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
20144%8%< 1%79%7%2,969
20074%9%1%76%11%2,006
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; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%40%15%9%208
Not the word of God35%36%20%10%2,395
Other/don't know26%42%22%10%211
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%19%33%18%6%< 1%208
Not the word of God22%20%28%24%6%< 1%2,395
Other/don't know14%24%30%26%5%1%211
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%44%212
Not the word of God55%45%2,426
Other/don't know54%46%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%11%2%13%5%210
Not the word of God74%6%6%11%3%2,388
Other/don't know68%4%6%14%7%213
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally11%10%79%204
Not the word of God12%13%74%2,390
Other/don't know13%9%78%211
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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; not everything taken literally47%21%23%9%186
Not the word of God26%22%29%23%2,188
Other/don't know42%21%24%14%181
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%29%9%6%209
Not the word of God32%34%20%14%2,418
Other/don't know39%38%16%7%218
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%9%13%4%40%212
Not the word of God41%11%10%2%36%2,418
Other/don't know40%7%12%4%38%215
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%73%212
Not the word of God25%75%2,413
Other/don't know28%72%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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; not everything taken literally39%38%14%< 1%8%1%212
Not the word of God14%23%17%1%39%7%2,426
Other/don't know25%25%9%3%17%20%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally< 1%< 1%69%29%2%212
Not the word of God< 1%< 1%45%54%1%2,426
Other/don't know< 1%< 1%53%40%7%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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; not everything taken literally2%23%74%1%212
Not the word of God1%17%82%< 1%2,426
Other/don't know1%25%74%< 1%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%18%13%53%< 1%212
Not the word of God8%7%6%78%< 1%2,426
Other/don't know20%8%5%64%3%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who attend prayer group…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally2%4%6%88%< 1%212
Not the word of God1%1%2%96%< 1%2,426
Other/don't know< 1%2%3%93%2%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally15%5%4%73%2%212
Not the word of God22%10%5%61%1%2,426
Other/don't know25%7%1%65%2%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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; not everything taken literally31%16%10%43%< 1%212
Not the word of God36%15%12%35%2%2,426
Other/don't know37%12%8%37%7%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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; not everything taken literally32%9%12%47%< 1%212
Not the word of God44%17%13%26%1%2,426
Other/don't know38%12%14%33%2%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Interpreting scriptureReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally8%17%62%11%2%212
Not the word of God1%17%63%17%1%2,426
Other/don't know2%13%64%16%6%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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; not everything taken literally28%71%1%1%212
Not the word of God18%81%1%1%2,426
Other/don't know19%76%2%3%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who read scripture…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally8%8%5%78%< 1%212
Not the word of God2%2%4%91%< 1%2,426
Other/don't know7%5%3%84%1%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%18%10%212
Not the word of God24%66%10%2,426
Other/don't know42%28%30%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%39%10%212
Not the word of God15%77%8%2,426
Other/don't know33%39%28%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%27%43%212
Not the word of God23%22%55%2,426
Other/don't know26%35%38%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%42%24%11%212
Not the word of God16%36%41%7%2,426
Other/don't know25%34%23%19%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%44%< 1%2%212
Not the word of God49%44%3%4%2,426
Other/don't know48%33%6%12%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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; not everything taken literally44%53%2%1%212
Not the word of God39%56%3%2%2,426
Other/don't know38%46%11%5%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%36%2%212
Not the word of God80%17%3%2,426
Other/don't know65%20%16%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally76%18%4%2%212
Not the word of God87%9%2%2%2,426
Other/don't know67%17%6%10%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%24%6%212
Not the word of God85%11%5%2,426
Other/don't know64%21%15%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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; not everything taken literally36%63%< 1%1%212
Not the word of God24%72%2%2%2,426
Other/don't know32%51%6%10%219
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 Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by interpretation of scripture

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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; not everything taken literally37%31%3%28%2%212
Not the word of God76%9%4%9%2%2,426
Other/don't know44%18%12%12%14%219
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.