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.
Interpreting scripture among adults in Alabama by religious group
% of adults in Alabama who say the holy scripture is…
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Religious tradition
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Evangelical Protestant
60%
25%
4%
8%
3%
245
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 adults in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama 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
14%
33%
32%
22%
239
Word of God; not everything taken literally
36%
28%
22%
15%
143
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama 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
9%
10%
28%
37%
14%
2%
239
Word of God; not everything taken literally
24%
19%
20%
25%
11%
< 1%
143
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Men
Women
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
44%
56%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
54%
46%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who identify as…
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Interpreting scripture
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
64%
30%
< 1%
2%
3%
241
Word of God; not everything taken literally
74%
20%
< 1%
2%
4%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
2%
2%
95%
242
Word of God; not everything taken literally
6%
6%
88%
145
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who have a household income of…
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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
48%
23%
20%
9%
207
Word of God; not everything taken literally
27%
29%
23%
21%
135
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who have completed…
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Interpreting scripture
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
57%
27%
11%
4%
242
Word of God; not everything taken literally
34%
36%
17%
13%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
55%
< 1%
23%
8%
15%
244
Word of God; not everything taken literally
51%
3%
14%
4%
28%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
26%
74%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
29%
71%
147
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 adults in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama 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
93%
5%
< 1%
1%
< 1%
1%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
82%
14%
1%
< 1%
3%
< 1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who say religion is…
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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
94%
5%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
68%
26%
4%
2%
< 1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama 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
64%
27%
9%
< 1%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
44%
39%
16%
1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who pray…
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Interpreting scripture
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
86%
9%
1%
3%
< 1%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
66%
12%
10%
13%
< 1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama 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
53%
9%
11%
26%
1%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
32%
12%
11%
45%
< 1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama 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
55%
7%
3%
34%
1%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
35%
7%
3%
54%
< 1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama 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
81%
11%
2%
5%
< 1%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
59%
22%
7%
11%
1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama 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
40%
11%
10%
36%
3%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
39%
16%
9%
35%
< 1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Interpreting scripture
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
63%
3%
29%
2%
3%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
47%
5%
44%
2%
2%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who say…
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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
50%
48%
1%
1%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
32%
67%
1%
< 1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama 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
68%
12%
7%
12%
2%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
46%
19%
7%
28%
< 1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who …in heaven
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Interpreting scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
95%
2%
3%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
84%
11%
5%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who …in hell
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Interpreting scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
83%
10%
8%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
74%
20%
6%
147
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 adults in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who identify as…
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Interpreting scripture
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
49%
14%
36%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
59%
8%
33%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
61%
23%
8%
9%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
44%
38%
16%
2%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama 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
55%
39%
4%
2%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
64%
35%
< 1%
1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who say government aid to the poor…
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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
52%
40%
6%
2%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
58%
38%
3%
< 1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who say abortion should be…
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Interpreting scripture
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
28%
67%
4%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
35%
62%
3%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who say homosexuality…
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Interpreting scripture
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
26%
66%
3%
4%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
53%
43%
2%
1%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who …same-sex marriage
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Interpreting scripture
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
19%
70%
10%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
44%
51%
5%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama 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
52%
37%
4%
7%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
45%
50%
3%
3%
147
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 in Alabama by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in Alabama who say humans…
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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
9%
17%
2%
67%
5%
245
Word of God; not everything taken literally
15%
47%
1%
34%
3%
147
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.