Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Religious traditionParentsNon-parentsSample size
Catholic30%70%2,763
Evangelical Protestant34%66%2,456
Historically Black Protestant33%67%464
Jehovah's Witness29%71%102
Jewish31%69%182
Mainline Protestant28%72%2,156
Mormon43%57%358
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")31%69%712
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Parents, Non-parents

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are ages…

Parent of children under 1818-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Parents17%69%13%1%2,443
Non-parents27%18%31%25%6,912
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Parent of children under 18Younger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Parents6%24%56%14%1%< 1%2,443
Non-parents21%9%15%38%16%1%6,912
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Parent of children under 18MenWomenSample size
Parents43%57%2,474
Non-parents47%53%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…

Parent of children under 18WhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Parents65%11%3%17%4%2,451
Non-parents73%10%3%11%4%6,961
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Parent of children under 18ImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Parents16%9%75%2,451
Non-parents10%11%79%6,964
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have a household income of…

Parent of children under 18Less than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Parents26%19%32%24%2,312
Non-parents32%22%28%18%6,080
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have completed…

Parent of children under 18High school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Parents31%35%21%13%2,467
Non-parents40%33%17%10%7,012
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Parent of children under 18MarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Parents70%8%11%2%10%2,470
Non-parents42%5%12%8%32%7,012
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they…

Parent of children under 18Believe 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
Parents78%19%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,474
Non-parents76%21%2%< 1%1%< 1%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is…

Parent of children under 18Very importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Parents65%28%5%1%< 1%2,474
Non-parents60%32%6%2%< 1%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend religious services…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents43%41%15%< 1%2,474
Non-parents41%39%19%< 1%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray…

Parent of children under 18At least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents66%20%6%7%< 1%2,474
Non-parents62%21%6%10%1%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents27%14%11%48%< 1%2,474
Non-parents23%11%11%55%< 1%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents35%8%4%52%1%2,474
Non-parents40%8%4%46%1%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents59%19%11%10%1%2,474
Non-parents60%17%10%12%1%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents39%17%16%27%1%2,474
Non-parents43%18%13%25%1%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Parent of children under 18ReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Parents40%9%44%6%2%2,474
Non-parents37%9%46%6%2%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…

Parent of children under 18There are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Parents39%60%1%< 1%2,474
Non-parents35%63%1%< 1%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture…

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents40%14%11%34%< 1%2,474
Non-parents36%14%11%39%< 1%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in heaven

Parent of children under 18BelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Parents91%6%4%2,474
Non-parents88%7%5%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in hell

Parent of children under 18BelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Parents74%21%6%2,474
Non-parents69%24%7%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…

Parent of children under 18Republican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Parents47%16%37%2,474
Non-parents46%15%39%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Parent of children under 18ConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Parents41%38%16%5%2,474
Non-parents39%38%18%5%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who would rather have…

Parent of children under 18Smaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Parents56%39%2%2%2,474
Non-parents59%36%2%3%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…

Parent of children under 18Does more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Parents52%44%3%1%2,474
Non-parents49%46%3%1%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say abortion should be…

Parent of children under 18Legal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Parents45%53%2%2,474
Non-parents50%47%3%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say homosexuality…

Parent of children under 18Should be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Parents62%31%4%3%2,474
Non-parents63%30%4%3%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …same-sex marriage

Parent of children under 18Strongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Parents51%42%7%2,474
Non-parents52%40%7%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…

Parent of children under 18Stricter 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
Parents40%57%2%2%2,474
Non-parents40%56%2%2%7,032
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by parental status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say humans…

Parent of children under 18Evolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Parents20%38%2%37%3%2,474
Non-parents20%38%3%35%3%7,032
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.