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.
Age distribution among Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are ages…
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Interpreting scripture
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
13%
35%
28%
24%
102
Word of God; not everything taken literally
16%
36%
29%
20%
101
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
8%
11%
30%
32%
19%
2%
102
Word of God; not everything taken literally
14%
7%
30%
37%
12%
< 1%
101
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are…
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Men
Women
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
29%
71%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
39%
61%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who identify as…
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White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
27%
31%
1%
38%
3%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
46%
19%
< 1%
27%
8%
101
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are…
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Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
32%
9%
59%
105
Word of God; not everything taken literally
20%
6%
75%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who have completed…
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High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
71%
18%
8%
4%
104
Word of God; not everything taken literally
56%
32%
8%
4%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are…
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Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
47%
4%
17%
10%
23%
106
Word of God; not everything taken literally
55%
8%
9%
7%
21%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
27%
73%
106
Word of God; not everything taken literally
29%
71%
102
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 God among Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say they…
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Interpreting scripture
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
94%
5%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
1%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
87%
12%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
1%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say religion is…
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Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
91%
8%
< 1%
< 1%
1%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
92%
8%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who attend religious services…
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Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
85%
11%
4%
1%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
86%
12%
2%
< 1%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who pray…
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At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
90%
8%
1%
1%
< 1%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
93%
5%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who attend prayer group…
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Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
83%
2%
5%
8%
2%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
86%
5%
2%
7%
< 1%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who meditate…
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Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
73%
3%
1%
18%
4%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
82%
1%
1%
13%
3%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
80%
7%
4%
6%
3%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
84%
3%
5%
4%
4%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
60%
9%
7%
19%
6%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
61%
20%
3%
14%
2%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
81%
< 1%
14%
2%
3%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
78%
2%
13%
3%
4%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say…
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There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
52%
46%
1%
1%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
64%
32%
3%
1%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who read scripture…
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Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
92%
1%
5%
1%
1%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
89%
4%
3%
5%
< 1%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who …in heaven
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Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
48%
42%
10%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
49%
40%
12%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who …in hell
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Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
11%
85%
4%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
4%
94%
2%
102
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.
Party affiliation among Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who identify as…
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Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
8%
71%
21%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
8%
75%
17%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who are…
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Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
25%
19%
12%
44%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
19%
20%
12%
48%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who would rather have…
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Interpreting scripture
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
28%
63%
4%
4%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
37%
40%
3%
19%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say government aid to the poor…
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Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
36%
57%
3%
4%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
25%
65%
8%
2%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say abortion should be…
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Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
18%
76%
7%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
21%
74%
5%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say homosexuality…
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Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
20%
72%
3%
4%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
13%
82%
3%
2%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who …same-sex marriage
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Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
15%
74%
11%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
15%
78%
7%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say…
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Interpreting scripture
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
40%
48%
1%
11%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
26%
62%
8%
5%
102
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 Jehovah's Witnesses by interpretation of scripture
% of Jehovah's Witnesses who say humans…
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Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
5%
19%
< 1%
71%
5%
107
Word of God; not everything taken literally
5%
13%
< 1%
77%
5%
102
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.