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
201427%30%3%35%5%600
200726%32%3%31%8%824
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 in Wisconsin by religious group

% of adults in Wisconsin 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
Catholic20%42%3%26%9%153
Evangelical Protestant54%31%4%7%3%135
Mainline Protestant30%36%4%22%7%126
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")6%15%< 1%75%3%136
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally16%33%33%18%156
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%35%27%22%174
Not the word of God30%35%24%12%203
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally10%13%26%36%13%2%156
Word of God; not everything taken literally13%7%32%32%16%2%174
Not the word of God17%20%28%29%6%1%203
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%55%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%55%180
Not the word of God58%42%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%10%< 1%6%3%157
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%3%1%5%2%180
Not the word of God86%3%3%4%3%202
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally7%3%90%153
Word of God; not everything taken literally4%10%86%179
Not the word of God6%7%87%205
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally39%24%26%10%135
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%19%39%17%152
Not the word of God31%19%31%19%192
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%34%13%4%157
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%33%20%6%180
Not the word of God34%34%18%14%205
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%3%9%7%21%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%5%15%7%18%179
Not the word of God46%9%12%4%29%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%70%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%65%178
Not the word of God27%73%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally89%10%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%30%1%< 1%1%2%180
Not the word of God20%28%15%1%32%3%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally76%18%4%1%1%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%41%7%2%< 1%180
Not the word of God12%31%25%32%< 1%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally51%36%13%< 1%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%54%14%1%180
Not the word of God5%34%61%< 1%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally68%18%2%10%2%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%27%11%8%< 1%180
Not the word of God21%15%6%56%2%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally37%11%13%40%< 1%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally14%9%17%59%2%180
Not the word of God1%4%2%91%1%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally42%3%8%45%2%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%10%9%56%1%180
Not the word of God23%9%5%62%< 1%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally67%7%11%15%< 1%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%26%9%12%< 1%180
Not the word of God36%19%12%33%< 1%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally42%19%11%26%3%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%18%19%28%1%180
Not the word of God38%24%16%23%< 1%206
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally64%4%25%4%4%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%9%49%7%3%180
Not the word of God8%20%57%15%1%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally41%56%3%< 1%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%69%1%< 1%180
Not the word of God22%77%1%< 1%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally46%10%10%33%1%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%17%11%47%< 1%180
Not the word of God8%5%5%82%< 1%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally89%3%8%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally87%6%7%180
Not the word of God42%49%8%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%8%10%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%25%4%180
Not the word of God27%65%8%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%19%29%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%14%29%180
Not the word of God19%12%69%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally63%24%8%4%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%42%12%2%180
Not the word of God23%39%37%1%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally65%30%3%3%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%31%2%1%180
Not the word of God49%47%2%2%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally61%34%3%2%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%40%2%1%180
Not the word of God30%66%2%2%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%68%2%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%51%2%180
Not the word of God78%18%3%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%63%1%2%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%26%1%5%180
Not the word of God89%9%1%< 1%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally28%70%2%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%38%6%180
Not the word of God83%12%5%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally55%40%1%3%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%61%2%1%180
Not the word of God24%74%1%1%206
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 in Wisconsin by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Wisconsin 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 literally9%19%1%62%10%158
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%40%1%34%5%180
Not the word of God70%18%2%9%1%206
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.