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
201436%33%3%22%6%13,731
200738%32%4%19%7%13,366
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 republicans and Republican leaners by religious group

% of republicans and Republican leaners 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
Catholic23%44%2%24%7%2,926
Evangelical Protestant59%29%4%5%3%5,056
Historically Black Protestant62%26%2%8%2%175
Jewish22%36%3%30%9%200
Mainline Protestant27%42%3%21%7%2,750
Mormon30%59%5%3%3%481
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")10%14%1%67%7%1,734
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%32%31%23%4,677
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%33%26%18%4,599
Word of God; other/don't know12%28%30%30%440
Not the word of God24%36%25%15%2,989
Other/don't know17%30%29%24%798
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally9%9%28%37%16%2%4,677
Word of God; not everything taken literally15%13%28%31%12%1%4,599
Word of God; other/don't know7%7%26%38%20%3%440
Not the word of God16%16%28%30%10%1%2,989
Other/don't know7%15%24%36%15%2%798
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%52%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%48%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know44%56%459
Not the word of God65%35%3,024
Other/don't know55%45%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%5%2%10%2%4,714
Word of God; not everything taken literally86%2%2%7%3%4,613
Word of God; other/don't know89%1%1%7%3%449
Not the word of God80%2%5%10%3%2,978
Other/don't know82%2%4%8%4%803
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally8%7%85%4,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally7%8%84%4,634
Word of God; other/don't know7%7%85%454
Not the word of God11%11%77%3,008
Other/don't know10%8%82%812
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners 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 literally32%23%30%16%4,122
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%20%34%26%4,126
Word of God; other/don't know25%19%34%22%358
Not the word of God20%20%31%29%2,744
Other/don't know25%22%27%26%677
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%32%15%6%4,745
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%35%21%12%4,651
Word of God; other/don't know35%36%19%10%456
Not the word of God36%32%20%12%3,016
Other/don't know33%36%20%11%812
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally62%3%12%8%16%4,754
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%5%9%6%21%4,648
Word of God; other/don't know69%3%8%9%12%457
Not the word of God50%8%11%4%26%3,015
Other/don't know54%8%12%10%16%813
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%70%4,751
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%68%4,643
Word of God; other/don't know27%73%457
Not the word of God26%74%3,016
Other/don't know26%74%818
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners 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 literally93%6%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%18%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know89%7%< 1%2%< 1%1%459
Not the word of God32%33%12%< 1%18%4%3,024
Other/don't know62%24%4%2%3%5%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally87%11%1%1%< 1%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%30%5%1%< 1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know86%10%2%1%2%459
Not the word of God18%34%25%22%1%3,024
Other/don't know46%34%13%6%1%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners 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 literally66%24%10%< 1%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%39%16%< 1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know62%23%14%1%459
Not the word of God10%35%55%< 1%3,024
Other/don't know27%40%32%1%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally83%11%2%3%< 1%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%21%6%8%< 1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know84%10%2%2%2%459
Not the word of God26%16%9%49%< 1%3,024
Other/don't know53%18%7%19%3%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners 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 literally50%13%10%27%< 1%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%12%12%51%< 1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know44%10%8%37%2%459
Not the word of God5%3%5%87%< 1%3,024
Other/don't know16%7%9%66%2%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners 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 literally51%6%3%38%2%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%8%4%50%1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know45%6%3%40%5%459
Not the word of God26%9%4%60%1%3,024
Other/don't know39%9%4%47%2%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners 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 literally78%11%5%5%1%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%19%10%9%1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know75%10%6%5%4%459
Not the word of God39%17%12%32%1%3,024
Other/don't know55%14%11%17%3%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners 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 literally47%15%10%26%2%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%19%15%23%1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know41%16%12%26%5%459
Not the word of God42%17%15%25%1%3,024
Other/don't know44%16%14%24%2%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Interpreting scriptureReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally70%3%23%3%1%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%8%43%4%2%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know57%5%27%2%9%459
Not the word of God8%15%64%12%1%3,024
Other/don't know23%9%56%6%5%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who say…

Interpreting scriptureThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally61%37%1%1%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%52%1%< 1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know54%37%6%3%459
Not the word of God30%69%1%< 1%3,024
Other/don't know35%60%3%2%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners 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 literally67%11%5%16%1%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%14%10%36%< 1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know64%8%7%20%1%459
Not the word of God9%6%8%77%< 1%3,024
Other/don't know26%12%9%51%1%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%5%5%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally91%5%4%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know83%4%13%459
Not the word of God51%41%9%3,024
Other/don't know67%12%20%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally86%9%6%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally75%19%7%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know78%10%12%459
Not the word of God35%58%8%3,024
Other/don't know51%28%21%823
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

Political ideology among republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally74%17%7%2%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%32%6%1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know72%18%1%8%459
Not the word of God43%43%12%2%3,024
Other/don't know53%34%9%4%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally73%23%1%2%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally81%17%1%1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know76%12%5%7%459
Not the word of God80%17%1%1%3,024
Other/don't know77%16%3%3%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners 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 literally69%27%3%2%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%26%3%1%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know66%19%8%6%459
Not the word of God69%27%3%1%3,024
Other/don't know60%27%9%4%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally22%75%3%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%62%2%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know18%71%11%459
Not the word of God68%29%3%3,024
Other/don't know48%41%11%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%68%3%3%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%39%4%3%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know25%58%9%9%459
Not the word of God77%17%3%2%3,024
Other/don't know54%30%10%6%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%78%5%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%53%7%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know18%71%11%459
Not the word of God67%26%7%3,024
Other/don't know46%38%16%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners 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 literally60%35%2%3%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%42%2%2%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know56%30%9%6%459
Not the word of God51%45%2%2%3,024
Other/don't know54%35%5%7%823
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 republicans and Republican leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of republicans and Republican leaners 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 literally7%19%1%68%4%4,765
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%38%3%39%4%4,660
Word of God; other/don't know7%16%3%57%17%459
Not the word of God57%23%4%15%2%3,024
Other/don't know25%30%11%23%10%823
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.