Interpreting scripture among 30-49 year olds

% of 30-49 year olds who say the holy scripture is…

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
201431%26%2%34%7%9,178
200732%27%3%28%9%11,823
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 30-49 year olds by religious group

% of 30-49 year olds 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
Catholic29%33%2%29%7%1,763
Evangelical Protestant52%32%4%8%4%2,168
Hindu14%11%1%60%14%109
Historically Black Protestant58%23%3%9%7%552
Jewish11%27%1%54%7%165
Mainline Protestant22%37%2%32%8%1,269
Mormon35%52%2%7%3%223
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")12%11%< 1%69%8%2,371
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

Generational cohort among 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally< 1%16%84%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally< 1%18%82%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know< 1%10%90%< 1%< 1%< 1%195
Not the word of God< 1%22%78%< 1%< 1%< 1%3,463
Other/don't know< 1%19%81%< 1%< 1%< 1%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%56%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%53%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know46%54%195
Not the word of God56%44%3,463
Other/don't know53%47%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%20%3%26%4%2,410
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%11%3%16%4%2,470
Word of God; other/don't know58%12%4%21%5%191
Not the word of God69%6%6%15%4%3,416
Other/don't know58%14%5%18%5%582
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%6%68%2,391
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%8%77%2,470
Word of God; other/don't know21%6%73%193
Not the word of God18%10%72%3,424
Other/don't know21%6%73%587
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds 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 literally43%22%22%12%2,191
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%20%33%24%2,334
Word of God; other/don't know31%19%31%20%171
Not the word of God22%18%30%30%3,277
Other/don't know30%19%29%21%516
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%30%12%6%2,421
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%33%22%14%2,487
Word of God; other/don't know36%36%17%11%194
Not the word of God26%29%25%20%3,458
Other/don't know36%34%17%13%595
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%7%15%2%20%2,430
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%8%14%1%15%2,487
Word of God; other/don't know64%6%12%1%16%193
Not the word of God54%12%12%1%21%3,458
Other/don't know50%11%14%2%23%590
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%40%2,421
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%36%2,485
Word of God; other/don't know65%35%193
Not the word of God51%49%3,453
Other/don't know55%45%594
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who say they…

Interpreting scriptureBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally86%11%1%1%< 1%< 1%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally77%20%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know90%8%< 1%1%< 1%1%195
Not the word of God28%29%12%< 1%26%5%3,463
Other/don't know59%26%5%1%3%5%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally83%13%2%1%1%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%31%6%2%< 1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know81%16%2%1%< 1%195
Not the word of God15%31%24%30%1%3,463
Other/don't know44%32%15%8%2%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who attend religious services…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally58%29%13%< 1%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%43%19%< 1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know52%32%15%2%195
Not the word of God8%33%59%< 1%3,463
Other/don't know21%44%33%1%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally79%12%3%6%1%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%20%7%9%< 1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know86%10%2%2%< 1%195
Not the word of God24%15%9%51%< 1%3,463
Other/don't know52%16%6%22%3%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds 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 literally44%15%10%31%< 1%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%13%11%51%< 1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know42%13%12%31%1%195
Not the word of God5%4%5%86%< 1%3,463
Other/don't know15%9%7%68%2%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds 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 literally48%8%3%39%2%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%8%4%51%1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know48%4%5%39%5%195
Not the word of God31%11%6%52%1%3,463
Other/don't know35%10%4%48%3%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds 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 literally72%12%7%7%1%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%18%11%11%1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know71%15%7%3%4%195
Not the word of God42%17%13%27%1%3,463
Other/don't know51%14%12%19%3%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds 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 literally44%15%12%28%2%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%18%15%29%1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know40%13%10%32%4%195
Not the word of God45%18%16%21%1%3,463
Other/don't know43%16%14%26%1%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds 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 literally59%4%30%6%2%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%8%46%6%2%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know52%4%32%3%9%195
Not the word of God5%17%58%18%1%3,463
Other/don't know19%14%53%7%6%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds 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 literally45%54%1%1%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%61%1%< 1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know52%38%6%3%195
Not the word of God21%77%1%1%3,463
Other/don't know28%66%4%2%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who read scripture…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally61%12%7%20%1%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%13%12%37%< 1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know66%12%6%16%< 1%195
Not the word of God9%6%8%76%< 1%3,463
Other/don't know23%15%10%50%2%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%5%5%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%6%4%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know82%5%14%195
Not the word of God40%51%8%3,463
Other/don't know67%14%19%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%12%6%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%20%6%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know79%9%12%195
Not the word of God27%66%8%3,463
Other/don't know50%29%21%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%22%37%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%17%37%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know41%32%27%195
Not the word of God26%19%55%3,463
Other/don't know27%32%41%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%25%17%7%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%39%17%5%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know50%25%12%13%195
Not the word of God16%38%40%6%3,463
Other/don't know27%39%22%12%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%49%2%2%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%37%2%2%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know53%34%4%9%195
Not the word of God50%43%3%3%3,463
Other/don't know46%36%10%9%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds 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 literally49%45%4%2%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%45%3%1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know56%32%10%2%195
Not the word of God36%59%4%1%3,463
Other/don't know41%43%10%5%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally32%63%4%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%50%2%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know28%58%13%195
Not the word of God79%18%3%3,463
Other/don't know57%32%11%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%51%5%4%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%30%5%3%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know31%45%11%13%195
Not the word of God87%9%2%2%3,463
Other/don't know65%20%9%5%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%61%10%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%41%7%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know25%57%18%195
Not the word of God83%12%5%3,463
Other/don't know60%27%13%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds 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 literally46%49%2%3%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%59%2%1%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know40%44%7%9%195
Not the word of God25%72%2%2%3,463
Other/don't know30%57%6%7%597
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 30-49 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 30-49 year olds 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 literally13%24%2%58%3%2,431
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%38%3%37%3%2,492
Word of God; other/don't know14%19%2%47%17%195
Not the word of God67%16%4%12%1%3,463
Other/don't know30%25%14%23%9%597
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.