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%24%2%40%7%17,359
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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
Buddhist3%9%1%74%14%195
Catholic27%33%2%30%7%3,406
Evangelical Protestant50%32%3%10%5%3,065
Hindu14%14%< 1%63%10%114
Historically Black Protestant61%24%2%8%5%1,285
Jehovah's Witness45%42%7%2%4%142
Jewish6%20%1%68%5%567
Mainline Protestant22%32%2%34%10%2,890
Mormon26%51%4%14%5%209
Muslim37%32%8%15%7%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")9%9%1%76%5%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%34%29%20%3,911
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%33%24%16%4,145
Word of God; other/don't know13%26%33%28%333
Not the word of God29%34%23%13%7,449
Other/don't know19%31%28%22%1,188
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally10%12%28%34%13%2%3,911
Word of God; not everything taken literally18%14%27%29%10%1%4,145
Word of God; other/don't know7%10%22%39%19%3%333
Not the word of God18%19%26%28%7%1%7,449
Other/don't know10%14%26%34%14%2%1,188
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%61%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%60%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know44%56%348
Not the word of God52%48%7,554
Other/don't know46%54%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%29%3%22%4%3,960
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%15%3%16%4%4,193
Word of God; other/don't know51%16%2%23%7%341
Not the word of God72%7%6%12%4%7,460
Other/don't know64%13%5%14%5%1,200
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally22%8%71%3,918
Word of God; not everything taken literally14%12%74%4,174
Word of God; other/don't know26%5%69%337
Not the word of God14%13%73%7,477
Other/don't know15%9%76%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.

Income distribution among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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 literally59%20%15%6%3,444
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%21%25%16%3,755
Word of God; other/don't know49%20%18%13%267
Not the word of God29%18%27%26%6,868
Other/don't know43%19%20%17%999
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally61%27%8%4%3,964
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%33%16%12%4,207
Word of God; other/don't know52%26%14%8%341
Not the word of God27%31%24%19%7,526
Other/don't know37%33%16%14%1,219
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%7%17%10%23%3,979
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%6%14%6%29%4,214
Word of God; other/don't know43%6%19%13%19%345
Not the word of God42%11%12%4%31%7,527
Other/don't know42%9%15%8%26%1,215
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%69%3,986
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%70%4,208
Word of God; other/don't know27%73%345
Not the word of God25%75%7,533
Other/don't know27%73%1,225
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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 literally86%11%1%1%< 1%< 1%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally75%21%2%< 1%1%< 1%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know84%10%1%3%1%1%348
Not the word of God25%27%13%< 1%30%5%7,554
Other/don't know58%26%7%2%3%5%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%12%2%1%< 1%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%31%6%2%< 1%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know80%15%2%1%< 1%348
Not the word of God16%28%24%31%1%7,554
Other/don't know48%33%12%6%2%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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 literally58%28%14%< 1%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%41%19%< 1%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know50%32%17%1%348
Not the word of God9%33%58%< 1%7,554
Other/don't know27%40%31%2%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally79%13%3%5%1%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%20%6%9%< 1%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know79%9%2%7%3%348
Not the word of God24%14%8%54%1%7,554
Other/don't know51%19%7%20%4%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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 literally45%13%10%31%1%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%13%11%52%< 1%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know39%9%9%41%2%348
Not the word of God5%4%5%86%< 1%7,554
Other/don't know17%8%7%66%2%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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 literally54%8%3%33%2%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%9%4%45%1%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know55%5%3%32%4%348
Not the word of God31%11%6%51%1%7,554
Other/don't know40%10%4%44%2%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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 literally74%11%6%7%1%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%18%11%12%1%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know73%10%6%7%5%348
Not the word of God43%17%12%26%1%7,554
Other/don't know56%13%10%18%3%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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 literally47%14%11%27%2%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%18%14%25%1%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know48%11%8%25%8%348
Not the word of God51%17%14%17%1%7,554
Other/don't know48%15%13%22%2%1,235
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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 literally57%5%32%5%1%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%11%45%7%2%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know52%3%31%4%9%348
Not the word of God5%22%53%18%2%7,554
Other/don't know20%12%52%9%7%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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 literally34%64%1%1%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%70%1%1%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know31%61%5%4%348
Not the word of God16%82%1%1%7,554
Other/don't know23%72%3%1%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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 literally61%12%7%20%1%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%15%11%36%< 1%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know57%12%6%22%3%348
Not the word of God8%7%8%77%< 1%7,554
Other/don't know28%11%10%48%3%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally92%5%3%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally88%7%4%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know81%7%12%348
Not the word of God37%55%8%7,554
Other/don't know65%17%19%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%13%5%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%26%7%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know67%17%16%348
Not the word of God23%71%7%7,554
Other/don't know45%35%20%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%20%53%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%17%57%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know23%34%44%348
Not the word of God11%15%74%7,554
Other/don't know17%24%59%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%31%20%8%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%44%25%5%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know32%33%19%16%348
Not the word of God10%34%53%4%7,554
Other/don't know18%39%32%10%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%66%2%3%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%57%2%3%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know31%51%8%11%348
Not the word of God34%59%4%4%7,554
Other/don't know32%51%8%9%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally38%57%5%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%41%3%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know38%47%14%348
Not the word of God84%14%2%7,554
Other/don't know63%26%11%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%48%4%4%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%24%3%2%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know47%33%9%11%348
Not the word of God91%6%1%1%7,554
Other/don't know70%19%6%5%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%58%8%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%32%6%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know39%43%18%348
Not the word of God88%8%3%7,554
Other/don't know66%24%10%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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 literally38%55%2%4%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%70%1%2%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know29%56%3%12%348
Not the word of God15%82%1%1%7,554
Other/don't know25%66%4%4%1,235
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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 literally15%25%2%53%5%3,998
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%39%3%33%3%4,224
Word of God; other/don't know11%25%8%39%18%348
Not the word of God70%15%4%10%1%7,554
Other/don't know31%28%12%21%8%1,235
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.