Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201449%44%3%3%12,132
200746%44%5%5%9,963
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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by religious group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who would rather have…

Religious traditionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Buddhist41%50%3%6%202
Catholic49%45%3%3%2,068
Evangelical Protestant61%33%2%4%636
Hindu47%49%4%< 1%119
Historically Black Protestant29%63%2%6%177
Jewish33%60%4%3%513
Mainline Protestant57%37%4%2%1,841
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")48%45%3%3%5,713
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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are ages…

Views about size of government18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services27%36%24%13%5,758
Bigger government; more services32%34%21%12%5,321
Depends19%34%27%19%447
Don't know26%34%24%16%426
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Views about size of governmentYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Smaller government; fewer services17%17%28%28%8%1%5,758
Bigger government; more services20%20%26%26%7%1%5,321
Depends9%20%25%32%13%2%447
Don't know14%19%26%28%11%1%426
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Views about size of governmentMenWomenSample size
Smaller government; fewer services64%36%5,844
Bigger government; more services48%52%5,399
Depends57%43%452
Don't know49%51%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who identify as…

Views about size of governmentWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services78%4%5%10%4%5,740
Bigger government; more services65%8%7%16%4%5,344
Depends79%5%4%6%6%446
Don't know72%6%2%13%7%425
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Views about size of governmentImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Smaller government; fewer services11%12%77%5,787
Bigger government; more services18%14%68%5,342
Depends9%12%80%447
Don't know13%9%78%432
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who have a household income of…

Views about size of governmentLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Smaller government; fewer services23%20%30%27%5,263
Bigger government; more services30%18%28%24%4,940
Depends30%14%27%28%392
Don't know31%20%24%26%362
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who have completed…

Views about size of governmentHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Smaller government; fewer services33%34%21%13%5,820
Bigger government; more services29%29%23%19%5,380
Depends26%34%24%16%451
Don't know28%37%22%13%431
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Views about size of governmentMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services46%10%12%4%29%5,827
Bigger government; more services41%12%11%4%33%5,374
Depends45%11%14%6%24%451
Don't know39%13%11%6%31%433
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Views about size of governmentParentsNon-parentsSample size
Smaller government; fewer services26%74%5,827
Bigger government; more services27%73%5,386
Depends24%76%450
Don't know20%80%436
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say they…

Views about size of governmentBelieve 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
Smaller government; fewer services29%30%12%1%23%5%5,844
Bigger government; more services26%27%13%< 1%30%4%5,399
Depends29%21%12%2%24%11%452
Don't know31%25%12%1%21%11%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say religion is…

Views about size of governmentVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services15%31%25%27%1%5,844
Bigger government; more services17%29%24%30%1%5,399
Depends24%25%18%31%2%452
Don't know15%31%21%30%3%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who attend religious services…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services8%33%58%< 1%5,844
Bigger government; more services10%33%57%< 1%5,399
Depends9%31%60%< 1%452
Don't know12%28%59%< 1%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who pray…

Views about size of governmentAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services24%15%8%52%1%5,844
Bigger government; more services23%15%8%53%< 1%5,399
Depends30%13%5%50%1%452
Don't know28%13%7%48%4%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who attend prayer group…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services5%3%5%87%< 1%5,844
Bigger government; more services5%4%5%86%< 1%5,399
Depends4%3%6%86%1%452
Don't know7%3%5%85%1%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who meditate…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services28%10%5%56%1%5,844
Bigger government; more services29%11%6%53%1%5,399
Depends42%8%4%45%1%452
Don't know34%9%6%48%3%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services41%17%12%30%1%5,844
Bigger government; more services42%18%12%27%1%5,399
Depends49%15%10%22%4%452
Don't know48%12%12%25%3%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services46%17%15%22%< 1%5,844
Bigger government; more services49%17%13%20%1%5,399
Depends55%15%11%16%3%452
Don't know48%17%10%23%2%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about size of governmentReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services6%16%63%14%1%5,844
Bigger government; more services6%21%52%19%1%5,399
Depends7%19%52%16%7%452
Don't know5%18%55%13%9%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say…

Views about size of governmentThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services25%73%1%1%5,844
Bigger government; more services15%84%1%1%5,399
Depends17%73%7%2%452
Don't know15%79%3%3%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who read scripture…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services8%6%9%77%< 1%5,844
Bigger government; more services8%7%7%78%< 1%5,399
Depends11%8%9%72%< 1%452
Don't know12%8%7%71%2%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …in heaven

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services44%48%9%5,844
Bigger government; more services39%53%8%5,399
Depends29%56%15%452
Don't know33%44%23%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …in hell

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services28%64%8%5,844
Bigger government; more services25%68%7%5,399
Depends18%67%15%452
Don't know22%61%17%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who identify as…

Views about size of governmentRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services41%20%38%5,844
Bigger government; more services10%13%77%5,399
Depends11%25%65%452
Don't know9%27%64%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Views about size of governmentConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services27%45%23%5%5,844
Bigger government; more services10%28%58%4%5,399
Depends7%39%44%10%452
Don't know9%41%38%12%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say government aid to the poor…

Views about size of governmentDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services54%41%3%1%5,844
Bigger government; more services18%79%2%1%5,399
Depends16%67%15%3%452
Don't know18%66%8%8%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say abortion should be…

Views about size of governmentLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services75%22%3%5,844
Bigger government; more services82%16%2%5,399
Depends80%9%11%452
Don't know75%14%11%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say homosexuality…

Views about size of governmentShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services82%13%3%2%5,844
Bigger government; more services91%7%1%1%5,399
Depends86%5%6%3%452
Don't know83%8%3%6%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …same-sex marriage

Views about size of governmentStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services76%19%6%5,844
Bigger government; more services87%9%3%5,399
Depends82%7%11%452
Don't know81%7%12%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say…

Views about size of governmentStricter 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
Smaller government; fewer services37%59%2%2%5,844
Bigger government; more services16%82%1%1%5,399
Depends11%78%8%4%452
Don't know14%72%7%6%437
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by views about size of government

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say humans…

Views about size of governmentEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services61%20%5%13%2%5,844
Bigger government; more services70%14%3%11%2%5,399
Depends65%15%9%6%5%452
Don't know60%15%10%8%6%437
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.