Interpreting scripture among adults with a post-graduate degree

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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
201414%28%2%49%8%5,897
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 with a post-graduate degree by religious group

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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
Catholic9%42%1%39%8%1,128
Evangelical Protestant42%40%6%8%4%959
Hindu12%13%1%61%13%104
Historically Black Protestant36%44%3%11%5%193
Jewish5%19%1%67%8%326
Mainline Protestant8%35%2%42%12%1,269
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")2%4%< 1%90%5%1,382
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 with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally8%46%25%20%758
Word of God; not everything taken literally9%42%30%19%1,598
Word of God; other/don't know4%37%33%26%123
Not the word of God10%45%27%18%2,820
Other/don't know7%38%30%24%445
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 with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally1%13%40%31%14%1%758
Word of God; not everything taken literally2%15%34%36%12%1%1,598
Word of God; other/don't know3%8%30%40%18%1%123
Not the word of God2%17%36%34%11%1%2,820
Other/don't know1%11%33%37%15%2%445
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 with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%54%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%52%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know56%44%131
Not the word of God50%50%2,876
Other/don't know44%56%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally61%16%10%9%4%781
Word of God; not everything taken literally77%10%5%5%3%1,605
Word of God; other/don't know62%16%11%5%6%123
Not the word of God80%3%9%5%3%2,838
Other/don't know74%7%11%5%5%454
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 with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally19%7%75%776
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%10%78%1,616
Word of God; other/don't know19%7%74%127
Not the word of God17%12%71%2,847
Other/don't know21%11%68%469
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 with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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 literally13%15%38%35%685
Word of God; not everything taken literally7%10%35%48%1,466
Word of God; other/don't know13%10%28%49%107
Not the word of God9%10%30%51%2,602
Other/don't know6%10%32%52%381
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 with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally72%2%9%5%13%784
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%3%9%5%15%1,625
Word of God; other/don't know79%3%4%3%11%130
Not the word of God62%9%10%3%16%2,868
Other/don't know67%4%10%7%12%469
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 with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%64%779
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%63%1,622
Word of God; other/don't know25%75%128
Not the word of God31%69%2,868
Other/don't know30%70%469
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 with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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 literally94%6%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally80%18%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know89%5%< 1%2%1%3%131
Not the word of God23%28%14%1%29%6%2,876
Other/don't know54%28%5%3%4%5%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%7%1%1%1%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%23%4%< 1%< 1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know89%7%3%< 1%1%131
Not the word of God16%29%25%30%1%2,876
Other/don't know50%31%10%7%2%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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 literally77%17%5%< 1%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%32%9%1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know73%15%11%1%131
Not the word of God11%38%51%< 1%2,876
Other/don't know33%44%21%2%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally89%7%3%1%< 1%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%19%5%5%< 1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know86%7%1%3%4%131
Not the word of God22%15%8%54%1%2,876
Other/don't know55%16%7%18%5%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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 literally57%14%10%18%< 1%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%14%15%43%< 1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know54%15%5%26%2%131
Not the word of God5%3%5%86%< 1%2,876
Other/don't know17%11%10%61%1%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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 literally61%5%3%28%3%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%9%4%39%1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know68%1%2%23%7%131
Not the word of God32%11%7%48%1%2,876
Other/don't know47%9%5%36%3%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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 literally87%8%2%3%1%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%18%11%6%< 1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know76%9%6%6%4%131
Not the word of God42%19%15%23%1%2,876
Other/don't know61%16%9%11%3%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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 literally53%17%12%16%2%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%19%17%18%1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know57%10%18%8%7%131
Not the word of God48%19%17%15%1%2,876
Other/don't know51%18%14%14%3%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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 literally72%5%16%5%1%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%11%33%8%3%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know58%5%26%1%11%131
Not the word of God4%24%46%23%2%2,876
Other/don't know22%13%42%12%11%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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 literally61%38%1%< 1%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%56%1%< 1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know52%34%12%2%131
Not the word of God17%81%1%< 1%2,876
Other/don't know27%66%6%1%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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 literally75%10%6%9%< 1%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%15%12%28%< 1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know74%11%3%10%3%131
Not the word of God7%6%9%78%< 1%2,876
Other/don't know27%14%13%45%2%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally88%6%6%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally88%7%6%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know69%11%20%131
Not the word of God30%62%8%2,876
Other/don't know53%23%23%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%12%7%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%26%9%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know63%12%26%131
Not the word of God15%78%7%2,876
Other/don't know30%44%26%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally58%13%29%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%10%41%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know48%21%31%131
Not the word of God19%10%72%2,876
Other/don't know29%19%52%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally62%27%8%4%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%45%18%2%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know51%33%9%7%131
Not the word of God10%35%53%2%2,876
Other/don't know19%40%35%6%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally66%32%1%2%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%33%2%1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know73%14%6%8%131
Not the word of God41%53%3%3%2,876
Other/don't know47%35%10%8%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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 literally55%38%5%2%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%50%3%1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know46%33%15%5%131
Not the word of God24%72%3%1%2,876
Other/don't know30%56%9%6%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%68%3%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%46%2%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know25%64%11%131
Not the word of God88%11%2%2,876
Other/don't know68%24%8%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%62%4%5%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%27%5%2%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know32%47%13%9%131
Not the word of God92%6%2%1%2,876
Other/don't know73%12%9%6%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally24%70%6%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%38%7%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know22%59%19%131
Not the word of God90%8%3%2,876
Other/don't know68%19%13%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree who say…

Interpreting scriptureStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%49%2%3%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%64%1%1%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know44%43%4%9%131
Not the word of God15%82%2%1%2,876
Other/don't know20%70%6%4%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults with a post-graduate degree by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with a post-graduate degree 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 literally6%26%1%63%4%786
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%47%5%26%2%1,630
Word of God; other/don't know8%23%6%48%14%131
Not the word of God78%12%4%5%1%2,876
Other/don't know38%24%21%13%5%474
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.