Interpreting scripture among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201420%27%2%42%8%15,190
200724%28%3%35%10%18,234
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

Interpreting scripture among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious group

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
Buddhist4%9%1%72%14%111
Catholic19%36%3%34%9%3,428
Evangelical Protestant38%36%4%16%6%2,407
Historically Black Protestant53%26%1%14%6%751
Jewish9%23%1%57%10%414
Mainline Protestant18%36%2%34%10%2,990
Mormon19%61%2%10%8%162
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")8%12%< 1%72%8%4,142
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally16%34%29%21%2,673
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%34%25%17%4,094
Word of God; other/don't know13%29%31%27%271
Not the word of God28%35%24%13%6,597
Other/don't know18%33%26%23%1,279
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally10%11%29%34%14%2%2,673
Word of God; not everything taken literally15%14%29%30%11%1%4,094
Word of God; other/don't know7%9%26%37%18%3%271
Not the word of God17%19%27%28%8%1%6,597
Other/don't know7%17%27%33%14%2%1,279
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%55%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%52%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know39%61%282
Not the word of God55%45%6,693
Other/don't know49%51%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%24%3%17%3%2,689
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%10%3%12%3%4,115
Word of God; other/don't know66%8%4%20%3%271
Not the word of God74%6%4%11%4%6,607
Other/don't know69%9%5%13%5%1,301
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally16%8%76%2,664
Word of God; not everything taken literally11%11%78%4,111
Word of God; other/don't know20%8%73%276
Not the word of God11%12%77%6,626
Other/don't know13%9%78%1,311
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally51%22%18%9%2,303
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%21%28%19%3,667
Word of God; other/don't know45%20%21%14%211
Not the word of God27%20%29%24%6,048
Other/don't know39%20%25%17%1,074
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally64%26%7%3%2,699
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%34%16%8%4,141
Word of God; other/don't know54%29%10%7%279
Not the word of God34%34%20%13%6,671
Other/don't know42%35%13%9%1,321
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%8%16%9%22%2,703
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%7%13%7%25%4,146
Word of God; other/don't know50%4%16%11%18%278
Not the word of God44%11%12%4%30%6,679
Other/don't know47%10%15%9%19%1,323
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%70%2,713
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%70%4,141
Word of God; other/don't know28%72%281
Not the word of God26%74%6,676
Other/don't know31%69%1,335
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally84%12%2%1%< 1%< 1%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%26%3%< 1%1%< 1%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know83%11%1%3%1%1%282
Not the word of God29%30%12%1%23%5%6,693
Other/don't know55%27%6%2%4%6%1,343
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally72%23%3%2%< 1%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%44%8%2%< 1%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know72%23%3%2%1%282
Not the word of God14%32%26%27%1%6,693
Other/don't know39%37%15%8%2%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally42%38%20%1%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%49%24%< 1%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know38%37%23%2%282
Not the word of God8%33%59%< 1%6,693
Other/don't know19%41%39%1%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally70%17%5%8%1%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%25%9%13%< 1%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know69%15%6%6%4%282
Not the word of God23%15%9%52%1%6,693
Other/don't know47%18%8%24%3%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally31%13%11%44%1%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally14%9%11%66%< 1%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know19%9%12%58%2%282
Not the word of God4%3%4%89%< 1%6,693
Other/don't know10%7%6%74%2%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally44%8%4%43%2%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%8%5%56%1%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know44%6%4%43%3%282
Not the word of God27%10%5%57%1%6,693
Other/don't know36%7%4%51%2%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally65%15%8%11%1%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%20%14%16%1%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know56%14%11%12%6%282
Not the word of God40%16%13%30%1%6,693
Other/don't know48%15%12%20%4%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally39%15%12%32%2%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%18%15%30%1%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know28%17%12%35%8%282
Not the word of God43%17%15%25%< 1%6,693
Other/don't know41%15%13%29%3%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Interpreting scriptureThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%66%1%2%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%70%1%< 1%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know30%64%3%3%282
Not the word of God20%78%1%< 1%6,693
Other/don't know24%72%2%1%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally45%13%10%31%1%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%14%13%50%< 1%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know38%15%11%34%3%282
Not the word of God7%5%7%80%< 1%6,693
Other/don't know19%11%9%59%3%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally94%4%3%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%6%4%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know83%8%9%282
Not the word of God44%47%9%6,693
Other/don't know63%15%21%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally79%15%7%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%25%6%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know70%15%15%282
Not the word of God29%63%8%6,693
Other/don't know45%33%22%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%19%47%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%16%41%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know36%32%32%282
Not the word of God28%18%53%6,693
Other/don't know31%28%41%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%31%19%9%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%41%19%4%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know43%26%13%18%282
Not the word of God20%39%36%6%6,693
Other/don't know28%39%20%13%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%53%2%3%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%38%2%2%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know47%39%4%9%282
Not the word of God53%40%3%3%6,693
Other/don't know48%34%8%10%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally47%48%3%2%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%45%2%1%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know50%34%8%8%282
Not the word of God40%55%3%1%6,693
Other/don't know40%46%9%6%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%51%5%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%40%3%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know41%44%15%282
Not the word of God79%18%3%6,693
Other/don't know61%27%12%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%43%4%4%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%22%4%2%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know47%29%10%14%282
Not the word of God85%11%2%2%6,693
Other/don't know67%18%8%7%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%53%10%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%32%8%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know38%43%19%282
Not the word of God80%15%6%6,693
Other/don't know60%26%14%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Interpreting scriptureStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%46%2%4%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%56%1%1%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know44%41%5%10%282
Not the word of God29%67%2%2%6,693
Other/don't know35%53%5%7%1,343
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally17%26%2%49%6%2,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%38%3%31%3%4,156
Word of God; other/don't know17%21%6%41%15%282
Not the word of God63%18%4%13%2%6,693
Other/don't know31%26%13%20%10%1,343
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.