Interpreting scripture
% of adults who say the holy scripture is…
| Survey year | Word of God; should be taken literally | Word of God; not everything taken literally | Word of God; other/don't know | Not the word of God | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 31% | 27% | 3% | 33% | 7% | 35,071 |
| 2007 | 33% | 27% | 3% | 28% | 9% | 35,556 |
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 by religious group
% of adults who say the holy scripture is…
| Religious tradition | Word of God; should be taken literally | Word of God; not everything taken literally | Word of God; other/don't know | Not the word of God | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buddhist | 5% | 9% | 1% | 73% | 12% | 264 |
| Catholic | 26% | 36% | 3% | 28% | 8% | 7,202 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 55% | 29% | 4% | 8% | 4% | 8,593 |
| Hindu | 12% | 16% | < 1% | 60% | 12% | 199 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 59% | 23% | 3% | 9% | 6% | 1,916 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 47% | 40% | 7% | 2% | 4% | 245 |
| Jewish | 11% | 24% | 2% | 55% | 8% | 847 |
| Mainline Protestant | 24% | 35% | 3% | 28% | 9% | 6,083 |
| Mormon | 33% | 53% | 5% | 6% | 3% | 664 |
| Muslim | 42% | 31% | 10% | 12% | 5% | 237 |
| Orthodox Christian | 22% | 39% | 2% | 27% | 10% | 186 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 10% | 11% | 1% | 72% | 7% | 7,556 |
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
Switch Display To: religious group by interpretation of scripture
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who are ages…
| Interpreting scripture | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 15% | 34% | 30% | 21% | 9,596 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 24% | 34% | 25% | 17% | 9,377 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 13% | 29% | 31% | 27% | 939 |
| Not the word of God | 29% | 35% | 23% | 13% | 11,952 |
| Other/don't know | 18% | 33% | 27% | 21% | 2,481 |
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: 18-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65+
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by age group
Generational cohort by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 9% | 11% | 29% | 35% | 14% | 2% | 9,596 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 16% | 14% | 28% | 30% | 11% | 1% | 9,377 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 8% | 8% | 26% | 37% | 19% | 2% | 939 |
| Not the word of God | 18% | 19% | 27% | 27% | 8% | 1% | 11,952 |
| Other/don't know | 9% | 16% | 27% | 33% | 13% | 2% | 2,481 |
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: Younger Millennial, Older Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent, Greatest
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by generational group
Gender composition by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 43% | 57% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 46% | 54% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 43% | 57% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 56% | 44% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 50% | 50% | 2,601 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by gender
Racial and ethnic composition by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who identify as…
| Interpreting scripture | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 57% | 19% | 2% | 18% | 3% | 9,689 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 70% | 10% | 3% | 13% | 4% | 9,443 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 65% | 11% | 3% | 16% | 5% | 950 |
| Not the word of God | 72% | 6% | 6% | 13% | 4% | 11,955 |
| Other/don't know | 65% | 11% | 5% | 14% | 5% | 2,512 |
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: White, Black, Asian, Latino, Other/Mixed
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by race/ethnicity
Immigrant status by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 17% | 7% | 75% | 9,645 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 12% | 10% | 78% | 9,446 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 18% | 7% | 75% | 962 |
| Not the word of God | 14% | 13% | 73% | 12,008 |
| Other/don't know | 15% | 9% | 75% | 2,532 |
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: Immigrants, Second generation, Third generation or higher
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by immigrant status
Income distribution by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who have a household income of…
| Interpreting scripture | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 46% | 22% | 22% | 10% | 8,325 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 30% | 21% | 29% | 20% | 8,409 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 38% | 20% | 27% | 15% | 748 |
| Not the word of God | 27% | 19% | 29% | 25% | 10,957 |
| Other/don't know | 38% | 20% | 24% | 18% | 2,051 |
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: Less than $30,000, $30,000-$49,999, $50,000-$99,999, $100,000 or more
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by household income
Educational distribution by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who have completed…
| Interpreting scripture | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 56% | 29% | 11% | 5% | 9,741 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 37% | 34% | 18% | 11% | 9,509 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 45% | 33% | 14% | 9% | 971 |
| Not the word of God | 31% | 32% | 22% | 16% | 12,082 |
| Other/don't know | 38% | 35% | 16% | 12% | 2,565 |
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: High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by educational group
Marital status by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 51% | 5% | 15% | 9% | 19% | 9,768 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 51% | 6% | 12% | 6% | 25% | 9,512 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 56% | 3% | 13% | 11% | 17% | 973 |
| Not the word of God | 43% | 11% | 11% | 4% | 31% | 12,085 |
| Other/don't know | 45% | 9% | 14% | 8% | 23% | 2,553 |
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: Married, Living with a partner, Divorced/separated, Widowed, Never married
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by marital status
Parent of children under 18 by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 31% | 69% | 9,776 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 31% | 69% | 9,506 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 28% | 72% | 974 |
| Not the word of God | 26% | 74% | 12,099 |
| Other/don't know | 28% | 72% | 2,578 |
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: Parents, Non-parents
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by parental status
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say they…
| Interpreting scripture | Believe in God; absolutely certain | Believe in God; fairly certain | Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | Believe in God; don't know | Do not believe in God | Other/don't know if they believe in God | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 88% | 10% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 76% | 20% | 2% | < 1% | 1% | < 1% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 86% | 10% | 1% | 2% | < 1% | 1% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 28% | 28% | 12% | 1% | 26% | 5% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 59% | 23% | 5% | 2% | 4% | 6% | 2,601 |
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: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by belief in God
Importance of religion in one's life by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say religion is…
| Interpreting scripture | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 85% | 12% | 2% | 1% | < 1% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 62% | 31% | 5% | 2% | < 1% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 81% | 15% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 16% | 30% | 24% | 29% | 1% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 47% | 31% | 12% | 7% | 3% | 2,601 |
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by importance of religion
Attendance at religious services by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who attend religious services…
| Interpreting scripture | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 60% | 27% | 12% | 1% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 42% | 40% | 18% | < 1% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 54% | 28% | 16% | 2% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 9% | 33% | 58% | < 1% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 25% | 40% | 32% | 2% | 2,601 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month/a few times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by religious attendance
Frequency of prayer by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who pray…
| Interpreting scripture | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 80% | 12% | 3% | 4% | 1% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 63% | 21% | 6% | 9% | < 1% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 80% | 10% | 3% | 4% | 3% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 24% | 15% | 8% | 53% | 1% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 51% | 17% | 7% | 21% | 4% | 2,601 |
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: At least daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by frequency of prayer
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who attend prayer group…
| Interpreting scripture | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 46% | 13% | 9% | 31% | 1% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 25% | 11% | 11% | 52% | < 1% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 40% | 10% | 9% | 39% | 2% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 5% | 4% | 5% | 86% | < 1% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 15% | 8% | 8% | 66% | 3% | 2,601 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by attendance at prayer groups
Frequency of meditation by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who meditate…
| Interpreting scripture | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 53% | 7% | 3% | 35% | 2% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 39% | 8% | 4% | 48% | 1% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 51% | 5% | 3% | 35% | 5% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 29% | 10% | 5% | 54% | 1% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 39% | 9% | 4% | 44% | 4% | 2,601 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by frequency of meditation
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Interpreting scripture | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 75% | 11% | 6% | 7% | 1% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 60% | 18% | 10% | 11% | 1% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 72% | 10% | 8% | 6% | 5% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 42% | 17% | 12% | 28% | 1% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 55% | 14% | 9% | 17% | 4% | 2,601 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Interpreting scripture | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 46% | 14% | 11% | 27% | 2% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 42% | 18% | 14% | 25% | 1% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 44% | 12% | 11% | 26% | 8% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 48% | 17% | 14% | 21% | 1% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 46% | 14% | 12% | 24% | 4% | 2,601 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Sources of guidance on right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Interpreting scripture | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 60% | 4% | 30% | 5% | 2% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 38% | 9% | 45% | 6% | 2% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 51% | 4% | 32% | 3% | 11% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 6% | 18% | 57% | 16% | 2% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 21% | 11% | 53% | 8% | 7% | 2,601 |
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: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrong
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say…
| Interpreting scripture | There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | Right or wrong depends on the situation | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 45% | 52% | 1% | 2% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 36% | 62% | 1% | 1% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 43% | 48% | 5% | 4% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 20% | 78% | 1% | 1% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 27% | 68% | 3% | 2% | 2,601 |
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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation
Frequency of reading scripture by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who read scripture…
| Interpreting scripture | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 63% | 11% | 6% | 19% | 1% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 37% | 14% | 11% | 38% | < 1% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 59% | 10% | 7% | 22% | 2% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 8% | 6% | 8% | 77% | < 1% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 26% | 11% | 9% | 50% | 3% | 2,601 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by frequency of reading scripture
Belief in Heaven by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who …in heaven
| Interpreting scripture | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 91% | 5% | 4% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 89% | 6% | 4% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 82% | 6% | 12% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 41% | 50% | 9% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 64% | 15% | 21% | 2,601 |
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: Believe, Don't believe
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by belief in heaven
Belief in Hell by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who …in hell
| Interpreting scripture | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 82% | 12% | 6% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 70% | 23% | 7% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 71% | 13% | 16% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 26% | 66% | 8% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 47% | 32% | 22% | 2,601 |
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: Believe, Don't believe
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by belief in hell
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who identify as…
| Interpreting scripture | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 44% | 18% | 38% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 46% | 16% | 38% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 42% | 28% | 29% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 25% | 18% | 57% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 29% | 29% | 42% | 2,601 |
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: Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by political party
Political ideology by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 53% | 25% | 15% | 7% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 40% | 38% | 17% | 5% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 47% | 25% | 12% | 16% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 18% | 37% | 40% | 5% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 28% | 36% | 23% | 13% | 2,601 |
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: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by political ideology
Views about size of government by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who would rather have…
| Interpreting scripture | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 49% | 46% | 2% | 3% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 58% | 37% | 2% | 3% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 52% | 31% | 7% | 11% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 49% | 44% | 3% | 3% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 47% | 35% | 8% | 10% | 2,601 |
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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by views about size of government
Views about government aid to the poor by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say government aid to the poor…
| Interpreting scripture | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 50% | 44% | 4% | 2% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 50% | 46% | 3% | 1% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 48% | 35% | 10% | 7% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 36% | 60% | 3% | 1% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 39% | 46% | 9% | 6% | 2,601 |
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by views about government aid to the poor
Views about abortion by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say abortion should be…
| Interpreting scripture | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 32% | 64% | 4% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 48% | 49% | 3% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 29% | 57% | 14% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 78% | 19% | 3% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 56% | 31% | 13% | 2,601 |
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: Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by views about abortion
Views about homosexuality by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say homosexuality…
| Interpreting scripture | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 37% | 55% | 4% | 4% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 63% | 30% | 4% | 3% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 35% | 45% | 9% | 11% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 86% | 10% | 2% | 2% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 63% | 21% | 8% | 7% | 2,601 |
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: Should be accepted, Should be discouraged
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by views about homosexuality
Views about same-sex marriage by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who …same-sex marriage
| Interpreting scripture | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 26% | 66% | 8% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 52% | 41% | 7% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 27% | 55% | 19% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 81% | 14% | 5% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 56% | 28% | 15% | 2,601 |
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: Strongly favor/favor, Oppose/strongly oppose
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by views about same-sex marriage
Views about environmental regulation by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say…
| Interpreting scripture | Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy | Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 48% | 45% | 2% | 4% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 40% | 56% | 2% | 2% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 41% | 41% | 7% | 12% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 26% | 70% | 2% | 2% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 33% | 54% | 6% | 8% | 2,601 |
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: Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by views about environmental protection
Views about human evolution by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say humans…
| Interpreting scripture | Evolved; due to natural processes | Evolved; due to God's design | Evolved; don't know how | Always existed in present form | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 12% | 22% | 2% | 58% | 5% | 9,811 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 20% | 38% | 3% | 36% | 3% | 9,542 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 9% | 20% | 6% | 47% | 18% | 985 |
| Not the word of God | 65% | 17% | 4% | 12% | 2% | 12,132 |
| Other/don't know | 28% | 26% | 13% | 22% | 11% | 2,601 |
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: Evolved; due to natural processes, Evolved; due to God's design, Always existed in present form
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture by views about human evolution
