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Religious Landscape Study

Religious Landscape Study

ReligionsGeographyTopics & QuestionsUser Guide

Religious composition of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

Christian 88%
Evangelical Protestant 31%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 9%
Southern Baptist Convention 5%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 3%
Missionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Baptist Association of America< 1%
Free Will Baptist< 1%
General Association of Regular Baptist Churches< 1%
Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Evangelical Trad.) 8%
Nondenominational evangelical 3%
Nondenominational fundamentalist< 1%
Nondenominational charismatic 1%
Nondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Community Church (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Lutheran Family (Evangelical Trad.) 3%
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 2%
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod< 1%
Other Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Church in America 1%
Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Pentecostal Family (Evangelical Trad.) 3%
Assemblies of God 1%
Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)< 1%
Foursquare Church< 1%
Pentecostal Church of God< 1%
Pentecostal Holiness Church< 1%
Calvary Chapel< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Church of God of the Apostolic Faith< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Churches of Christ 2%
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Church of the Nazarene 1%
Wesleyan Church< 1%
Free Methodist Church< 1%
Christian and Missionary Alliance< 1%
Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)< 1%
Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Christian Reformed Church< 1%
Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Adventist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Seventh-day Adventist 1%
Other Adventist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pietist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other evangelical/fundamentalist family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Mainline Protestant 22%
Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
American Baptist Churches USA 1%
Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 6%
United Methodist Church 6%
Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Lutheran Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 3%
Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
Presbyterian Church (USA) 2%
Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Episcopal Church 1%
Anglican Church< 1%
Other Episcopalian/Anglican (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Disciples of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
United Church of Christ 1%
Other Congregationalist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Church in America< 1%
Other Reformed (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Friends Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Historically Black Protestant 7%
Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 5%
National Baptist Convention 2%
Progressive Baptist Convention< 1%
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 3%
Methodist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church< 1%
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
Other Methodist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Church of God in Christ 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
United Pentecostal Church International< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Catholic 26%
Mormon 2%
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2%
Other Mormon< 1%
Orthodox Christian 1%
Greek Orthodox< 1%
Russian Orthodox< 1%
Orthodox Church in America< 1%
Other Orthodox Christian< 1%
Jehovah's Witness< 1%
Other Christian< 1%
Metaphysical Family< 1%
Spiritualist< 1%
Unity Church< 1%
Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.)< 1%
Others in the "Other Christian" Tradition< 1%
Non-Christian Faiths 3%
Jewish 1%
Muslim 1%
Buddhist< 1%
Hindu 1%
Other World Religions< 1%
Other Faiths< 1%
Unitarians and other liberal faiths in the "Other Faiths" Tradition< 1%
Unitarian< 1%
Humanist< 1%
Deist< 1%
Spiritual but not religious< 1%
Eclectic, a bit of everything, "I have my own beliefs"< 1%
Other in the "Unitarian and other liberal faiths" family< 1%
New Age< 1%
Pagan or Wiccan< 1%
Other in the New Age family< 1%
Native American Religions< 1%
Unaffiliated (religious "nones") 9%
Atheist< 1%
Agnostic< 1%
Nothing in particular 9%
Nothing in particular (religion not important) 2%
Nothing in particular (religion important) 7%
Don't know < 1%

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are ages…

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Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201432%32%21%14%1,274
200722%42%22%13%1,220
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.

Compare: age group by frequency of reading scriptureage group by interpretation of scripture

Generational cohort among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

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Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201422%15%28%26%9%1%1,274
2007< 1%16%33%33%14%3%1,220
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.

Compare: generational group by frequency of reading scripturegenerational group by interpretation of scripture

Gender composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

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Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201447%53%1,291
200743%57%1,249
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.

Compare: gender by frequency of reading scripturegender by interpretation of scripture

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who identify as…

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Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201465%14%4%13%3%1,274
200773%9%2%13%2%1,240
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.

Compare: race/ethnicity by frequency of reading scripturerace/ethnicity by interpretation of scripture

Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

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Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201412%12%76%1,281
200711%8%81%1,245
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: immigrant status by frequency of reading scriptureimmigrant status by interpretation of scripture

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who have a household income of…

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Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201430%22%30%19%1,167
200726%23%33%18%1,075
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.

Compare: household income by frequency of reading scripturehousehold income by interpretation of scripture

Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who have completed…

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Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201436%33%19%12%1,291
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.

Compare: educational group by frequency of reading scriptureeducational group by interpretation of scripture

Marital status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

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Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201446%5%11%5%32%1,290
200757%4%12%6%21%1,247
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.

Compare: marital status by frequency of reading scripturemarital status by interpretation of scripture

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

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Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201431%69%1,288
200741%59%1,244
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.

Compare: parental status by frequency of reading scriptureparental status by interpretation of scripture

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say they…

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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
201479%18%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,291
200785%13%1%< 1%1%1%1,249
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.

Compare: belief in God by frequency of reading scripturebelief in God by interpretation of scripture

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 read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say religion is…

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Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201465%31%3%1%< 1%1,291
200766%32%1%1%< 1%1,249
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.

Compare: importance of religion by frequency of reading scriptureimportance of religion by interpretation of scripture

Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who attend religious services…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%49%11%< 1%1,291
200744%44%11%< 1%1,249
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.

Compare: religious attendance by frequency of reading scripturereligious attendance by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of prayer among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who pray…

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Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201466%25%5%4%< 1%1,291
200768%24%5%2%1%1,249
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.

Compare: frequency of prayer by frequency of reading scripturefrequency of prayer by interpretation of scripture

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 read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who attend prayer group…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201416%22%17%45%< 1%1,291
200715%20%16%49%< 1%1,249
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.

Compare: attendance at prayer groups by frequency of reading scriptureattendance at prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of meditation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who meditate…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201434%15%4%46%1%1,291
200735%12%5%47%2%1,249
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.

Compare: frequency of meditation by frequency of reading scripturefrequency of meditation by interpretation of scripture

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 read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201456%25%11%7%1%1,291
200755%23%13%8%2%1,249
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.

Compare: frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by frequency of reading scripturefrequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by interpretation of scripture

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 read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201444%21%15%20%< 1%1,291
200739%20%16%22%2%1,249
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.

Compare: frequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by frequency of reading scripturefrequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by interpretation of scripture

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 read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

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Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201435%10%47%6%2%1,291
200730%10%53%5%2%1,249
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.

Compare: sources of guidance on right and wrong by frequency of reading scripturesources of guidance on right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

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 read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say…

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Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201434%65%1%< 1%1,291
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.

Compare: belief in existence of standards for right and wrong by frequency of reading scripturebelief in existence of standards for right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who …in heaven

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Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201493%5%2%1,291
200789%6%5%1,249
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.

Compare: belief in heaven by frequency of reading scripturebelief in heaven by interpretation of scripture

Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who …in hell

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Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201474%20%6%1,291
200769%21%10%1,249
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.

Compare: belief in hell by frequency of reading scripturebelief in hell by interpretation of scripture

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who identify as…

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Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201445%13%42%1,291
200742%13%45%1,249
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.

Compare: political party by frequency of reading scripturepolitical party by interpretation of scripture

Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

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Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201438%40%18%3%1,291
200735%44%18%4%1,249
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.

Compare: political ideology by frequency of reading scripturepolitical ideology by interpretation of scripture

Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who would rather have…

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Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201456%41%1%2%1,291
200748%45%3%4%1,249
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.

Compare: views about size of government by frequency of reading scriptureviews about size of government by interpretation of scripture

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 read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say government aid to the poor…

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Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201446%50%3%< 1%1,291
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.

Compare: views about government aid to the poor by frequency of reading scriptureviews about government aid to the poor by interpretation of scripture

Views about abortion among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say abortion should be…

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Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201451%48%1%1,291
200750%46%4%1,249
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.

Compare: views about abortion by frequency of reading scriptureviews about abortion by interpretation of scripture

Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say homosexuality…

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Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201468%26%4%2%1,291
200752%38%5%4%1,249
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.

Compare: views about homosexuality by frequency of reading scriptureviews about homosexuality by interpretation of scripture

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who …same-sex marriage

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Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201456%36%8%1,291
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.

Compare: views about same-sex marriage by frequency of reading scriptureviews about same-sex marriage by interpretation of scripture

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say…

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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
201441%56%1%1%1,291
200730%65%3%2%1,249
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.

Compare: views about environmental protection by frequency of reading scriptureviews about environmental protection by interpretation of scripture

Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say humans…

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Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201420%39%4%35%3%1,291
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.

Compare: views about human evolution by frequency of reading scriptureviews about human evolution by interpretation of scripture

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