Interpreting scripture among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
201434%30%3%27%6%15,591
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

Interpreting scripture among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
Catholic25%40%3%25%7%3,398
Evangelical Protestant58%28%4%6%3%4,997
Historically Black Protestant58%25%2%9%6%502
Jewish20%36%3%32%9%228
Mainline Protestant26%39%3%24%8%2,822
Mormon35%55%5%3%2%418
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")10%14%1%68%7%2,566
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

DemographicInformation

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

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

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%34%31%22%5,121
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%34%26%18%4,815
Word of God; other/don't know13%33%30%24%443
Not the word of God29%36%22%13%3,964
Other/don't know18%36%26%20%938
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

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

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally8%10%29%36%15%1%5,121
Word of God; not everything taken literally14%13%28%32%12%1%4,815
Word of God; other/don't know8%7%31%35%18%1%443
Not the word of God18%18%28%26%9%1%3,964
Other/don't know8%17%28%32%13%2%938
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

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

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%53%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%49%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know45%55%467
Not the word of God62%38%4,020
Other/don't know53%47%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

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

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally70%11%2%15%3%5,167
Word of God; not everything taken literally78%6%3%10%3%4,827
Word of God; other/don't know76%5%3%12%4%452
Not the word of God73%4%5%14%3%3,956
Other/don't know68%8%5%14%5%953
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

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

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%7%80%5,164
Word of God; not everything taken literally10%9%81%4,846
Word of God; other/don't know13%9%79%459
Not the word of God14%12%74%3,981
Other/don't know16%9%75%961
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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 literally34%24%28%14%4,453
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%20%34%24%4,308
Word of God; other/don't know30%18%34%19%355
Not the word of God23%20%32%25%3,621
Other/don't know29%19%30%22%781
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

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

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%31%13%5%5,201
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%35%19%10%4,873
Word of God; other/don't know40%38%14%8%464
Not the word of God37%33%19%11%4,005
Other/don't know35%40%16%9%971
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

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

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally59%4%13%8%16%5,212
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%5%10%5%22%4,868
Word of God; other/don't know65%2%9%10%15%459
Not the word of God46%10%10%4%29%4,005
Other/don't know51%7%13%8%20%967
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

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

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%70%5,213
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%68%4,866
Word of God; other/don't know30%70%461
Not the word of God27%73%4,009
Other/don't know29%71%978
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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 literally90%8%1%1%< 1%< 1%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally77%20%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know86%11%< 1%2%< 1%1%467
Not the word of God31%31%12%1%21%5%4,020
Other/don't know63%22%3%2%4%6%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

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

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%13%2%1%< 1%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%31%5%2%< 1%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know82%15%1%1%1%467
Not the word of God17%33%24%26%< 1%4,020
Other/don't know47%32%12%8%2%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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 literally62%26%12%< 1%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%40%17%< 1%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know56%26%16%1%467
Not the word of God9%34%57%< 1%4,020
Other/don't know23%43%31%2%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

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

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%12%3%4%< 1%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%22%7%9%< 1%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know82%10%3%3%2%467
Not the word of God24%16%9%51%< 1%4,020
Other/don't know52%16%7%21%4%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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 literally47%13%9%31%1%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%11%11%53%< 1%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know39%10%8%40%2%467
Not the word of God5%3%5%87%< 1%4,020
Other/don't know13%9%9%66%3%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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 literally51%6%3%37%2%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%8%4%51%1%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know46%7%3%39%6%467
Not the word of God26%9%4%60%1%4,020
Other/don't know36%8%4%47%4%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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 literally76%10%6%7%1%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%18%10%11%1%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know72%10%10%5%3%467
Not the word of God40%16%12%30%1%4,020
Other/don't know53%14%10%18%5%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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 literally46%15%10%27%2%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%18%14%26%1%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know39%13%14%29%5%467
Not the word of God43%16%14%27%1%4,020
Other/don't know42%14%13%28%3%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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 literally63%4%28%4%2%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%7%47%5%2%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know51%5%33%3%9%467
Not the word of God7%14%65%13%1%4,020
Other/don't know24%10%55%6%5%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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 literally56%42%1%1%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%55%1%< 1%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know51%42%4%2%467
Not the word of God27%71%1%1%4,020
Other/don't know33%62%3%2%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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 literally63%11%6%19%1%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%13%11%39%< 1%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know59%8%8%23%1%467
Not the word of God8%6%8%78%< 1%4,020
Other/don't know24%13%9%50%3%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

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

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%5%5%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%6%4%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know82%5%13%467
Not the word of God47%44%9%4,020
Other/don't know69%13%19%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

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

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%10%6%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%20%6%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know76%11%14%467
Not the word of God33%59%8%4,020
Other/don't know52%28%20%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

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

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

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally61%15%24%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%14%22%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know58%21%20%467
Not the word of God49%20%31%4,020
Other/don't know45%29%26%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

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

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally64%20%10%5%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%32%10%3%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know60%19%9%12%467
Not the word of God32%41%20%6%4,020
Other/don't know42%32%12%13%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

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

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally68%28%1%2%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally78%20%1%1%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know73%16%4%7%467
Not the word of God74%22%1%2%4,020
Other/don't know68%22%4%6%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

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

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%71%3%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%56%2%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know24%65%11%467
Not the word of God71%26%3%4,020
Other/don't know51%38%11%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

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

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%62%4%3%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%36%4%3%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know28%53%10%9%467
Not the word of God79%16%3%2%4,020
Other/don't know58%27%9%6%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

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

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally20%73%6%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%49%8%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know20%65%15%467
Not the word of God70%23%7%4,020
Other/don't know47%36%17%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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 literally59%36%2%3%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%45%2%1%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know54%31%6%9%467
Not the word of God45%51%2%2%4,020
Other/don't know47%42%5%6%987
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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 literally10%20%2%65%4%5,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%38%3%38%3%4,885
Word of God; other/don't know9%18%4%55%14%467
Not the word of God59%20%4%15%2%4,020
Other/don't know26%26%12%27%9%987
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.