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
201432%29%3%30%7%8,366
200734%28%3%25%9%10,705
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 parents by religious group

% of parents 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
Catholic30%35%3%25%7%1,761
Evangelical Protestant53%32%4%7%4%2,175
Historically Black Protestant55%25%2%11%6%487
Jewish13%29%2%52%5%184
Mainline Protestant23%38%2%29%8%1,218
Mormon32%55%5%5%4%242
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")12%13%1%66%8%1,744
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally16%66%15%2%2,393
Word of God; not everything taken literally17%69%13%1%2,443
Word of God; other/don't know14%67%17%2%205
Not the word of God17%70%12%1%2,683
Other/don't know17%66%14%2%526
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally6%22%55%16%2%< 1%2,393
Word of God; not everything taken literally6%24%56%14%1%< 1%2,443
Word of God; other/don't know4%19%59%17%2%< 1%205
Not the word of God6%24%57%13%1%< 1%2,683
Other/don't know3%26%54%15%1%1%526
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally38%62%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%57%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know46%54%211
Not the word of God50%50%2,714
Other/don't know47%53%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%19%3%27%3%2,410
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%11%3%17%4%2,451
Word of God; other/don't know57%14%3%22%4%205
Not the word of God68%7%5%16%4%2,686
Other/don't know55%12%7%20%6%526
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally27%7%66%2,385
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%9%75%2,451
Word of God; other/don't know22%6%72%206
Not the word of God18%9%73%2,691
Other/don't know24%6%70%528
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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 literally44%21%23%12%2,201
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%19%32%24%2,312
Word of God; other/don't know30%21%32%18%182
Not the word of God25%15%28%31%2,563
Other/don't know31%17%28%24%465
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%31%13%6%2,413
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%35%21%13%2,467
Word of God; other/don't know40%37%16%8%211
Not the word of God28%30%23%19%2,707
Other/don't know36%33%18%13%538
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally63%9%13%2%13%2,423
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%8%11%2%10%2,470
Word of God; other/don't know74%5%11%1%10%210
Not the word of God67%10%11%1%11%2,708
Other/don't know62%12%12%3%11%537
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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%12%1%1%< 1%< 1%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally78%19%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know90%9%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%211
Not the word of God31%31%12%< 1%22%4%2,714
Other/don't know59%25%6%2%3%4%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally86%12%1%1%1%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%28%5%1%< 1%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know83%14%2%1%< 1%211
Not the word of God18%34%22%25%1%2,714
Other/don't know44%37%13%6%1%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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 literally61%29%10%< 1%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%41%15%< 1%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know55%29%14%2%211
Not the word of God10%36%53%< 1%2,714
Other/don't know24%45%31%1%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%13%3%4%< 1%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%20%6%7%< 1%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know84%9%2%3%1%211
Not the word of God27%17%9%48%< 1%2,714
Other/don't know51%19%7%21%2%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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%16%9%28%< 1%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%14%11%48%< 1%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know39%14%14%32%1%211
Not the word of God6%5%6%83%< 1%2,714
Other/don't know18%9%9%63%2%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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 literally49%7%3%40%2%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%8%4%52%1%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know49%6%6%35%5%211
Not the word of God31%9%5%55%< 1%2,714
Other/don't know35%8%5%50%2%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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 literally74%12%6%7%1%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%19%11%10%1%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know71%11%10%5%3%211
Not the word of God44%18%12%25%1%2,714
Other/don't know53%16%10%18%3%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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 literally45%15%12%27%1%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%17%16%27%1%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know39%18%11%29%4%211
Not the word of God45%19%14%21%< 1%2,714
Other/don't know39%18%14%27%2%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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 literally60%4%29%5%2%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%9%44%6%2%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know48%4%33%4%12%211
Not the word of God6%16%59%18%1%2,714
Other/don't know17%10%59%6%7%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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 literally46%53%1%1%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%60%1%< 1%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know47%42%7%3%211
Not the word of God21%77%1%1%2,714
Other/don't know25%71%2%2%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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 literally62%12%6%19%< 1%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%14%11%34%< 1%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know64%9%8%19%< 1%211
Not the word of God10%7%8%75%< 1%2,714
Other/don't know24%12%11%51%2%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%4%5%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally91%6%4%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know83%4%14%211
Not the word of God45%46%8%2,714
Other/don't know67%16%18%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally83%11%6%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%21%6%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know77%12%11%211
Not the word of God30%62%7%2,714
Other/don't know51%30%19%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%22%36%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%16%37%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know41%31%28%211
Not the word of God26%21%54%2,714
Other/don't know28%30%42%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%25%16%7%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%38%16%5%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know50%25%10%15%211
Not the word of God18%38%38%6%2,714
Other/don't know29%36%23%12%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%50%2%3%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%39%2%2%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know51%33%5%11%211
Not the word of God49%46%3%3%2,714
Other/don't know44%40%7%9%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%44%3%1%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know53%34%10%3%211
Not the word of God38%58%3%1%2,714
Other/don't know40%45%10%4%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%66%3%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%53%2%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know24%64%12%211
Not the word of God75%23%2%2,714
Other/don't know55%35%10%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%52%4%4%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%31%4%3%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know34%44%8%14%211
Not the word of God87%10%2%1%2,714
Other/don't know66%19%9%5%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%62%9%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%42%7%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know27%55%19%211
Not the word of God82%14%4%2,714
Other/don't know60%28%13%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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 literally47%48%2%3%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%57%2%2%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know42%41%10%8%211
Not the word of God26%70%2%2%2,714
Other/don't know34%54%6%6%543
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 parents by interpretation of scripture

% of parents 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%1%58%4%2,424
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%38%2%37%3%2,474
Word of God; other/don't know16%17%4%47%16%211
Not the word of God63%19%4%12%2%2,714
Other/don't know29%23%13%24%11%543
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.