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
201434%28%3%28%7%17,557
200737%28%4%23%9%19,265
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 women by religious group

% of women 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
Buddhist6%9%< 1%72%13%126
Catholic27%38%4%24%8%3,776
Evangelical Protestant58%28%4%6%4%4,532
Historically Black Protestant59%25%2%7%6%1,098
Jehovah's Witness52%37%6%2%3%158
Jewish12%24%1%56%8%419
Mainline Protestant26%37%3%25%9%3,305
Mormon37%51%4%5%3%317
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")11%12%1%69%7%3,085
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally14%33%29%23%5,418
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%33%25%18%4,870
Word of God; other/don't know9%27%33%32%525
Not the word of God29%35%23%13%5,065
Other/don't know17%31%27%24%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.

Generational cohort among women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally8%11%28%35%16%2%5,418
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%14%27%30%12%1%4,870
Word of God; other/don't know6%6%24%38%23%3%525
Not the word of God18%19%27%27%8%1%5,065
Other/don't know8%15%26%33%16%2%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.

Racial and ethnic composition among women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%20%2%18%4%5,498
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%11%2%13%4%4,934
Word of God; other/don't know66%10%2%16%7%535
Not the word of God72%6%5%12%4%5,099
Other/don't know64%13%5%15%4%1,276
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally16%8%76%5,456
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%10%77%4,920
Word of God; other/don't know19%6%74%538
Not the word of God14%13%73%5,108
Other/don't know16%10%74%1,273
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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 literally51%21%19%8%4,595
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%22%28%17%4,285
Word of God; other/don't know45%19%25%12%394
Not the word of God30%18%27%24%4,592
Other/don't know43%19%24%15%1,015
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%31%11%5%5,523
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%36%18%11%4,956
Word of God; other/don't know45%34%14%7%547
Not the word of God27%32%24%18%5,133
Other/don't know37%33%18%13%1,296
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%5%16%12%17%5,533
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%6%13%8%23%4,954
Word of God; other/don't know52%4%14%15%16%548
Not the word of God44%11%12%6%27%5,137
Other/don't know45%8%16%13%19%1,290
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally33%67%5,544
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%67%4,956
Word of God; other/don't know26%74%547
Not the word of God29%71%5,153
Other/don't know29%71%1,301
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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 literally90%8%1%1%< 1%< 1%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%18%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know86%9%1%2%< 1%2%555
Not the word of God33%30%11%1%21%4%5,161
Other/don't know63%23%5%2%3%4%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally87%10%1%1%< 1%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%29%5%1%< 1%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know82%15%1%1%1%555
Not the word of God20%32%23%25%1%5,161
Other/don't know51%32%11%5%2%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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 literally63%26%11%1%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%40%17%< 1%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know54%28%16%2%555
Not the word of God11%34%55%< 1%5,161
Other/don't know29%40%30%2%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%10%2%3%< 1%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%19%5%6%1%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know84%8%2%4%3%555
Not the word of God31%17%8%43%1%5,161
Other/don't know59%17%6%14%4%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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 literally48%13%8%29%1%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%12%11%51%< 1%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know39%9%10%40%2%555
Not the word of God5%5%5%84%< 1%5,161
Other/don't know18%7%7%65%2%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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 literally54%7%3%34%2%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%9%4%46%1%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know52%5%3%36%4%555
Not the word of God33%11%5%50%1%5,161
Other/don't know41%8%4%44%3%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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 literally78%10%5%5%1%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%17%10%9%1%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know73%8%9%6%4%555
Not the word of God48%17%12%21%1%5,161
Other/don't know58%14%10%14%4%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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%14%10%27%3%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%18%14%25%1%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know42%14%10%28%6%555
Not the word of God47%18%14%21%1%5,161
Other/don't know43%15%14%26%3%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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 literally62%4%29%4%2%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%9%44%5%2%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know50%4%34%4%9%555
Not the word of God7%18%58%15%2%5,161
Other/don't know25%9%54%6%6%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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%2%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%66%1%1%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know39%53%4%4%555
Not the word of God17%81%1%1%5,161
Other/don't know25%72%2%2%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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 literally66%10%5%17%1%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%14%11%36%< 1%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know57%10%8%22%2%555
Not the word of God10%7%8%76%< 1%5,161
Other/don't know29%12%10%47%2%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%5%4%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%6%5%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know86%5%9%555
Not the word of God46%44%9%5,161
Other/don't know69%13%18%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally80%13%7%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%25%7%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know68%15%16%555
Not the word of God27%64%8%5,161
Other/don't know45%35%20%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%20%40%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%16%43%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know41%31%28%555
Not the word of God20%16%64%5,161
Other/don't know26%25%48%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%28%14%8%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%40%19%5%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know42%26%13%19%555
Not the word of God14%34%48%5%5,161
Other/don't know25%36%26%12%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%50%2%4%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%43%2%3%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know46%34%8%13%555
Not the word of God41%52%3%4%5,161
Other/don't know40%42%8%10%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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 literally47%47%4%2%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%51%3%1%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know46%34%10%10%555
Not the word of God31%65%3%1%5,161
Other/don't know36%50%8%6%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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%63%4%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%45%3%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know32%56%13%555
Not the word of God81%17%2%5,161
Other/don't know60%29%11%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%50%4%5%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%24%3%3%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know42%39%9%11%555
Not the word of God92%5%2%1%5,161
Other/don't know70%16%7%6%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%62%9%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%36%7%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know31%50%19%555
Not the word of God88%8%4%5,161
Other/don't know66%22%12%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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 literally45%48%2%5%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%61%2%2%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know36%41%7%16%555
Not the word of God21%75%2%2%5,161
Other/don't know30%56%6%9%1,312
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 women by interpretation of scripture

% of women 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%22%2%59%5%5,560
Word of God; not everything taken literally21%36%3%37%3%4,969
Word of God; other/don't know10%18%6%50%17%555
Not the word of God62%18%4%13%2%5,161
Other/don't know27%26%11%24%12%1,312
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.