Religious tradition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
| Survey year | Buddhist | Catholic | Evangelical Protestant | Hindu | Historically Black Protestant | Jehovah's Witness | Jewish | Mainline Protestant | Mormon | Muslim | Orthodox Christian | Other Christian | Other Faiths | Other World Religions | Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | < 1% | 28% | 28% | < 1% | 6% | 1% | 2% | 20% | 3% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 9% | < 1% | 9,542 |
| 2007 | < 1% | 32% | 24% | < 1% | 5% | 1% | 2% | 23% | 3% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 8% | < 1% | 9,841 |
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: Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Historically Black Protestant, Jehovah's Witness, Jewish, Mainline Protestant, Mormon, Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are ages…
| Religious tradition | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 18% | 31% | 29% | 21% | 2,722 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 25% | 36% | 25% | 14% | 2,430 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 34% | 35% | 21% | 10% | 453 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 16% | 36% | 29% | 20% | 101 |
| Jewish | 29% | 31% | 21% | 20% | 177 |
| Mainline Protestant | 20% | 30% | 25% | 25% | 2,133 |
| Mormon | 26% | 39% | 20% | 14% | 356 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 34% | 37% | 23% | 7% | 699 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
| Religious tradition | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 13% | 9% | 27% | 35% | 14% | 1% | 2,722 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 16% | 16% | 29% | 29% | 10% | < 1% | 2,430 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 21% | 20% | 29% | 25% | 6% | 1% | 453 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 14% | 7% | 30% | 37% | 12% | < 1% | 101 |
| Jewish | 18% | 13% | 29% | 26% | 13% | 2% | 177 |
| Mainline Protestant | 14% | 11% | 25% | 32% | 16% | 2% | 2,133 |
| Mormon | 16% | 18% | 31% | 24% | 9% | 1% | 356 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 22% | 19% | 30% | 25% | 4% | < 1% | 699 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Gender composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
| Religious tradition | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 44% | 56% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 47% | 53% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 36% | 64% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 39% | 61% | 102 |
| Jewish | 52% | 48% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 43% | 57% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 49% | 51% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 53% | 47% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…
| Religious tradition | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 69% | 3% | 4% | 23% | 2% | 2,740 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 77% | 6% | 2% | 9% | 5% | 2,451 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 2% | 92% | < 1% | 5% | 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 46% | 19% | < 1% | 27% | 8% | 101 |
| Jewish | 88% | 3% | < 1% | 7% | 1% | 181 |
| Mainline Protestant | 87% | 3% | 1% | 5% | 3% | 2,142 |
| Mormon | 91% | < 1% | 1% | 6% | 2% | 355 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 63% | 12% | 3% | 17% | 6% | 700 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
| Religious tradition | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 19% | 15% | 66% | 2,751 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 8% | 7% | 84% | 2,447 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 6% | 7% | 87% | 456 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 20% | 6% | 75% | 102 |
| Jewish | 15% | 22% | 64% | 182 |
| Mainline Protestant | 6% | 7% | 87% | 2,145 |
| Mormon | 3% | 8% | 89% | 359 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 12% | 10% | 78% | 694 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have a household income of…
| Religious tradition | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 27% | 21% | 31% | 21% | 2,400 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 30% | 22% | 31% | 18% | 2,232 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 41% | 22% | 26% | 11% | 423 |
| Jewish | 18% | 15% | 23% | 44% | 159 |
| Mainline Protestant | 24% | 21% | 29% | 26% | 1,867 |
| Mormon | 23% | 20% | 36% | 21% | 329 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 45% | 19% | 23% | 12% | 635 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have completed…
| Religious tradition | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 40% | 29% | 20% | 12% | 2,764 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 35% | 38% | 17% | 10% | 2,462 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 38% | 40% | 11% | 11% | 464 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 56% | 32% | 8% | 4% | 102 |
| Jewish | 23% | 27% | 26% | 24% | 183 |
| Mainline Protestant | 32% | 34% | 20% | 13% | 2,154 |
| Mormon | 20% | 42% | 26% | 11% | 359 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 57% | 31% | 9% | 4% | 709 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Marital status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
| Religious tradition | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 55% | 6% | 10% | 7% | 22% | 2,770 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 50% | 6% | 14% | 6% | 24% | 2,463 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 28% | 7% | 18% | 4% | 44% | 464 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 55% | 8% | 9% | 7% | 21% | 102 |
| Jewish | 63% | 6% | 5% | 6% | 21% | 183 |
| Mainline Protestant | 56% | 5% | 10% | 8% | 21% | 2,151 |
| Mormon | 68% | 2% | 7% | 3% | 20% | 359 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 38% | 9% | 13% | 4% | 36% | 711 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
| Religious tradition | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 30% | 70% | 2,763 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 34% | 66% | 2,456 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 33% | 67% | 464 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 29% | 71% | 102 |
| Jewish | 31% | 69% | 182 |
| Mainline Protestant | 28% | 72% | 2,156 |
| Mormon | 43% | 57% | 358 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 31% | 69% | 712 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they…
| Religious tradition | Believe in God; absolutely certain | Believe in God; fairly certain | Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | Believe in God; don't know | Do not believe in God | Other/don't know if they believe in God | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 75% | 22% | 2% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 84% | 15% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 87% | 12% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 87% | 12% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 1% | 102 |
| Jewish | 60% | 33% | 4% | < 1% | 3% | < 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 74% | 24% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 91% | 8% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 56% | 31% | 7% | < 1% | 4% | 1% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is…
| Religious tradition | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 63% | 32% | 4% | 1% | < 1% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 68% | 28% | 2% | 1% | < 1% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 77% | 19% | 2% | 2% | < 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 92% | 8% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 102 |
| Jewish | 55% | 40% | 4% | 1% | < 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 57% | 37% | 5% | 1% | < 1% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 85% | 13% | 2% | < 1% | < 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 29% | 39% | 22% | 9% | 1% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend religious services…
| Religious tradition | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 45% | 40% | 14% | < 1% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 48% | 37% | 14% | < 1% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 43% | 48% | 9% | < 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 86% | 12% | 2% | < 1% | 102 |
| Jewish | 32% | 49% | 19% | < 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 36% | 45% | 19% | < 1% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 80% | 12% | 8% | < 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 8% | 40% | 52% | 1% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of prayer among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray…
| Religious tradition | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 63% | 22% | 6% | 9% | < 1% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 70% | 20% | 5% | 5% | < 1% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 79% | 14% | 5% | 2% | 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 93% | 5% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 102 |
| Jewish | 48% | 24% | 10% | 18% | 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 57% | 26% | 7% | 9% | 1% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 88% | 7% | 2% | 3% | < 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 37% | 22% | 11% | 29% | < 1% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group…
| Religious tradition | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 18% | 10% | 12% | 60% | 1% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 31% | 15% | 11% | 43% | < 1% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 33% | 16% | 11% | 39% | < 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 86% | 5% | 2% | 7% | < 1% | 102 |
| Jewish | 23% | 12% | 20% | 45% | < 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 18% | 12% | 12% | 59% | < 1% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 75% | 6% | 3% | 16% | < 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 7% | 6% | 8% | 79% | < 1% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of meditation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate…
| Religious tradition | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 38% | 8% | 5% | 48% | 1% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 41% | 8% | 3% | 47% | 1% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 47% | 13% | 5% | 36% | < 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 82% | 1% | 1% | 13% | 3% | 102 |
| Jewish | 33% | 9% | 3% | 54% | 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 32% | 9% | 6% | 52% | 1% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 59% | 11% | 2% | 28% | 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 28% | 7% | 4% | 61% | 1% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Religious tradition | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 59% | 18% | 12% | 11% | 1% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 66% | 17% | 8% | 8% | < 1% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 69% | 15% | 9% | 7% | < 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 84% | 3% | 5% | 4% | 4% | 102 |
| Jewish | 47% | 17% | 19% | 17% | < 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 54% | 22% | 12% | 11% | 1% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 80% | 11% | 4% | 4% | 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 41% | 16% | 12% | 30% | 1% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Religious tradition | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 40% | 16% | 16% | 28% | 1% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 45% | 20% | 13% | 21% | 1% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 35% | 19% | 13% | 31% | 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 61% | 20% | 3% | 14% | 2% | 102 |
| Jewish | 45% | 20% | 13% | 21% | 2% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 41% | 17% | 15% | 25% | 1% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 46% | 27% | 13% | 13% | < 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 39% | 13% | 11% | 37% | < 1% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Religious tradition | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 34% | 9% | 48% | 7% | 2% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 50% | 8% | 37% | 3% | 2% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 39% | 8% | 46% | 6% | 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 78% | 2% | 13% | 3% | 4% | 102 |
| Jewish | 34% | 9% | 47% | 6% | 4% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 32% | 9% | 52% | 5% | 2% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 65% | 3% | 28% | 1% | 2% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 14% | 11% | 63% | 9% | 3% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…
| Religious tradition | There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | Right or wrong depends on the situation | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 35% | 63% | 1% | < 1% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 41% | 57% | 1% | < 1% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 27% | 72% | < 1% | < 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 64% | 32% | 3% | 1% | 102 |
| Jewish | 27% | 70% | 3% | < 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 33% | 65% | 1% | 1% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 58% | 40% | 2% | < 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 28% | 70% | 1% | 1% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture…
| Religious tradition | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 25% | 13% | 12% | 50% | < 1% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 50% | 15% | 10% | 24% | < 1% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 53% | 18% | 9% | 20% | < 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 89% | 4% | 3% | 5% | < 1% | 102 |
| Jewish | 33% | 6% | 16% | 45% | < 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 31% | 15% | 14% | 39% | < 1% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 79% | 7% | 5% | 9% | 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 18% | 13% | 8% | 60% | < 1% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in heaven
| Religious tradition | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 94% | 4% | 2% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 90% | 5% | 5% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 94% | 4% | 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 49% | 40% | 12% | 102 |
| Jewish | 71% | 22% | 7% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 89% | 5% | 5% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 97% | 2% | 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 78% | 15% | 7% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in hell
| Religious tradition | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 72% | 22% | 6% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 78% | 15% | 7% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 79% | 16% | 5% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 4% | 94% | 2% | 102 |
| Jewish | 39% | 55% | 6% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 68% | 23% | 9% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 62% | 33% | 5% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 62% | 32% | 6% | 713 |
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.
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…
| Religious tradition | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 46% | 15% | 39% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 55% | 13% | 32% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 11% | 10% | 79% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 8% | 75% | 17% | 102 |
| Jewish | 40% | 11% | 49% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 52% | 13% | 35% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 78% | 8% | 14% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 31% | 28% | 42% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…
| Religious tradition | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 42% | 39% | 16% | 3% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 47% | 34% | 14% | 4% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 29% | 42% | 26% | 4% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 19% | 20% | 12% | 48% | 102 |
| Jewish | 35% | 36% | 26% | 3% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 39% | 42% | 16% | 4% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 66% | 25% | 6% | 3% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 24% | 41% | 26% | 10% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who would rather have…
| Religious tradition | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 56% | 39% | 2% | 2% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 64% | 31% | 2% | 2% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 29% | 66% | 2% | 3% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 37% | 40% | 3% | 19% | 102 |
| Jewish | 50% | 48% | < 1% | 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 64% | 31% | 2% | 3% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 83% | 15% | < 1% | 2% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 52% | 44% | 2% | 2% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…
| Religious tradition | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 51% | 45% | 3% | 1% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 54% | 42% | 3% | 1% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 28% | 67% | 4% | 1% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 25% | 65% | 8% | 2% | 102 |
| Jewish | 45% | 53% | 1% | 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 53% | 42% | 3% | 2% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 66% | 30% | 3% | 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 47% | 50% | 2% | 1% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about abortion among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say abortion should be…
| Religious tradition | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 44% | 54% | 3% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 42% | 56% | 3% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 66% | 32% | 2% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 21% | 74% | 5% | 102 |
| Jewish | 73% | 24% | 3% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 58% | 40% | 2% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 24% | 75% | 1% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 55% | 41% | 4% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say homosexuality…
| Religious tradition | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 69% | 23% | 4% | 4% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 52% | 41% | 5% | 3% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 61% | 32% | 4% | 3% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 13% | 82% | 3% | 2% | 102 |
| Jewish | 74% | 24% | 2% | < 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 70% | 23% | 4% | 3% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 34% | 59% | 4% | 2% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 74% | 20% | 4% | 2% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …same-sex marriage
| Religious tradition | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 56% | 36% | 9% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 42% | 52% | 7% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 52% | 42% | 6% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 15% | 78% | 7% | 102 |
| Jewish | 66% | 28% | 7% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 59% | 33% | 7% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 21% | 74% | 5% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 66% | 28% | 6% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about environmental regulation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…
| Religious tradition | Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy | Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 40% | 56% | 2% | 2% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 43% | 54% | 2% | 2% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 35% | 63% | < 1% | 2% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 26% | 62% | 8% | 5% | 102 |
| Jewish | 38% | 61% | < 1% | < 1% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 41% | 56% | 2% | 2% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 55% | 42% | 1% | 2% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 37% | 59% | 2% | 2% | 713 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say humans…
| Religious tradition | Evolved; due to natural processes | Evolved; due to God's design | Evolved; don't know how | Always existed in present form | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 24% | 40% | 4% | 29% | 3% | 2,774 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 14% | 36% | 2% | 46% | 3% | 2,469 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 18% | 38% | 2% | 40% | 2% | 466 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 5% | 13% | < 1% | 77% | 5% | 102 |
| Jewish | 30% | 43% | 4% | 21% | 3% | 184 |
| Mainline Protestant | 19% | 41% | 4% | 31% | 5% | 2,158 |
| Mormon | 7% | 37% | 2% | 48% | 7% | 360 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 31% | 34% | 3% | 29% | 2% | 713 |
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.
