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
201455%30%4%6%4%11,754
200757%28%5%5%5%10,833
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

Interpreting scripture among adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious group

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is…

Religious traditionWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic38%41%4%11%6%2,203
Evangelical Protestant67%24%4%2%3%5,299
Historically Black Protestant68%19%4%3%6%929
Jehovah's Witness49%39%7%1%3%194
Jewish26%49%5%14%7%126
Mainline Protestant43%39%4%8%6%1,825
Mormon38%55%6%< 1%1%428
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")51%22%4%17%6%441
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 adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%34%31%22%6,008
Word of God; not everything taken literally21%33%27%19%3,746
Word of God; other/don't know12%30%31%27%512
Not the word of God19%32%31%18%694
Other/don't know13%31%30%25%523
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally8%11%28%37%15%2%6,008
Word of God; not everything taken literally14%13%27%33%12%1%3,746
Word of God; other/don't know7%8%27%37%19%2%512
Not the word of God12%13%26%37%11%1%694
Other/don't know8%12%25%37%16%2%523
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%59%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%58%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know43%57%538
Not the word of God46%54%703
Other/don't know40%60%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally61%17%2%16%3%6,082
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%11%2%12%4%3,782
Word of God; other/don't know67%14%1%12%7%522
Not the word of God57%10%5%24%3%687
Other/don't know59%19%3%16%3%525
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally15%7%78%6,070
Word of God; not everything taken literally11%9%80%3,783
Word of God; other/don't know13%7%80%528
Not the word of God23%13%64%694
Other/don't know17%8%75%528
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally42%22%25%11%5,245
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%21%32%20%3,368
Word of God; other/don't know32%21%30%17%409
Not the word of God40%17%24%19%619
Other/don't know40%20%22%18%443
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%32%12%6%6,112
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%34%20%13%3,809
Word of God; other/don't know38%36%16%10%531
Not the word of God47%26%15%12%699
Other/don't know38%33%17%12%534
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%4%14%9%17%6,130
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%4%11%6%23%3,808
Word of God; other/don't know60%3%13%11%14%532
Not the word of God46%9%15%6%24%697
Other/don't know45%5%17%10%22%530
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%69%6,130
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%67%3,802
Word of God; other/don't know26%74%531
Not the word of God28%72%699
Other/don't know23%77%535
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 adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally92%7%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%9%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know90%7%< 1%1%< 1%1%538
Not the word of God60%26%7%1%5%1%703
Other/don't know83%13%1%2%1%< 1%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally93%6%1%< 1%< 1%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally85%13%1%1%< 1%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know90%8%< 1%1%1%538
Not the word of God57%30%8%4%1%703
Other/don't know82%12%2%2%1%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally72%20%8%< 1%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%27%9%< 1%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know67%22%10%2%538
Not the word of God30%42%27%1%703
Other/don't know50%34%13%3%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally87%9%1%2%< 1%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally81%14%2%2%< 1%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know89%7%< 1%1%2%538
Not the word of God58%20%6%15%< 1%703
Other/don't know77%11%3%6%4%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally56%13%8%22%1%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%13%11%35%< 1%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know54%11%7%27%1%538
Not the word of God21%9%10%60%< 1%703
Other/don't know35%12%12%40%2%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally58%6%3%31%3%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%8%3%38%1%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know57%4%2%31%6%538
Not the word of God44%9%4%42%1%703
Other/don't know50%10%5%30%5%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally83%8%4%4%1%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%14%6%5%1%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know81%9%5%2%3%538
Not the word of God60%13%11%15%1%703
Other/don't know74%12%3%7%4%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally50%14%9%24%2%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%18%12%21%1%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know54%10%8%22%6%538
Not the word of God48%16%13%22%1%703
Other/don't know54%11%11%20%3%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Interpreting scriptureThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%43%1%1%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%50%1%< 1%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know53%41%4%2%538
Not the word of God31%66%1%3%703
Other/don't know37%57%4%2%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally74%10%4%11%1%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%13%8%20%< 1%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know74%7%4%13%2%538
Not the word of God31%11%9%49%< 1%703
Other/don't know52%13%8%25%3%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%5%5%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%5%5%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know83%4%13%538
Not the word of God75%18%7%703
Other/don't know79%7%14%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%9%6%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally76%17%7%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know74%11%15%538
Not the word of God54%40%6%703
Other/don't know63%23%14%540
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 adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%17%32%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%15%33%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know48%25%28%538
Not the word of God32%20%48%703
Other/don't know32%25%43%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%22%11%7%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%33%12%5%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know50%25%9%16%538
Not the word of God30%31%32%7%703
Other/don't know37%29%21%13%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%39%2%3%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%33%2%3%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know57%25%7%11%538
Not the word of God47%47%4%3%703
Other/don't know46%40%6%7%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally52%42%4%2%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%44%3%1%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know48%36%10%5%538
Not the word of God43%51%3%2%703
Other/don't know44%43%9%4%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally24%73%4%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%63%2%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know21%67%12%538
Not the word of God55%42%3%703
Other/don't know39%50%11%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally28%64%4%4%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%44%5%3%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know26%57%10%7%538
Not the word of God68%24%4%3%703
Other/don't know42%40%10%7%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally19%75%7%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%57%7%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know18%65%17%538
Not the word of God61%32%7%703
Other/don't know39%48%13%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally50%44%2%4%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%54%2%2%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know41%43%8%8%538
Not the word of God40%54%2%4%703
Other/don't know39%47%7%7%540
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 religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 literally7%20%2%66%5%6,154
Word of God; not everything taken literally10%37%2%48%4%3,819
Word of God; other/don't know4%20%5%58%14%538
Not the word of God30%32%5%29%5%703
Other/don't know11%32%6%40%11%540
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.