Religious composition of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201422%33%26%19%6,037
200718%38%25%19%6,100
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201414%13%28%31%13%1%6,037
2007< 1%13%29%35%18%5%6,100
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201443%57%6,158
200742%58%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201468%12%2%13%4%6,088
200773%11%2%11%2%6,191
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201413%10%77%6,106
200711%9%80%6,193
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201428%21%30%20%5,394
200726%21%34%20%5,253
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201433%35%19%13%6,135
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201455%4%12%6%23%6,140
200761%4%10%8%17%6,213
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201433%67%6,134
200737%63%6,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201489%10%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%6,158
200792%7%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201459%31%10%< 1%6,158
200763%29%9%< 1%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201480%15%2%2%< 1%6,158
200779%16%2%3%1%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%13%12%39%< 1%6,158
200731%12%12%45%< 1%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201449%8%3%39%1%6,158
200745%8%4%40%2%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201474%14%6%5%1%6,158
200765%15%11%7%2%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201448%18%12%21%1%6,158
200742%16%15%24%3%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201452%7%34%4%2%6,158
200744%6%43%3%2%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201441%57%1%1%6,158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201452%15%10%23%< 1%6,158
200748%14%10%28%< 1%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201490%5%4%6,158
200789%5%6%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201473%20%7%6,158
200770%20%10%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201448%15%38%6,158
200744%15%41%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201445%35%15%5%6,158
200743%39%13%6%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201459%36%2%3%6,158
200748%43%4%6%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201450%45%3%1%6,158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201440%57%3%6,158
200743%52%5%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201455%37%4%3%6,158
200745%45%5%5%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201444%49%7%6,158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201440%56%2%2%6,158
200729%64%3%4%6,243
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201413%39%3%42%4%6,158
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.