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
201429%30%3%31%6%19,186
200730%29%3%30%8%16,980
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by religious group

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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%13%2%75%8%102
Catholic19%43%2%29%7%3,868
Evangelical Protestant56%29%4%7%4%5,851
Historically Black Protestant54%29%2%11%5%454
Jewish12%30%3%45%9%336
Mainline Protestant23%39%3%27%9%3,687
Mormon30%59%5%3%3%524
Orthodox Christian15%44%3%27%11%120
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")6%12%1%74%7%3,541
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally10%32%32%25%5,335
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%34%27%20%5,941
Word of God; other/don't know12%30%29%29%527
Not the word of God27%36%24%13%5,758
Other/don't know15%33%29%23%1,231
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally6%8%28%39%17%2%5,335
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%12%28%33%13%1%5,941
Word of God; other/don't know8%9%25%36%20%2%527
Not the word of God17%17%28%28%8%1%5,758
Other/don't know7%13%28%36%14%2%1,231
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%51%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%48%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know50%50%558
Not the word of God64%36%5,844
Other/don't know56%44%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally80%8%1%8%3%5,382
Word of God; not everything taken literally83%4%2%7%4%5,966
Word of God; other/don't know83%4%2%6%5%539
Not the word of God78%4%5%10%4%5,740
Other/don't know77%6%4%8%5%1,248
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally7%7%86%5,403
Word of God; not everything taken literally7%9%84%5,997
Word of God; other/don't know7%8%85%547
Not the word of God11%12%77%5,787
Other/don't know10%10%80%1,269
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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 literally29%24%31%15%4,675
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%21%33%24%5,356
Word of God; other/don't know25%21%33%21%428
Not the word of God23%20%30%27%5,263
Other/don't know28%20%28%24%1,035
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%34%15%6%5,425
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%35%21%12%6,019
Word of God; other/don't know33%37%17%12%552
Not the word of God33%34%21%13%5,820
Other/don't know32%39%18%12%1,274
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally63%3%12%9%13%5,436
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%5%11%6%21%6,019
Word of God; other/don't know64%2%9%11%15%550
Not the word of God46%10%12%4%29%5,827
Other/don't know54%7%13%8%18%1,268
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally28%72%5,437
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%70%6,015
Word of God; other/don't know27%73%551
Not the word of God26%74%5,827
Other/don't know26%74%1,282
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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 literally94%5%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%19%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know91%7%< 1%1%< 1%1%558
Not the word of God29%30%12%1%23%5%5,844
Other/don't know61%23%5%2%4%6%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally87%11%1%1%< 1%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%30%6%2%< 1%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know83%13%2%1%2%558
Not the word of God15%31%25%27%1%5,844
Other/don't know44%35%11%8%2%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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 literally66%23%10%< 1%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%39%17%< 1%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know61%25%13%1%558
Not the word of God8%33%58%< 1%5,844
Other/don't know25%39%35%2%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%10%2%3%1%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%22%6%8%< 1%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know82%11%3%2%2%558
Not the word of God24%15%8%52%1%5,844
Other/don't know51%18%7%21%4%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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 literally50%13%9%27%< 1%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%11%11%52%< 1%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know41%11%9%38%1%558
Not the word of God5%3%5%87%< 1%5,844
Other/don't know14%7%8%68%2%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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 literally53%6%3%36%2%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%8%4%48%1%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know50%5%2%39%5%558
Not the word of God28%10%5%56%1%5,844
Other/don't know38%8%4%47%3%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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 literally80%9%5%5%1%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%19%10%10%1%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know76%11%5%5%3%558
Not the word of God41%17%12%30%1%5,844
Other/don't know53%15%10%19%4%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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%15%10%26%2%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%18%14%24%1%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know44%15%11%24%5%558
Not the word of God46%17%15%22%< 1%5,844
Other/don't know44%15%13%25%3%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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 literally68%3%25%2%2%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%8%45%4%2%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know56%4%29%3%8%558
Not the word of God6%16%63%14%1%5,844
Other/don't know21%12%55%7%5%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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 literally60%38%1%1%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%55%1%< 1%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know54%38%6%2%558
Not the word of God25%73%1%1%5,844
Other/don't know33%62%3%2%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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 literally68%10%6%15%1%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%13%11%37%< 1%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know62%12%6%18%2%558
Not the word of God8%6%9%77%< 1%5,844
Other/don't know24%12%10%52%2%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%5%6%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%6%5%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know80%6%14%558
Not the word of God44%48%9%5,844
Other/don't know66%14%19%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%10%6%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%21%7%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know71%13%16%558
Not the word of God28%64%8%5,844
Other/don't know50%29%20%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally66%14%21%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%13%23%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know62%21%17%558
Not the word of God41%20%38%5,844
Other/don't know48%26%26%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally69%20%7%4%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%35%9%3%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know63%21%5%10%558
Not the word of God27%45%23%5%5,844
Other/don't know38%39%14%9%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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 literally69%26%3%2%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%30%3%1%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know68%21%7%4%558
Not the word of God54%41%3%1%5,844
Other/don't know56%32%8%4%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally25%72%3%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%55%3%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know23%67%10%558
Not the word of God75%22%3%5,844
Other/don't know54%35%11%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally25%67%4%3%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%36%4%3%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know27%54%10%9%558
Not the word of God82%13%3%2%5,844
Other/don't know59%25%9%8%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%77%6%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%48%7%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know18%66%15%558
Not the word of God76%19%6%5,844
Other/don't know49%34%17%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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 literally60%34%3%3%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%47%2%1%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know55%31%8%5%558
Not the word of God37%59%2%2%5,844
Other/don't know45%45%6%5%1,291
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say humans…

Interpreting scriptureEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally7%19%2%67%5%5,455
Word of God; not everything taken literally17%39%3%37%3%6,038
Word of God; other/don't know6%19%3%57%14%558
Not the word of God61%20%5%13%2%5,844
Other/don't know27%28%12%23%10%1,291
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.