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
201444%33%3%13%6%2,945
200745%31%4%12%7%3,086
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 once or twice a month by religious group

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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
Catholic39%37%3%13%8%593
Evangelical Protestant56%32%3%6%3%1,044
Historically Black Protestant59%27%4%6%4%265
Mainline Protestant35%42%2%13%8%551
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")35%21%< 1%34%11%189
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally20%38%25%17%1,203
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%38%19%11%1,005
Not the word of God32%34%24%10%409
Other/don't know27%34%23%17%180
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally11%14%32%31%10%1%1,203
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%17%31%22%7%< 1%1,005
Not the word of God22%16%27%29%5%< 1%409
Other/don't know16%15%30%25%12%2%180
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%57%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%55%1,028
Not the word of God42%58%418
Other/don't know55%45%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%22%3%21%3%1,206
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%14%3%18%4%1,022
Not the word of God54%12%8%22%4%404
Other/don't know56%16%8%18%3%178
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally19%8%73%1,206
Word of God; not everything taken literally15%10%75%1,012
Not the word of God25%12%63%411
Other/don't know20%12%67%178
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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 literally49%18%22%11%1,057
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%22%30%20%940
Not the word of God36%15%32%16%369
Other/don't know39%12%26%23%148
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally55%30%10%5%1,218
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%33%19%14%1,025
Not the word of God38%31%18%14%413
Other/don't know37%36%11%15%183
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%6%15%7%21%1,221
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%5%11%4%31%1,027
Not the word of God42%10%13%5%31%417
Other/don't know38%12%13%7%31%182
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%63%1,222
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%63%1,022
Not the word of God34%66%416
Other/don't know29%71%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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 literally86%12%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally81%17%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,028
Not the word of God51%31%7%1%7%3%418
Other/don't know63%25%8%1%1%2%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally89%9%1%< 1%1%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%25%2%< 1%1%1,028
Not the word of God45%45%7%2%1%418
Other/don't know59%31%6%3%1%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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 literally56%39%4%< 1%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%40%5%< 1%1,028
Not the word of God33%53%13%1%418
Other/don't know33%56%8%2%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%14%2%1%1%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%19%4%3%< 1%1,028
Not the word of God55%24%8%12%1%418
Other/don't know58%24%6%11%1%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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 literally49%13%4%32%2%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%13%3%40%< 1%1,028
Not the word of God47%17%4%30%1%418
Other/don't know43%16%4%34%4%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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 literally76%16%4%4%1%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%21%8%4%< 1%1,028
Not the word of God58%22%12%8%< 1%418
Other/don't know59%18%11%10%2%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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 literally43%21%11%23%1%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%22%14%19%1%1,028
Not the word of God56%19%13%11%< 1%418
Other/don't know53%18%13%11%5%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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 literally58%4%30%6%2%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%11%36%6%3%1,028
Not the word of God15%21%49%13%2%418
Other/don't know30%15%47%3%5%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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 literally43%55%1%1%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%59%1%< 1%1,028
Not the word of God21%77%1%< 1%418
Other/don't know23%72%4%1%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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 literally64%23%5%8%1%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%26%10%14%< 1%1,028
Not the word of God29%26%12%32%1%418
Other/don't know37%32%8%21%2%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally93%3%4%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally91%5%4%1,028
Not the word of God59%33%9%418
Other/don't know75%11%13%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%10%5%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally77%18%5%1,028
Not the word of God42%51%7%418
Other/don't know53%31%16%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%16%39%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%10%42%1,028
Not the word of God21%22%56%418
Other/don't know25%29%45%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%27%16%6%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%40%17%4%1,028
Not the word of God18%33%42%6%418
Other/don't know25%38%28%10%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%49%2%2%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%40%2%2%1,028
Not the word of God46%49%3%3%418
Other/don't know42%38%11%9%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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 literally51%45%3%2%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%50%4%< 1%1,028
Not the word of God33%62%3%1%418
Other/don't know44%45%9%3%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally32%65%3%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%54%1%1,028
Not the word of God68%29%2%418
Other/don't know56%35%9%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%52%4%3%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%30%5%2%1,028
Not the word of God82%13%3%1%418
Other/don't know62%29%3%6%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%64%7%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%41%7%1,028
Not the word of God78%17%5%418
Other/don't know49%35%16%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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 literally47%47%3%3%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%59%1%1%1,028
Not the word of God26%69%3%3%418
Other/don't know37%54%3%6%184
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 once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who attend prayer groups once or twice a month 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 literally14%24%1%56%4%1,224
Word of God; not everything taken literally17%40%3%37%3%1,028
Not the word of God41%27%8%22%2%418
Other/don't know31%28%7%26%8%184
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.