DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201435%36%21%8%1,079
200732%39%21%8%884
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201421%20%29%24%5%< 1%1,079
2007< 1%24%35%30%9%2%884
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201454%46%1,105
200752%48%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201461%11%8%14%6%1,082
200766%10%8%12%4%894
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201418%13%69%1,078
200718%12%71%899
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201440%18%23%19%972
200734%21%28%16%766
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201447%29%14%10%1,096
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201442%8%12%4%35%1,096
200751%8%12%4%25%904
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201431%69%1,099
200740%60%905
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say they…

Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201459%30%6%< 1%3%1%1,105
200766%25%4%1%2%3%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201435%39%18%7%1%1,105
200733%44%16%7%1%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201415%41%43%1%1,105
200715%38%47%< 1%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201443%21%11%25%< 1%1,105
200742%22%9%26%1%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201413%8%11%68%< 1%1,105
200711%9%9%71%< 1%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201433%7%3%56%1%1,105
200729%6%4%59%2%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201445%17%13%25%1%1,105
200740%16%12%29%2%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201442%15%11%32%1%1,105
200737%13%13%35%2%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201419%12%56%9%3%1,105
200711%10%70%7%2%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201428%70%1%1%1,105
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201424%12%9%54%< 1%1,105
200722%11%10%56%< 1%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201477%15%7%1,105
200775%16%8%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201459%35%6%1,105
200753%39%8%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201430%24%46%1,105
200728%22%50%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201424%41%27%8%1,105
200725%46%24%6%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201449%47%2%2%1,105
200738%54%4%4%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201444%52%3%1%1,105
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201459%37%4%1,105
200761%34%6%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201473%21%4%2%1,105
200764%27%5%5%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201466%28%6%1,105
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say…

Survey yearStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201435%61%2%2%1,105
200728%66%2%3%910
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201431%35%3%28%3%1,105
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.