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
201426%28%3%36%7%24,900
200729%29%3%31%9%27,309
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 whites by religious group

% of whites 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
Buddhist2%5%< 1%84%9%141
Catholic17%42%3%30%8%4,827
Evangelical Protestant54%30%4%8%4%6,633
Jewish9%23%2%58%8%782
Mainline Protestant23%36%3%29%9%5,322
Mormon29%57%5%5%4%575
Orthodox Christian18%38%2%30%11%153
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")6%10%1%77%7%5,490
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally11%29%32%28%5,942
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%32%28%21%7,015
Word of God; other/don't know11%26%31%33%634
Not the word of God25%34%25%16%9,156
Other/don't know14%30%30%26%1,723
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally7%8%25%39%19%2%5,942
Word of God; not everything taken literally13%12%26%34%14%1%7,015
Word of God; other/don't know7%7%23%37%23%3%634
Not the word of God15%17%27%31%10%1%9,156
Other/don't know7%12%25%37%17%3%1,723
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%57%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%54%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know42%58%661
Not the word of God56%44%9,276
Other/don't know50%50%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally3%6%92%5,992
Word of God; not everything taken literally4%7%89%7,082
Word of God; other/don't know6%6%89%650
Not the word of God6%9%85%9,214
Other/don't know4%7%89%1,757
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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 literally35%23%28%13%5,158
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%21%32%22%6,287
Word of God; other/don't know35%17%30%18%506
Not the word of God23%18%31%29%8,419
Other/don't know34%19%26%21%1,417
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%31%12%5%6,030
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%33%19%12%7,105
Word of God; other/don't know41%35%16%8%653
Not the word of God27%31%24%17%9,247
Other/don't know36%35%16%13%1,768
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%3%13%11%13%6,037
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%5%12%7%20%7,107
Word of God; other/don't know61%3%11%13%12%655
Not the word of God47%11%12%4%26%9,247
Other/don't know49%9%13%11%18%1,758
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%74%6,042
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%71%7,100
Word of God; other/don't know24%76%655
Not the word of God24%76%9,259
Other/don't know23%77%1,776
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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%5%1%1%< 1%< 1%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally76%21%2%< 1%1%< 1%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know88%8%< 1%2%< 1%1%661
Not the word of God24%29%12%1%29%5%9,276
Other/don't know56%25%5%2%4%7%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%13%2%1%< 1%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%33%6%1%< 1%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know81%14%2%1%2%661
Not the word of God14%28%26%32%1%9,276
Other/don't know44%33%14%8%2%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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 literally61%25%13%1%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%39%19%< 1%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know55%28%16%1%661
Not the word of God8%31%61%< 1%9,276
Other/don't know24%39%36%2%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%11%2%4%1%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%22%6%9%< 1%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know80%12%3%3%2%661
Not the word of God21%15%8%56%1%9,276
Other/don't know48%18%7%23%4%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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 literally46%12%9%33%1%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%10%11%56%< 1%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know38%8%8%44%2%661
Not the word of God4%3%4%89%< 1%9,276
Other/don't know13%7%8%70%2%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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 literally48%6%3%41%2%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%8%4%52%1%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know44%7%3%41%5%661
Not the word of God27%10%5%56%1%9,276
Other/don't know39%8%4%46%3%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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 literally77%10%5%7%1%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%18%11%12%1%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know73%9%7%7%5%661
Not the word of God39%17%12%30%1%9,276
Other/don't know51%14%11%20%5%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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 literally44%15%11%29%2%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%18%14%25%1%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know41%12%11%29%7%661
Not the word of God47%18%14%21%1%9,276
Other/don't know45%15%13%23%3%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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 literally64%3%28%2%2%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%8%47%5%2%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know52%4%32%2%9%661
Not the word of God5%19%59%16%2%9,276
Other/don't know19%11%56%8%7%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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 literally54%43%1%1%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%59%1%< 1%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know48%44%5%2%661
Not the word of God21%77%1%1%9,276
Other/don't know28%67%3%2%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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 literally63%11%6%19%1%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%13%11%41%< 1%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know58%11%7%22%2%661
Not the word of God6%6%7%81%< 1%9,276
Other/don't know22%11%9%54%3%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%4%5%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%6%5%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know83%6%12%661
Not the word of God39%52%9%9,276
Other/don't know64%14%21%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%10%6%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%23%7%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know73%13%14%661
Not the word of God23%69%8%9,276
Other/don't know45%32%22%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally63%15%22%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%14%30%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know58%23%19%661
Not the word of God28%15%56%9,276
Other/don't know37%26%38%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally62%23%8%6%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%37%14%4%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know55%24%8%13%661
Not the word of God18%37%40%4%9,276
Other/don't know29%38%21%12%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally69%26%2%3%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%27%2%3%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know66%18%6%11%661
Not the word of God53%40%4%3%9,276
Other/don't know55%26%8%10%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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 literally62%33%3%2%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%40%3%1%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know56%28%9%7%661
Not the word of God36%60%3%1%9,276
Other/don't know40%46%9%5%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally28%69%3%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%51%3%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know28%61%11%661
Not the word of God81%16%3%9,276
Other/don't know59%30%11%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%63%4%4%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%31%4%3%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know31%53%9%8%661
Not the word of God88%8%2%2%9,276
Other/don't know67%20%7%6%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally20%73%7%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%42%7%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know23%61%16%661
Not the word of God83%12%5%9,276
Other/don't know60%26%13%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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 literally55%39%3%4%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%53%2%1%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know46%36%8%10%661
Not the word of God26%71%2%2%9,276
Other/don't know33%54%6%8%1,781
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 whites by interpretation of scripture

% of whites 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 literally8%20%2%64%5%6,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%39%3%36%3%7,125
Word of God; other/don't know7%21%4%51%16%661
Not the word of God69%16%4%9%1%9,276
Other/don't know30%27%14%19%10%1,781
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.