Christians among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Survey yearChristianAll Non-ChristiansSample size
201490%10%9,811
200793%7%11,149
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: Christian, All Non-Christians

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages…

Christians18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Christian13%33%31%23%8,829
All Non-Christians29%42%21%9%767
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

ChristiansYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Christian8%10%28%37%15%2%8,829
All Non-Christians17%21%32%23%6%< 1%767
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

ChristiansMenWomenSample size
Christian42%58%9,031
All Non-Christians51%49%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who identify as…

ChristiansWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Christian58%18%2%18%3%8,924
All Non-Christians42%27%8%18%4%765
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

ChristiansImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Christian16%7%77%8,894
All Non-Christians29%9%62%751
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who have a household income of…

ChristiansLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Christian45%22%22%11%7,691
All Non-Christians57%20%16%7%634
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who have completed…

ChristiansHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Christian54%30%11%5%8,966
All Non-Christians66%20%9%5%775
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

ChristiansMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Christian53%5%15%10%18%8,991
All Non-Christians34%9%15%5%37%777
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

ChristiansParentsNon-parentsSample size
Christian30%70%8,999
All Non-Christians34%66%777
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they…

ChristiansBelieve 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
Christian89%9%1%1%< 1%< 1%9,031
All Non-Christians77%16%4%1%1%< 1%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is…

ChristiansVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Christian88%11%1%1%< 1%9,031
All Non-Christians58%26%9%6%1%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who attend religious services…

ChristiansAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian64%26%10%< 1%9,031
All Non-Christians28%36%36%1%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who pray…

ChristiansAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian82%12%2%3%1%9,031
All Non-Christians62%17%5%15%< 1%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who attend prayer group…

ChristiansAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian48%13%9%29%1%9,031
All Non-Christians30%12%9%49%1%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who meditate…

ChristiansAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian54%7%3%34%2%9,031
All Non-Christians39%8%4%45%4%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

ChristiansAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian77%10%5%6%1%9,031
All Non-Christians57%13%9%18%3%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

ChristiansAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian46%14%11%26%2%9,031
All Non-Christians43%14%10%31%2%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

ChristiansReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Christian62%4%28%4%2%9,031
All Non-Christians38%7%44%9%2%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say…

ChristiansThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Christian47%51%1%1%9,031
All Non-Christians29%66%2%2%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture…

ChristiansAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Christian65%11%6%17%1%9,031
All Non-Christians40%14%7%38%1%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who …in heaven

ChristiansBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Christian91%4%4%9,031
All Non-Christians87%9%4%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who …in hell

ChristiansBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Christian83%10%6%9,031
All Non-Christians70%24%6%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who identify as…

ChristiansRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Christian46%17%37%9,031
All Non-Christians25%30%45%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

ChristiansConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Christian55%25%14%7%9,031
All Non-Christians33%29%25%13%780
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 their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have…

ChristiansSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Christian51%44%2%3%9,031
All Non-Christians30%65%2%4%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…

ChristiansDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Christian51%44%3%2%9,031
All Non-Christians40%52%4%3%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say abortion should be…

ChristiansLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Christian31%65%4%9,031
All Non-Christians40%54%6%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say homosexuality…

ChristiansShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Christian36%56%4%4%9,031
All Non-Christians46%44%4%6%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who …same-sex marriage

ChristiansStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Christian25%67%8%9,031
All Non-Christians35%54%11%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say…

ChristiansStricter 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
Christian49%44%2%4%9,031
All Non-Christians43%49%2%6%780
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 the word of God and should be taken literally by religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say humans…

ChristiansEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Christian11%22%2%60%5%9,031
All Non-Christians20%23%2%46%8%780
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.