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
201410%11%1%72%7%7,556
200711%13%1%64%10%5,048
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%45%21%8%542
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%37%23%7%699
Not the word of God37%36%18%9%5,633
Other/don't know26%41%22%11%510
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally15%22%34%24%6%< 1%542
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%19%30%25%4%< 1%699
Not the word of God24%22%27%22%5%< 1%5,633
Other/don't know14%22%32%25%6%2%510
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%50%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%47%713
Not the word of God59%41%5,713
Other/don't know56%44%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%29%2%23%3%539
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%12%3%17%6%700
Not the word of God73%6%6%11%4%5,629
Other/don't know66%8%6%13%7%507
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally23%5%72%529
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%10%78%694
Not the word of God11%14%75%5,647
Other/don't know12%9%79%513
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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 literally60%21%13%6%453
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%19%23%12%635
Not the word of God27%20%28%24%5,239
Other/don't know42%21%21%16%422
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally74%18%6%2%544
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%31%9%4%709
Not the word of God30%34%22%14%5,701
Other/don't know40%37%15%8%524
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%11%16%5%38%544
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%9%13%4%36%711
Not the word of God38%12%10%2%37%5,694
Other/don't know39%10%11%4%36%520
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally33%67%545
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%69%712
Not the word of God24%76%5,694
Other/don't know31%69%526
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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%20%5%1%1%< 1%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%31%7%< 1%4%1%713
Not the word of God15%21%13%< 1%44%7%5,713
Other/don't know38%25%7%1%15%12%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%30%10%7%1%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%39%22%9%1%713
Not the word of God4%17%28%50%1%5,713
Other/don't know18%29%26%23%3%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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 literally21%37%42%1%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally8%40%52%1%713
Not the word of God1%19%79%< 1%5,713
Other/don't know4%28%68%< 1%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%20%5%18%< 1%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%22%11%29%< 1%713
Not the word of God11%7%6%75%< 1%5,713
Other/don't know28%13%9%48%3%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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 literally25%11%7%55%< 1%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally7%6%8%79%< 1%713
Not the word of God2%1%3%94%< 1%5,713
Other/don't know4%5%3%88%1%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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 literally37%9%3%49%2%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%7%4%61%1%713
Not the word of God24%11%5%59%1%5,713
Other/don't know30%8%3%57%2%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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 literally53%14%10%21%3%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%16%12%30%1%713
Not the word of God37%16%11%34%2%5,713
Other/don't know41%14%9%32%5%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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 literally41%13%9%34%2%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%13%11%37%< 1%713
Not the word of God49%17%13%21%1%5,713
Other/don't know45%14%12%27%2%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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 literally37%7%46%8%2%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally14%11%63%9%3%713
Not the word of God2%20%57%20%1%5,713
Other/don't know6%16%60%12%6%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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%2%2%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%70%1%1%713
Not the word of God18%81%1%1%5,713
Other/don't know22%74%2%2%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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 literally37%14%5%43%1%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally18%13%8%60%< 1%713
Not the word of God4%3%6%87%< 1%5,713
Other/don't know12%6%5%76%2%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally87%9%4%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally78%15%7%713
Not the word of God23%68%9%5,713
Other/don't know46%27%27%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally70%26%5%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%32%6%713
Not the word of God15%78%7%5,713
Other/don't know36%39%26%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%30%44%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%28%42%713
Not the word of God22%19%59%5,713
Other/don't know24%36%40%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally33%28%25%14%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%41%26%10%713
Not the word of God15%36%44%6%5,713
Other/don't know23%37%24%16%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%64%1%4%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%44%2%2%713
Not the word of God48%45%3%3%5,713
Other/don't know46%34%8%11%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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 literally39%53%4%3%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%50%2%1%713
Not the word of God34%61%3%1%5,713
Other/don't know36%45%12%7%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%57%6%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%41%4%713
Not the word of God82%15%3%5,713
Other/don't know61%25%15%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%39%3%6%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%20%4%2%713
Not the word of God90%7%2%1%5,713
Other/don't know69%15%8%8%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%51%10%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%28%6%713
Not the word of God87%9%4%5,713
Other/don't know64%21%16%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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 literally44%48%1%7%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%59%2%2%713
Not the word of God23%73%2%2%5,713
Other/don't know30%56%6%8%529
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 the Unaffiliated by interpretation of scripture

% of the Unaffiliated 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 literally22%25%3%44%7%546
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%34%3%29%2%713
Not the word of God77%9%4%9%1%5,713
Other/don't know37%21%14%16%11%529
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.