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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
15%
44%
22%
20%
203
Word of God; not everything taken literally
26%
39%
20%
14%
356
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
10%
16%
33%
26%
14%
1%
203
Word of God; not everything taken literally
16%
18%
31%
24%
9%
1%
356
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Men
Women
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
39%
61%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
49%
51%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
75%
1%
4%
12%
9%
207
Word of God; not everything taken literally
91%
< 1%
1%
6%
2%
355
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
15%
5%
80%
206
Word of God; not everything taken literally
3%
8%
89%
359
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
35%
20%
25%
20%
178
Word of God; not everything taken literally
23%
20%
36%
21%
329
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
35%
39%
17%
9%
209
Word of God; not everything taken literally
20%
42%
26%
11%
359
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
65%
4%
7%
7%
17%
209
Word of God; not everything taken literally
68%
2%
7%
3%
20%
359
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
41%
59%
209
Word of God; not everything taken literally
43%
57%
358
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
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
92%
7%
< 1%
< 1%
1%
< 1%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
91%
8%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
96%
4%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
85%
13%
2%
< 1%
< 1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
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
81%
12%
4%
2%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
80%
12%
8%
< 1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
92%
5%
1%
2%
< 1%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
88%
7%
2%
3%
< 1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
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
74%
9%
3%
14%
< 1%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
75%
6%
3%
16%
< 1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
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
64%
7%
1%
26%
2%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
59%
11%
2%
28%
1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
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%
4%
2%
1%
1%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
80%
11%
4%
4%
1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
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
59%
19%
7%
15%
< 1%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
46%
27%
13%
13%
< 1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
75%
1%
14%
5%
5%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
65%
3%
28%
1%
2%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
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
64%
35%
1%
< 1%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
58%
40%
2%
< 1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
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%
8%
< 1%
7%
2%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
79%
7%
5%
9%
1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
98%
< 1%
2%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
97%
2%
1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
68%
25%
7%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
62%
33%
5%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
64%
16%
20%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
78%
8%
14%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
59%
27%
8%
6%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
66%
25%
6%
3%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
68%
28%
2%
1%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
83%
15%
< 1%
2%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
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
70%
25%
3%
2%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
66%
30%
3%
1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
27%
70%
4%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
24%
75%
1%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
32%
58%
5%
4%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
34%
59%
4%
2%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
26%
68%
7%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
21%
74%
5%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who say…
Chart
Table
Share
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
52%
42%
4%
1%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
55%
42%
1%
2%
360
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 Mormons by interpretation of scripture
% of Mormons who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
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
7%
23%
1%
66%
3%
210
Word of God; not everything taken literally
7%
37%
2%
48%
7%
360
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.