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%36%3%28%8%7,202
200723%36%3%27%11%8,054
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally14%37%28%21%1,510
Word of God; not everything taken literally18%31%29%21%2,722
Word of God; other/don't know10%26%30%34%198
Not the word of God19%34%31%16%2,042
Other/don't know16%31%29%24%589
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally8%11%32%33%14%2%1,510
Word of God; not everything taken literally13%9%27%35%14%1%2,722
Word of God; other/don't know4%7%25%35%27%3%198
Not the word of God12%14%28%36%10%1%2,042
Other/don't know9%11%27%35%16%2%589
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%56%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%56%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know32%68%205
Not the word of God54%46%2,068
Other/don't know45%55%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%5%3%51%2%1,534
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%3%4%23%2%2,740
Word of God; other/don't know54%1%1%40%3%196
Not the word of God64%2%3%30%1%2,048
Other/don't know60%2%2%33%3%595
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%14%41%1,517
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%15%66%2,751
Word of God; other/don't know35%14%51%200
Not the word of God24%15%61%2,056
Other/don't know25%14%61%603
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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 literally57%19%15%9%1,272
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%21%31%21%2,400
Word of God; other/don't know46%20%21%13%156
Not the word of God29%18%29%25%1,842
Other/don't know38%18%25%19%467
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally65%24%7%4%1,529
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%29%20%12%2,764
Word of God; other/don't know60%22%13%5%203
Not the word of God38%28%20%14%2,060
Other/don't know41%31%17%11%601
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%9%14%8%18%1,538
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%6%10%7%22%2,770
Word of God; other/don't know55%4%14%11%16%201
Not the word of God48%10%11%6%25%2,064
Other/don't know49%12%13%9%17%603
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%64%1,538
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%70%2,763
Word of God; other/don't know28%72%201
Not the word of God28%72%2,064
Other/don't know27%73%606
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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 literally73%23%2%2%< 1%< 1%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally75%22%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know78%16%1%5%< 1%1%205
Not the word of God42%39%12%1%5%2%2,068
Other/don't know62%27%6%2%< 1%3%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally79%18%1%1%< 1%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%32%4%1%< 1%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know78%21%1%< 1%< 1%205
Not the word of God30%45%18%6%1%2,068
Other/don't know56%35%6%1%1%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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 literally52%33%14%< 1%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%40%14%< 1%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know55%30%14%1%205
Not the word of God20%47%33%< 1%2,068
Other/don't know36%41%21%2%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally72%16%5%6%1%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%22%6%9%< 1%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know73%12%5%6%3%205
Not the word of God39%24%11%25%1%2,068
Other/don't know56%21%6%14%3%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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 literally27%14%12%47%< 1%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally18%10%12%60%1%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know25%10%11%53%2%205
Not the word of God7%4%6%82%< 1%2,068
Other/don't know14%10%8%66%2%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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 literally52%10%4%32%2%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%8%5%48%1%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know50%4%4%38%4%205
Not the word of God31%9%5%53%1%2,068
Other/don't know39%12%4%42%2%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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 literally66%14%8%10%1%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%18%12%11%1%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know66%11%12%7%4%205
Not the word of God44%18%13%23%1%2,068
Other/don't know56%18%10%14%3%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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%14%15%26%2%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%16%16%28%1%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know41%9%13%32%6%205
Not the word of God43%16%15%26%1%2,068
Other/don't know46%13%11%27%4%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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 literally44%8%36%10%2%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%9%48%7%2%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know38%4%43%5%11%205
Not the word of God12%13%58%14%2%2,068
Other/don't know24%10%54%7%5%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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 literally31%65%1%2%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%63%1%< 1%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know30%59%5%7%205
Not the word of God23%75%1%1%2,068
Other/don't know26%68%4%2%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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 literally41%13%10%35%1%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%13%12%50%< 1%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know33%13%10%40%3%205
Not the word of God11%8%9%72%< 1%2,068
Other/don't know21%12%11%54%2%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally94%3%3%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally94%4%2%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know87%7%6%205
Not the word of God68%24%8%2,068
Other/don't know75%8%16%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally76%17%7%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%22%6%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know69%16%15%205
Not the word of God44%48%8%2,068
Other/don't know50%31%19%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%23%43%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%15%39%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know30%34%36%205
Not the word of God32%16%52%2,068
Other/don't know34%24%42%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%27%23%6%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%39%16%3%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know46%24%13%18%205
Not the word of God23%40%32%4%2,068
Other/don't know35%37%19%9%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally35%62%2%2%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%39%2%2%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know42%40%6%11%205
Not the word of God49%45%3%3%2,068
Other/don't know46%39%8%7%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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 literally45%50%2%2%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%45%3%1%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know46%38%7%9%205
Not the word of God42%53%4%2%2,068
Other/don't know43%45%10%3%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%62%5%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%54%3%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know31%52%17%205
Not the word of God68%28%4%2,068
Other/don't know49%39%12%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%35%3%4%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%23%4%4%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know56%26%7%11%205
Not the word of God83%12%3%2%2,068
Other/don't know69%17%7%7%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%48%10%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%36%9%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know42%36%22%205
Not the word of God73%20%7%2,068
Other/don't know54%32%14%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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 literally45%49%2%5%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%56%2%2%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know38%44%5%13%205
Not the word of God33%63%2%3%2,068
Other/don't know40%49%6%5%610
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture

% of Catholics 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 literally21%28%3%43%5%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%40%4%29%3%2,774
Word of God; other/don't know15%20%7%37%20%205
Not the word of God50%25%4%17%4%2,068
Other/don't know28%30%12%21%9%610
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.