%7%3,327
Mormon36%53%6%4%2%381
Muslim47%31%10%10%3%173
Orthodox Christian27%51%2%13%7%101
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")24%25%2%39%9%1,699
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally15%34%30%21%7,917
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%35%24%15%6,458
Word of God; other/don't know14%32%28%26%650
Not the word of God31%35%24%10%2,726
Other/don't know20%36%27%17%1,063
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally9%11%29%35%14%2%7,917
Word of God; not everything taken literally17%15%29%29%9%1%6,458
Word of God; other/don't know9%9%28%33%19%2%650
Not the word of God20%19%28%28%6%< 1%2,726
Other/don't know10%18%28%33%10%1%1,063
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%56%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%52%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know45%55%679
Not the word of God54%46%2,756
Other/don't know51%49%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally58%20%2%17%3%7,986
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%11%3%13%4%6,495
Word of God; other/don't know66%11%3%15%5%664
Not the word of God64%10%5%17%4%2,719
Other/don't know63%15%3%14%5%1,077
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally16%7%77%7,954
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%10%79%6,482
Word of God; other/don't know17%6%77%664
Not the word of God15%12%73%2,720
Other/don't know14%8%79%1,073
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who have a household income of…

Interpreting scriptureLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%22%22%10%6,924
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%21%30%19%5,816
Word of God; other/don't know39%21%26%14%534
Not the word of God35%20%27%18%2,478
Other/don't know41%19%25%15%898
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally55%30%11%5%8,027
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%35%18%10%6,528
Word of God; other/don't know46%33%13%8%672
Not the word of God40%35%16%9%2,745
Other/don't know40%40%13%7%1,090
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%5%15%9%20%8,051
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%6%12%5%27%6,534
Word of God; other/don't know55%4%13%11%17%670
Not the word of God42%11%12%4%32%2,748
Other/don't know43%10%16%7%24%1,090
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%69%8,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%67%6,525
Word of God; other/don't know30%70%672
Not the word of God30%70%2,750
Other/don't know30%70%1,090
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell 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 literally89%9%1%1%< 1%< 1%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally80%18%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know88%8%< 1%2%< 1%1%679
Not the word of God48%36%11%< 1%3%2%2,756
Other/don't know72%20%3%2%1%2%1,101
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally86%12%1%1%< 1%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%30%5%1%< 1%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know82%14%1%1%1%679
Not the word of God29%43%19%8%< 1%2,756
Other/don't know57%30%8%3%1%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell 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 literally62%27%11%< 1%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%40%17%< 1%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know55%28%15%2%679
Not the word of God15%42%43%< 1%2,756
Other/don't know29%43%27%2%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%12%3%4%< 1%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%21%6%8%< 1%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know83%10%2%3%3%679
Not the word of God38%21%11%30%< 1%2,756
Other/don't know60%19%7%12%3%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell 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 literally47%14%9%29%1%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%13%11%51%< 1%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know40%10%10%38%2%679
Not the word of God8%6%7%78%< 1%2,756
Other/don't know18%9%8%62%2%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell 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%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%8%4%49%1%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know50%5%3%37%5%679
Not the word of God29%10%4%56%1%2,756
Other/don't know40%9%4%45%3%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell 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 literally76%11%6%7%1%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%18%10%10%1%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know71%11%8%6%5%679
Not the word of God45%18%13%23%1%2,756
Other/don't know57%16%9%13%4%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell 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 literally45%15%11%27%2%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%19%14%25%1%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know44%13%11%26%7%679
Not the word of God43%16%13%27%1%2,756
Other/don't know47%14%12%24%3%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell 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 literally62%4%28%4%2%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%8%44%5%2%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know53%4%31%3%10%679
Not the word of God12%13%62%11%1%2,756
Other/don't know28%9%52%6%6%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell 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 literally46%51%1%1%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%60%1%< 1%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know42%49%6%3%679
Not the word of God25%73%1%1%2,756
Other/don't know32%63%3%1%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell 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 literally64%11%7%18%1%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%15%11%36%< 1%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know59%9%8%21%2%679
Not the word of God14%9%9%67%< 1%2,756
Other/don't know33%14%10%41%2%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally95%2%2%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally97%2%2%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know91%3%7%679
Not the word of God93%5%3%2,756
Other/don't know92%2%6%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%16%38%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%14%37%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know46%24%30%679
Not the word of God33%19%48%2,756
Other/don't know32%28%40%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%25%14%7%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%37%16%4%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know51%27%10%12%679
Not the word of God26%40%29%6%2,756
Other/don't know32%36%19%13%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%45%2%3%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%36%2%2%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know52%33%5%10%679
Not the word of God52%43%2%3%2,756
Other/don't know50%35%6%9%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell 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 literally51%44%4%2%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%43%3%1%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know51%33%10%6%679
Not the word of God44%51%3%2%2,756
Other/don't know43%45%8%4%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%65%4%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%52%2%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know29%59%12%679
Not the word of God67%30%3%2,756
Other/don't know51%38%11%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally35%58%4%4%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%32%4%3%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know33%50%10%8%679
Not the word of God79%16%3%2%2,756
Other/don't know57%29%9%6%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally25%68%7%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%45%7%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know25%58%16%679
Not the word of God72%21%7%2,756
Other/don't know51%36%13%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell who say…

Interpreting scriptureStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%45%2%4%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%55%1%1%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know42%42%7%9%679
Not the word of God35%61%2%2%2,756
Other/don't know39%49%6%7%1,101
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 believe in Hell by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in Hell 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 literally11%22%2%59%5%8,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%38%2%37%3%6,549
Word of God; other/don't know11%21%4%46%18%679
Not the word of God43%30%5%20%2%2,756
Other/don't know21%33%10%28%8%1,101
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.