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 South Carolina by religious group
% of adults in South Carolina who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
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
62%
21%
4%
8%
5%
169
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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%
34%
29%
23%
225
Word of God; not everything taken literally
30%
33%
27%
10%
123
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
9%
9%
30%
37%
15%
< 1%
225
Word of God; not everything taken literally
23%
16%
24%
30%
6%
< 1%
123
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Men
Women
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
45%
55%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
43%
57%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
55%
35%
< 1%
6%
3%
228
Word of God; not everything taken literally
73%
21%
< 1%
3%
2%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
6%
4%
90%
228
Word of God; not everything taken literally
4%
8%
89%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
47%
21%
25%
7%
187
Word of God; not everything taken literally
26%
12%
36%
25%
114
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
60%
29%
8%
4%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
32%
33%
20%
16%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
47%
8%
18%
9%
17%
228
Word of God; not everything taken literally
51%
8%
10%
3%
28%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
27%
73%
229
Word of God; not everything taken literally
35%
65%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
87%
10%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
87%
13%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
89%
6%
2%
1%
2%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
70%
25%
4%
1%
< 1%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
63%
27%
10%
< 1%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
48%
41%
8%
2%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
85%
10%
1%
3%
1%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
67%
23%
4%
5%
1%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
51%
18%
10%
20%
1%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
30%
11%
11%
47%
1%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
58%
4%
3%
32%
4%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
40%
7%
7%
45%
1%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
80%
8%
3%
8%
1%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
65%
17%
11%
7%
1%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
45%
14%
11%
27%
2%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
42%
14%
12%
30%
1%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
63%
5%
27%
3%
2%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
51%
4%
39%
2%
5%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
49%
49%
1%
1%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
31%
64%
3%
2%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
70%
10%
5%
13%
1%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
48%
17%
9%
26%
1%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
92%
5%
4%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
94%
2%
4%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
85%
9%
7%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
77%
11%
11%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
45%
17%
38%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
50%
14%
36%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
57%
25%
11%
7%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
44%
45%
10%
2%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
51%
45%
2%
3%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
60%
33%
2%
5%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
44%
47%
6%
3%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
51%
45%
4%
< 1%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
31%
63%
6%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
47%
51%
2%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
33%
60%
4%
3%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
57%
30%
8%
5%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
21%
72%
6%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
43%
50%
7%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
55%
40%
2%
3%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
35%
63%
< 1%
2%
127
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 South Carolina by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in South Carolina 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
9%
18%
2%
67%
4%
230
Word of God; not everything taken literally
16%
51%
1%
27%
5%
127
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.