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
201427%25%2%38%7%17,514
200729%26%3%33%10%16,291
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.

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

Interpreting scripture among men by religious group

% of men 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
Buddhist3%9%2%74%12%138
Catholic24%34%2%32%7%3,426
Evangelical Protestant51%30%4%9%5%4,061
Hindu7%15%< 1%66%11%136
Historically Black Protestant59%20%3%12%6%818
Jewish10%24%2%55%8%428
Mainline Protestant22%34%2%32%10%2,778
Mormon28%56%6%7%4%347
Muslim44%27%9%15%5%152
Orthodox Christian17%51%2%23%8%106
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")8%10%1%74%7%4,471
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally15%35%31%19%4,178
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%34%25%16%4,507
Word of God; other/don't know19%31%28%22%414
Not the word of God29%35%23%13%6,887
Other/don't know20%36%27%18%1,236
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally10%11%29%36%12%1%4,178
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%14%28%30%10%1%4,507
Word of God; other/don't know11%11%28%34%15%1%414
Not the word of God18%18%27%27%8%1%6,887
Other/don't know11%16%28%33%10%2%1,236
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%19%3%19%3%4,191
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%9%3%13%4%4,509
Word of God; other/don't know64%12%3%17%3%415
Not the word of God72%6%6%13%4%6,856
Other/don't know66%9%5%14%5%1,236
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally19%7%74%4,189
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%10%78%4,526
Word of God; other/don't know17%8%75%424
Not the word of God14%13%74%6,900
Other/don't know15%8%76%1,259
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men 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 literally40%22%24%13%3,730
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%20%31%23%4,124
Word of God; other/don't know30%22%29%18%354
Not the word of God24%19%30%27%6,365
Other/don't know34%20%25%21%1,036
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally59%26%10%5%4,218
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%31%18%12%4,553
Word of God; other/don't know44%31%14%11%424
Not the word of God34%31%20%14%6,949
Other/don't know38%37%15%10%1,269
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%5%14%5%23%4,235
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%6%11%3%28%4,558
Word of God; other/don't know60%3%12%6%19%425
Not the word of God43%10%11%2%34%6,948
Other/don't know46%10%12%4%28%1,263
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally27%73%4,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%71%4,550
Word of God; other/don't know30%70%427
Not the word of God23%77%6,946
Other/don't know26%74%1,277
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men 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%11%2%1%< 1%< 1%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally73%23%2%< 1%1%1%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know85%11%< 1%2%1%< 1%430
Not the word of God23%27%13%1%31%5%6,971
Other/don't know56%23%5%3%5%7%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%14%2%2%< 1%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%34%6%2%< 1%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know80%14%2%1%2%430
Not the word of God14%29%25%32%1%6,971
Other/don't know43%31%13%9%3%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men 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 literally57%28%14%< 1%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%40%19%< 1%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know55%27%16%2%430
Not the word of God8%32%60%< 1%6,971
Other/don't know21%41%35%3%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally74%14%4%7%1%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%23%8%13%< 1%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know75%13%3%5%3%430
Not the word of God18%12%8%60%1%6,971
Other/don't know43%16%9%27%5%1,289
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who attend prayer group…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%13%10%32%< 1%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%11%11%54%< 1%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know40%10%8%39%2%430
Not the word of God4%3%5%88%< 1%6,971
Other/don't know13%9%8%66%3%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men 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 literally51%7%4%35%3%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%8%5%50%1%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know50%6%4%34%7%430
Not the word of God27%9%6%57%1%6,971
Other/don't know38%10%4%43%5%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men 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 literally71%12%7%9%1%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%18%11%14%1%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know70%12%6%6%6%430
Not the word of God37%16%12%33%1%6,971
Other/don't know51%14%9%21%5%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men 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 literally46%15%12%26%2%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%18%14%25%1%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know46%10%12%23%9%430
Not the word of God48%16%14%21%1%6,971
Other/don't know50%13%11%23%4%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men 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 literally57%5%31%5%2%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%9%48%6%3%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know52%4%29%2%13%430
Not the word of God5%19%57%18%2%6,971
Other/don't know17%14%52%9%8%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men 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 literally48%49%1%2%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%57%1%< 1%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know48%43%6%3%430
Not the word of God22%76%1%1%6,971
Other/don't know29%64%5%3%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men 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 literally58%12%8%22%1%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%14%11%40%< 1%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know62%9%5%21%3%430
Not the word of God8%6%8%78%< 1%6,971
Other/don't know23%11%9%54%4%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%4%4%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%6%4%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know78%6%16%430
Not the word of God36%55%9%6,971
Other/don't know60%17%23%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%10%5%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally73%21%6%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know75%11%14%430
Not the word of God26%67%7%6,971
Other/don't know48%29%23%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%17%35%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%16%32%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know43%25%32%430
Not the word of God29%19%52%6,971
Other/don't know32%32%36%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%21%16%6%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%36%15%4%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know54%23%10%12%430
Not the word of God21%39%34%5%6,971
Other/don't know31%36%19%14%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%40%2%2%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%29%2%2%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know60%26%5%9%430
Not the word of God56%38%3%3%6,971
Other/don't know53%29%9%10%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men 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 literally54%41%3%2%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%40%3%2%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know50%36%9%4%430
Not the word of God39%55%4%1%6,971
Other/don't know41%43%11%6%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%65%5%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%53%3%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know25%58%17%430
Not the word of God77%20%3%6,971
Other/don't know52%34%15%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%62%4%4%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%38%5%3%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know26%53%9%11%430
Not the word of God81%14%3%2%6,971
Other/don't know56%27%9%8%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally23%70%7%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%47%7%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know21%61%18%430
Not the word of God76%18%6%6,971
Other/don't know47%35%18%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men 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 literally53%41%3%3%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%51%2%1%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know47%41%6%5%430
Not the word of God30%66%2%2%6,971
Other/don't know36%51%6%7%1,289
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 men by interpretation of scripture

% of men 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 literally12%23%2%57%5%4,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%40%3%34%4%4,573
Word of God; other/don't know9%22%6%43%20%430
Not the word of God67%16%5%11%1%6,971
Other/don't know29%26%15%21%9%1,289
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.