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

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

Survey yearAfrican Methodist Episcopal ChurchAfrican Methodist Episcopal Zion ChurchAmerican Baptist Churches USAAnglican ChurchApostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)Apostolic Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Assemblies of GodCalvary ChapelChristian and Missionary AllianceChristian Churches and Churches of ChristChristian Methodist Episcopal ChurchChristian Reformed ChurchChurch of God (Anderson, Indiana)Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)Church of God in ChristChurch of God of the Apostolic FaithChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsChurch of the NazareneChurches of ChristCommunity Church (Evangelical Trad.)Conservative Baptist Association of AmericaConservative Congregational Christian ConferenceDeistDisciples of ChristEclectic, a bit of everything, "I have my own beliefs"Episcopal ChurchEvangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)Foursquare ChurchFree Methodist ChurchFree Will BaptistGeneral Association of Regular Baptist ChurchesGreek OrthodoxHumanistIndependent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.)Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.)Lutheran Church-Missouri SynodMissionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)National Baptist ConventionNondenominational charismaticNondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)Nondenominational evangelicalNondenominational fundamentalistNondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)Nothing in particular (religion important)Nothing in particular (religion not important)Orthodox Church in AmericaOther Adventist (Evangelical Trad.)Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.)Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.)Other Congregationalist (Mainline Trad.)Other Episcopalian/Anglican (Mainline Trad.)Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.)Other in the "Unitarian and other liberal faiths" familyOther in the New Age familyOther Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.)Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.)Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.)Other Methodist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.)Other MormonOther Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.)Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.)Other Orthodox ChristianOther Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.)Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.)Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.)Other Reformed (Mainline Trad.)Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.)Other Restorationist (Mainline Trad.)Others in "Other Christian" TraditionPagan or WiccanPentecostal Church of GodPentecostal Holiness ChurchPresbyterian Church (USA)Presbyterian Church in AmericaProgressive Baptist ConventionReformed Church in AmericaRussian OrthodoxSeventh-day AdventistSouthern Baptist ConventionSpiritual but not religiousSpiritualistUnitarianUnited Church of ChristUnited Methodist ChurchUnited Pentecostal Church InternationalUnity ChurchWesleyan ChurchWisconsin Evangelical Lutheran SynodSample size
20141%< 1%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%2%1%2%1%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%6%1%1%< 1%2%< 1%1%4%1%< 1%5%1%< 1%8%2%< 1%< 1%2%4%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%3%1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%1%1%< 1%< 1%1%15%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%7,313
20071%< 1%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%2%1%2%1%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%< 1%1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%6%1%1%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%5%1%< 1%3%1%< 1%6%1%< 1%< 1%3%4%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%1%< 1%2%1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%1%1%1%< 1%< 1%1%18%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%5%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%8,427
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: American Baptist Churches USA, Assemblies of God, Church of God in Christ, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Churches of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.), Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, National Baptist Convention, Nondenominational charismatic, Nondenominational evangelical, Nothing in particular (religion important), Southern Baptist Convention, United Methodist Church

DemographicInformation

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

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

Religious denomination18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
American Baptist Churches USA14%27%35%23%230
Assemblies of God11%30%34%25%329
Church of God in Christ16%36%34%14%108
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints15%43%22%19%195
Churches of Christ16%26%29%28%247
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)2%18%32%47%113
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)11%31%34%24%462
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod8%26%26%40%185
National Baptist Convention8%29%36%27%298
Nondenominational evangelical16%40%33%11%355
Nothing in particular (religion important)23%46%22%9%432
Southern Baptist Convention9%26%36%29%1,137
United Methodist Church8%27%34%31%385
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
American Baptist Churches USA10%8%24%40%17%2%230
Assemblies of God6%11%23%40%17%2%329
Church of God in Christ6%18%28%38%10%< 1%108
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints11%15%33%27%13%1%195
Churches of Christ10%12%21%34%21%2%247
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)1%2%18%38%31%10%113
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)8%5%28%43%14%< 1%462
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod6%4%24%34%28%3%185
National Baptist Convention5%4%27%45%17%1%298
Nondenominational evangelical6%15%34%36%8%< 1%355
Nothing in particular (religion important)12%20%37%25%6%< 1%432
Southern Baptist Convention5%7%23%43%20%2%1,137
United Methodist Church5%7%23%40%22%4%385
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationMenWomenSample size
American Baptist Churches USA39%61%233
Assemblies of God40%60%336
Church of God in Christ48%52%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints39%61%201
Churches of Christ35%65%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)33%67%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)49%51%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod43%57%190
National Baptist Convention41%59%301
Nondenominational charismatic30%70%101
Nondenominational evangelical44%56%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)48%52%436
Southern Baptist Convention46%54%1,157
United Methodist Church40%60%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
American Baptist Churches USA70%11%2%13%5%231
Assemblies of God65%3%1%25%6%334
Church of God in Christ3%89%< 1%7%1%108
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints74%1%4%12%9%198
Churches of Christ68%21%2%6%3%247
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)90%3%3%4%< 1%117
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)90%< 1%1%6%4%467
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod94%3%< 1%< 1%3%188
National Baptist Convention< 1%100%< 1%< 1%< 1%301
Nondenominational evangelical72%7%3%14%3%355
Nothing in particular (religion important)42%30%2%24%3%431
Southern Baptist Convention87%6%< 1%3%4%1,148
United Methodist Church94%2%< 1%2%2%390
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
American Baptist Churches USA8%4%87%228
Assemblies of God21%7%71%331
Church of God in Christ17%2%82%108
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints14%4%82%197
Churches of Christ6%4%90%248
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)5%9%86%117
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)5%6%89%471
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod1%5%95%188
National Baptist Convention4%< 1%95%292
Nondenominational charismatic3%13%84%100
Nondenominational evangelical8%12%80%354
Nothing in particular (religion important)23%5%72%422
Southern Baptist Convention1%2%97%1,145
United Methodist Church4%2%94%388
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
American Baptist Churches USA62%15%16%7%196
Assemblies of God45%19%27%9%293
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints34%20%25%20%171
Churches of Christ39%26%22%14%209
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)39%23%26%12%412
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod28%25%29%18%158
National Baptist Convention54%23%17%7%271
Nondenominational evangelical24%22%37%17%324
Nothing in particular (religion important)61%21%13%5%361
Southern Baptist Convention32%22%31%15%982
United Methodist Church34%21%30%15%336
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
American Baptist Churches USA67%26%5%2%233
Assemblies of God56%28%12%5%333
Church of God in Christ60%29%6%5%109
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints34%40%17%9%200
Churches of Christ51%33%11%5%247
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)53%34%5%8%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)51%31%12%6%471
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod41%30%23%6%189
National Baptist Convention61%23%11%6%299
Nondenominational charismatic36%40%15%9%101
Nondenominational evangelical31%38%23%9%357
Nothing in particular (religion important)74%18%6%2%435
Southern Baptist Convention49%33%12%5%1,148
United Methodist Church50%30%13%7%392
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
American Baptist Churches USA42%6%19%13%20%232
Assemblies of God63%4%15%9%9%333
Church of God in Christ45%2%21%5%28%109
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints64%4%6%7%18%200
Churches of Christ57%2%11%13%17%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)61%3%11%18%8%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)65%3%15%7%10%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod62%3%8%13%13%190
National Baptist Convention36%2%24%14%24%299
Nondenominational charismatic59%< 1%15%4%23%100
Nondenominational evangelical69%3%11%3%14%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)34%10%17%6%33%434
Southern Baptist Convention66%2%12%12%9%1,155
United Methodist Church59%5%14%12%10%391
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationParentsNon-parentsSample size
American Baptist Churches USA29%71%233
Assemblies of God35%65%336
Church of God in Christ30%70%109
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints40%60%200
Churches of Christ28%72%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)15%85%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)27%73%471
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod22%78%190
National Baptist Convention24%76%300
Nondenominational charismatic37%63%101
Nondenominational evangelical37%63%357
Nothing in particular (religion important)35%65%435
Southern Baptist Convention24%76%1,155
United Methodist Church22%78%392
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationBelieve 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
American Baptist Churches USA91%7%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%233
Assemblies of God94%6%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%336
Church of God in Christ95%5%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints93%7%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%201
Churches of Christ91%6%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)84%15%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)95%5%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod94%6%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%190
National Baptist Convention93%6%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%301
Nondenominational charismatic98%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical97%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)78%17%4%1%< 1%< 1%436
Southern Baptist Convention96%3%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%1,157
United Methodist Church90%7%1%1%< 1%1%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA82%17%< 1%1%< 1%233
Assemblies of God92%6%< 1%< 1%1%336
Church of God in Christ95%4%1%< 1%< 1%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints96%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%201
Churches of Christ86%12%1%1%< 1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)85%10%5%< 1%< 1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)92%7%1%< 1%< 1%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod86%13%1%< 1%< 1%190
National Baptist Convention98%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%301
Nondenominational charismatic91%8%< 1%< 1%1%101
Nondenominational evangelical95%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)63%37%< 1%< 1%< 1%436
Southern Baptist Convention91%8%< 1%< 1%1%1,157
United Methodist Church85%14%1%< 1%< 1%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA52%37%10%< 1%233
Assemblies of God75%17%8%< 1%336
Church of God in Christ81%16%3%< 1%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints82%12%4%2%201
Churches of Christ64%27%10%< 1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)47%41%12%< 1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)65%27%8%< 1%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod69%26%5%< 1%190
National Baptist Convention68%28%4%< 1%301
Nondenominational charismatic75%22%3%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical80%16%4%< 1%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)23%40%36%1%436
Southern Baptist Convention68%21%10%1%1,157
United Methodist Church63%26%10%1%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA77%17%2%4%< 1%233
Assemblies of God84%12%3%1%1%336
Church of God in Christ90%8%1%2%< 1%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints92%5%1%2%< 1%201
Churches of Christ88%9%1%2%< 1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)70%24%4%2%< 1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)88%8%1%2%1%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod79%14%3%4%< 1%190
National Baptist Convention84%11%1%3%< 1%301
Nondenominational charismatic95%5%< 1%< 1%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical93%6%< 1%1%< 1%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)61%20%5%15%< 1%436
Southern Baptist Convention87%9%1%2%1%1,157
United Methodist Church80%15%3%2%< 1%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA42%18%12%28%< 1%233
Assemblies of God57%13%7%23%< 1%336
Church of God in Christ65%9%9%16%1%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints74%9%2%14%< 1%201
Churches of Christ55%16%9%20%< 1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)29%22%6%43%< 1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)53%15%9%23%1%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod38%19%7%34%2%190
National Baptist Convention61%15%9%14%< 1%301
Nondenominational charismatic61%16%7%15%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical62%15%8%15%< 1%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)28%12%8%52%< 1%436
Southern Baptist Convention55%12%9%23%1%1,157
United Methodist Church44%13%11%32%< 1%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA48%7%3%41%< 1%233
Assemblies of God65%5%3%26%1%336
Church of God in Christ67%1%5%25%2%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints64%7%1%26%3%201
Churches of Christ44%7%2%44%3%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)46%10%5%38%1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)49%3%2%43%3%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod54%3%3%38%2%190
National Baptist Convention65%11%2%20%2%301
Nondenominational charismatic68%8%1%22%1%101
Nondenominational evangelical60%4%4%30%2%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)38%9%3%48%2%436
Southern Baptist Convention51%6%2%39%2%1,157
United Methodist Church50%9%5%34%1%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA74%11%5%9%1%233
Assemblies of God83%7%7%3%1%336
Church of God in Christ83%12%2%3%< 1%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints93%4%1%1%1%201
Churches of Christ81%10%5%4%1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)64%18%10%7%1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)82%7%5%5%1%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod77%10%3%10%1%190
National Baptist Convention80%6%5%7%1%301
Nondenominational charismatic92%5%3%1%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical83%10%5%1%< 1%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)56%13%10%18%4%436
Southern Baptist Convention85%8%3%4%1%1,157
United Methodist Church80%11%4%3%2%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA45%14%11%28%2%233
Assemblies of God54%11%7%25%3%336
Church of God in Christ44%12%12%29%3%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints59%19%7%14%< 1%201
Churches of Christ48%15%7%27%3%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)42%15%9%33%1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)43%15%10%30%3%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod41%19%7%31%3%190
National Baptist Convention46%15%11%27%1%301
Nondenominational charismatic63%16%7%14%1%101
Nondenominational evangelical55%18%11%16%1%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)43%13%8%34%2%436
Southern Baptist Convention43%13%11%31%2%1,157
United Methodist Church41%19%13%26%2%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA45%7%42%5%< 1%233
Assemblies of God83%< 1%15%1%1%336
Church of God in Christ67%1%29%1%3%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints76%1%14%5%4%201
Churches of Christ68%2%26%3%1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)54%2%38%5%1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)69%3%24%2%3%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod59%8%29%1%3%190
National Baptist Convention56%5%34%3%1%301
Nondenominational charismatic82%1%14%2%2%101
Nondenominational evangelical87%2%10%< 1%1%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)40%7%43%8%2%436
Southern Baptist Convention71%3%24%1%1%1,157
United Methodist Church61%3%33%2%2%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA37%61%1%1%233
Assemblies of God59%37%1%3%336
Church of God in Christ38%57%2%3%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints64%35%1%< 1%201
Churches of Christ49%49%< 1%2%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)38%62%< 1%< 1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)64%34%1%1%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod51%46%2%< 1%190
National Baptist Convention29%68%2%1%301
Nondenominational charismatic53%46%1%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical79%19%1%1%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)30%66%2%2%436
Southern Baptist Convention58%40%1%1%1,157
United Methodist Church49%50%1%< 1%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA58%17%4%21%< 1%233
Assemblies of God81%7%4%8%< 1%336
Church of God in Christ74%9%5%11%1%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints83%9%< 1%7%2%201
Churches of Christ71%11%5%13%1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)51%15%9%25%< 1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)77%9%5%9%1%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod54%17%9%20%< 1%190
National Baptist Convention73%7%4%14%1%301
Nondenominational charismatic81%4%< 1%15%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical85%8%2%5%< 1%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)39%14%6%39%1%436
Southern Baptist Convention72%11%5%11%1%1,157
United Methodist Church62%13%5%19%1%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA95%3%3%233
Assemblies of God92%3%5%336
Church of God in Christ94%2%3%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints98%< 1%2%201
Churches of Christ97%1%1%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)94%5%2%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)90%4%5%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod92%1%7%190
National Baptist Convention96%3%2%301
Nondenominational charismatic88%6%6%101
Nondenominational evangelical81%7%12%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)90%7%3%436
Southern Baptist Convention90%4%6%1,157
United Methodist Church95%2%3%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA86%10%4%233
Assemblies of God91%4%5%336
Church of God in Christ92%< 1%8%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints67%25%8%201
Churches of Christ90%6%5%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)79%11%10%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)92%4%4%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod87%6%7%190
National Baptist Convention86%10%5%301
Nondenominational charismatic91%3%6%101
Nondenominational evangelical87%3%11%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)72%23%4%436
Southern Baptist Convention91%4%6%1,157
United Methodist Church85%10%5%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
American Baptist Churches USA41%14%44%233
Assemblies of God60%17%23%336
Church of God in Christ13%9%78%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints66%15%19%201
Churches of Christ51%12%37%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)41%12%46%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)65%14%20%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod65%10%25%190
National Baptist Convention5%7%88%301
Nondenominational charismatic67%7%25%101
Nondenominational evangelical72%13%15%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)25%31%44%436
Southern Baptist Convention68%9%23%1,157
United Methodist Church63%11%26%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA51%31%11%7%233
Assemblies of God66%21%7%5%336
Church of God in Christ43%29%23%5%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints60%28%7%5%201
Churches of Christ62%22%9%7%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)45%42%12%1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)68%20%5%7%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod66%24%8%2%190
National Baptist Convention40%33%21%6%301
Nondenominational charismatic66%15%12%7%101
Nondenominational evangelical70%22%5%3%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)35%27%24%13%436
Southern Baptist Convention72%18%7%3%1,157
United Methodist Church64%27%5%4%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA38%60%< 1%2%233
Assemblies of God59%34%2%5%336
Church of God in Christ26%68%3%3%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints69%27%2%1%201
Churches of Christ57%36%4%3%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)66%31%3%< 1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)71%25%2%2%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod76%19%1%3%190
National Baptist Convention18%79%1%2%301
Nondenominational charismatic65%33%2%1%101
Nondenominational evangelical78%18%2%2%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)30%65%1%4%436
Southern Baptist Convention71%23%2%3%1,157
United Methodist Church68%26%2%4%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA44%51%4%1%233
Assemblies of God55%40%2%3%336
Church of God in Christ36%57%4%2%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints72%23%4%2%201
Churches of Christ53%41%4%3%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)54%45%1%< 1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)63%30%5%2%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod69%26%2%3%190
National Baptist Convention22%71%3%3%301
Nondenominational charismatic65%33%1%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical66%28%4%2%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)39%54%4%3%436
Southern Baptist Convention65%30%3%2%1,157
United Methodist Church61%34%2%2%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA38%57%6%233
Assemblies of God20%79%1%336
Church of God in Christ34%59%7%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints24%72%4%201
Churches of Christ31%66%3%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)41%57%2%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)20%77%3%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod36%60%4%190
National Baptist Convention51%43%6%301
Nondenominational charismatic18%81%1%101
Nondenominational evangelical14%84%2%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)36%58%6%436
Southern Baptist Convention24%73%3%1,157
United Methodist Church40%56%4%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA42%47%7%3%233
Assemblies of God19%75%4%3%336
Church of God in Christ30%60%6%5%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints31%60%5%4%201
Churches of Christ22%70%4%4%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)34%62%3%1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)22%72%2%3%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod39%56%3%2%190
National Baptist Convention51%42%4%3%301
Nondenominational charismatic25%67%2%5%101
Nondenominational evangelical21%73%2%5%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)49%41%3%7%436
Southern Baptist Convention21%72%3%3%1,157
United Methodist Church34%57%5%4%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA34%60%6%233
Assemblies of God14%83%3%336
Church of God in Christ18%77%5%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints24%70%7%201
Churches of Christ17%75%8%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)30%66%3%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)16%78%6%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod30%65%5%190
National Baptist Convention28%63%8%301
Nondenominational charismatic21%73%6%101
Nondenominational evangelical15%80%5%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)36%54%10%436
Southern Baptist Convention13%81%6%1,157
United Methodist Church23%70%7%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationStricter 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
American Baptist Churches USA46%52%1%1%233
Assemblies of God49%44%3%5%336
Church of God in Christ35%54%3%8%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints53%42%4%1%201
Churches of Christ57%38%1%3%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)44%54%< 1%1%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)63%33%2%2%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod53%43%2%3%190
National Baptist Convention32%62%3%4%301
Nondenominational charismatic50%45%3%2%101
Nondenominational evangelical54%38%4%4%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)43%49%2%7%436
Southern Baptist Convention55%39%3%3%1,157
United Methodist Church53%43%2%2%393
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious denomination

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

Religious denominationEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA21%24%1%52%3%233
Assemblies of God6%17%3%71%4%336
Church of God in Christ10%24%9%52%5%110
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints7%23%< 1%66%4%201
Churches of Christ10%23%2%59%5%249
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)7%28%2%61%2%118
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)5%19%1%70%5%473
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod10%24%1%61%4%190
National Baptist Convention12%29%3%50%5%301
Nondenominational charismatic< 1%17%< 1%80%3%101
Nondenominational evangelical1%14%< 1%81%4%359
Nothing in particular (religion important)20%26%3%45%6%436
Southern Baptist Convention7%18%2%68%5%1,157
United Methodist Church7%24%1%61%6%393
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.