Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201458%27%4%6%4%8,591
200760%25%5%5%5%8,407
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.

Learn More: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

Interpreting scripture among adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week by religious group

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who say the holy scripture is…

Religious traditionWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic41%37%4%11%6%1,157
Evangelical Protestant70%21%4%2%3%3,921
Historically Black Protestant73%18%3%3%4%875
Jehovah's Witness46%40%8%2%5%204
Jewish28%34%8%22%8%121
Mainline Protestant46%33%4%9%8%1,221
Mormon34%57%5%2%2%472
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")51%17%3%24%6%305
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.

Learn More: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally12%33%32%23%4,643
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%34%24%18%2,389
Word of God; other/don't know15%31%30%24%393
Not the word of God16%39%29%15%555
Other/don't know13%32%31%24%394
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally8%9%28%37%16%2%4,643
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%13%28%28%13%1%2,389
Word of God; other/don't know10%9%26%37%16%2%393
Not the word of God12%11%32%33%11%1%555
Other/don't know5%15%26%37%16%2%394
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%59%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%56%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know43%57%410
Not the word of God50%50%567
Other/don't know42%58%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%22%2%16%4%4,694
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%14%2%15%4%2,404
Word of God; other/don't know61%14%4%15%6%398
Not the word of God58%12%5%21%4%552
Other/don't know53%20%4%18%6%404
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%6%77%4,700
Word of God; not everything taken literally14%9%76%2,416
Word of God; other/don't know17%8%75%400
Not the word of God22%11%67%556
Other/don't know20%8%72%407
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who have a household income of…

Interpreting scriptureLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%21%24%11%4,042
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%21%31%18%2,124
Word of God; other/don't know33%19%32%16%323
Not the word of God37%17%26%20%503
Other/don't know38%19%26%17%329
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%30%13%6%4,731
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%34%20%13%2,424
Word of God; other/don't know37%34%17%11%406
Not the word of God43%25%16%15%565
Other/don't know35%36%16%13%408
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%4%14%9%16%4,742
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%4%11%6%24%2,425
Word of God; other/don't know64%2%12%7%15%407
Not the word of God46%9%14%6%25%564
Other/don't know53%5%15%9%18%405
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%69%4,744
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%65%2,423
Word of God; other/don't know28%72%405
Not the word of God32%68%565
Other/don't know32%68%410
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who say they…

Interpreting scriptureBelieve 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
Word of God; should be taken literally93%6%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%10%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know90%4%< 1%3%< 1%2%410
Not the word of God61%26%6%< 1%5%2%567
Other/don't know84%11%2%2%< 1%1%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally95%4%< 1%1%< 1%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%9%< 1%1%< 1%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know93%4%< 1%1%2%410
Not the word of God64%23%5%7%1%567
Other/don't know84%12%1%1%1%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who attend religious services…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally87%9%3%< 1%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally84%12%4%< 1%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know88%7%5%< 1%410
Not the word of God60%24%15%1%567
Other/don't know79%14%6%1%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%7%1%1%< 1%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally88%10%1%1%< 1%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know93%5%< 1%2%1%410
Not the word of God68%19%3%10%< 1%567
Other/don't know83%10%2%2%3%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally67%5%2%24%2%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%7%2%28%1%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know69%3%1%22%5%410
Not the word of God63%9%2%22%4%567
Other/don't know61%9%2%25%4%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally88%6%2%3%1%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally80%10%4%4%1%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know86%5%5%1%3%410
Not the word of God75%10%6%7%2%567
Other/don't know82%7%2%5%3%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally55%14%8%21%2%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%18%10%17%1%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know55%14%7%18%6%410
Not the word of God59%12%9%17%2%567
Other/don't know64%11%7%15%3%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Interpreting scriptureReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally72%3%20%3%2%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%7%26%3%2%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know69%3%15%2%10%410
Not the word of God26%15%45%10%3%567
Other/don't know47%6%35%3%9%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who say…

Interpreting scriptureThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%46%1%1%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%52%2%1%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know53%40%5%2%410
Not the word of God25%70%1%3%567
Other/don't know37%59%2%2%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who read scripture…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally87%6%2%5%1%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%9%3%8%1%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know87%6%1%5%< 1%410
Not the word of God53%12%6%27%2%567
Other/don't know75%9%4%9%3%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally89%5%6%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally88%7%6%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know81%6%13%410
Not the word of God65%27%8%567
Other/don't know73%9%18%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%10%6%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%22%7%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know71%14%15%410
Not the word of God47%46%7%567
Other/don't know55%26%19%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%18%35%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%18%35%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know47%28%26%410
Not the word of God27%22%52%567
Other/don't know30%23%47%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally58%21%14%7%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%32%13%6%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know51%25%9%16%410
Not the word of God26%32%36%6%567
Other/don't know37%33%20%10%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%42%2%3%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%34%2%3%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know54%30%7%10%410
Not the word of God47%45%3%5%567
Other/don't know44%39%10%7%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who say government aid to the poor…

Interpreting scriptureDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%44%4%2%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%44%4%1%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know47%34%11%7%410
Not the word of God36%58%3%3%567
Other/don't know32%52%13%3%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally25%71%4%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%65%3%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know18%69%13%410
Not the word of God63%32%4%567
Other/don't know39%46%14%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%66%4%4%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%49%5%3%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know24%59%10%6%410
Not the word of God71%22%5%2%567
Other/don't know44%39%10%7%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally18%75%7%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%60%8%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know19%66%15%410
Not the word of God65%26%9%567
Other/don't know39%47%14%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who say…

Interpreting scriptureStricter 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
Word of God; should be taken literally49%43%3%4%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%55%2%2%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know40%42%9%10%410
Not the word of God33%61%3%3%567
Other/don't know36%50%6%7%415
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 attend prayer groups at least once a week by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups at least once a week who say humans…

Interpreting scriptureEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally8%19%2%66%5%4,764
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%33%2%48%4%2,435
Word of God; other/don't know6%17%3%60%14%410
Not the word of God33%29%6%28%4%567
Other/don't know11%31%11%34%14%415
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.