Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Newsletters Press Donate My Account Contacted By Us?

Religious Landscape Study

Religious Landscape Study

ReligionsGeographyTopics & QuestionsUser Guide

Religious composition of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

Christian 35%
Evangelical Protestant 6%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Southern Baptist Convention 1%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Missionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Baptist Association of America< 1%
Free Will Baptist< 1%
General Association of Regular Baptist Churches< 1%
Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Methodist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Nondenominational evangelical< 1%
Nondenominational fundamentalist< 1%
Nondenominational charismatic< 1%
Nondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Community Church (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Lutheran Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod< 1%
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod< 1%
Other Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Presbyterian Church in America< 1%
Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Assemblies of God< 1%
Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)< 1%
Foursquare Church< 1%
Pentecostal Church of God< 1%
Pentecostal Holiness Church< 1%
Calvary Chapel< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Church of God of the Apostolic Faith< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Churches of Christ< 1%
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Church of the Nazarene< 1%
Wesleyan Church< 1%
Free Methodist Church< 1%
Christian and Missionary Alliance< 1%
Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)< 1%
Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Christian Reformed Church< 1%
Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Adventist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Seventh-day Adventist< 1%
Other Adventist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pietist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other evangelical/fundamentalist family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Mainline Protestant 11%
Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
American Baptist Churches USA 1%
Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
United Methodist Church 1%
Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Lutheran Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)< 1%
Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Church (USA)< 1%
Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Episcopal Church 1%
Anglican Church< 1%
Other Episcopalian/Anglican (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Disciples of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
United Church of Christ< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Church in America< 1%
Other Reformed (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Friends Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
Historically Black Protestant 1%
Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
National Baptist Convention< 1%
Progressive Baptist Convention< 1%
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Methodist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church< 1%
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
Other Methodist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Church of God in Christ< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
United Pentecostal Church International< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Catholic 16%
Mormon< 1%
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints< 1%
Other Mormon< 1%
Orthodox Christian< 1%
Greek Orthodox< 1%
Russian Orthodox< 1%
Orthodox Church in America< 1%
Other Orthodox Christian< 1%
Jehovah's Witness< 1%
Other Christian< 1%
Metaphysical Family< 1%
Spiritualist< 1%
Unity Church< 1%
Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.)< 1%
Others in the "Other Christian" Tradition< 1%
Non-Christian Faiths 9%
Jewish 1%
Muslim< 1%
Buddhist 1%
Hindu 1%
Other World Religions 1%
Other Faiths 5%
Unitarians and other liberal faiths in the "Other Faiths" Tradition 2%
Unitarian< 1%
Humanist< 1%
Deist< 1%
Spiritual but not religious 1%
Eclectic, a bit of everything, "I have my own beliefs"< 1%
Other in the "Unitarian and other liberal faiths" family< 1%
New Age 2%
Pagan or Wiccan 2%
Other in the New Age family< 1%
Native American Religions< 1%
Unaffiliated (religious "nones") 53%
Atheist 8%
Agnostic 8%
Nothing in particular 37%
Nothing in particular (religion not important) 27%
Nothing in particular (religion important) 10%
Don't know 2%

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are ages…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201434%38%20%9%1,738
200726%42%22%10%1,452
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: age group by interpretation of scriptureage group by political party

Generational cohort among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201420%22%30%23%5%< 1%1,738
2007< 1%19%35%33%11%2%1,452
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: generational group by interpretation of scripturegenerational group by political party

Gender composition among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201460%40%1,798
200760%40%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: gender by interpretation of scripturegender by political party

Racial and ethnic composition among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who identify as…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201465%5%7%19%5%1,736
200772%5%4%14%5%1,464
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: race/ethnicity by interpretation of scripturerace/ethnicity by political party

Immigrant status among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201419%11%70%1,752
200715%9%75%1,487
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: immigrant status by interpretation of scriptureimmigrant status by political party

Income distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who have a household income of…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201442%18%24%16%1,486
200731%23%27%19%1,163
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: household income by interpretation of scripturehousehold income by political party

Educational distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who have completed…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201444%33%15%9%1,776
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: educational group by interpretation of scriptureeducational group by political party

Marital status among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201437%12%14%4%33%1,778
200750%10%12%4%24%1,501
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: marital status by interpretation of scripturemarital status by political party

Parent of children under 18 among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201430%70%1,793
200735%65%1,506
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: parental status by interpretation of scriptureparental status by political party

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say they…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201432%27%11%1%24%5%1,798
200740%26%10%1%15%7%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: belief in God by interpretation of scripturebelief in God by political party

Importance of religion in one's life among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say religion is…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201418%29%22%30%1%1,798
200720%32%21%24%2%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: importance of religion by interpretation of scriptureimportance of religion by political party

Attendance at religious services among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who attend religious services…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201410%28%61%1%1,798
200711%30%58%1%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: religious attendance by interpretation of scripturereligious attendance by political party

Frequency of prayer among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who pray…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201426%13%8%52%1%1,798
200728%16%8%47%2%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency of prayer by interpretation of scripturefrequency of prayer by political party

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who attend prayer group…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20146%5%5%84%< 1%1,798
20075%4%3%87%2%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: attendance at prayer groups by interpretation of scriptureattendance at prayer groups by political party

Frequency of meditation among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who meditate…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201432%9%5%54%2%1,798
200731%7%5%55%2%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency of meditation by interpretation of scripturefrequency of meditation by political party

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201444%13%11%30%2%1,798
200733%11%12%39%5%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by interpretation of scripturefrequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by political party

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201448%14%12%26%1%1,798
200739%12%14%32%3%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by interpretation of scripturefrequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by political party

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20147%15%60%15%3%1,798
20075%12%69%10%4%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: sources of guidance on right and wrong by interpretation of scripturesources of guidance on right and wrong by political party

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201421%76%2%1%1,798
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: belief in existence of standards for right and wrong by interpretation of scripturebelief in existence of standards for right and wrong by political party

Frequency of reading scripture among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who read scripture…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201410%7%7%76%1%1,798
20078%6%6%79%1%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

Belief in Heaven among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who …in heaven

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201441%46%12%1,798
200741%44%15%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: belief in heaven by interpretation of scripturebelief in heaven by political party

Belief in Hell among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who …in hell

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201428%61%10%1,798
200729%56%15%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: belief in hell by interpretation of scripturebelief in hell by political party

SocialandPoliticalViews

Political ideology among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201416%40%25%18%1,798
200718%40%25%17%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: political ideology by interpretation of scripturepolitical ideology by political party

Views about size of government among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who would rather have…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201456%33%5%5%1,798
200747%39%6%9%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about size of government by interpretation of scriptureviews about size of government by political party

Views about government aid to the poor among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say government aid to the poor…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201441%50%6%3%1,798
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about government aid to the poor by interpretation of scriptureviews about government aid to the poor by political party

Views about abortion among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say abortion should be…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201468%26%6%1,798
200770%22%8%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about abortion by interpretation of scriptureviews about abortion by political party

Views about homosexuality among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say homosexuality…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201479%13%5%4%1,798
200769%18%7%6%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about homosexuality by interpretation of scriptureviews about homosexuality by political party

Views about same-sex marriage among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who …same-sex marriage

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201474%16%10%1,798
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about same-sex marriage by interpretation of scriptureviews about same-sex marriage by political party

Views about environmental regulation among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201431%61%4%4%1,798
200725%64%4%7%1,519
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about environmental protection by interpretation of scriptureviews about environmental protection by political party

Views about human evolution among independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say humans…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201456%18%7%15%4%1,798
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about human evolution by interpretation of scriptureviews about human evolution by political party

Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center About Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Settings Reprints, Permissions & Use Policy Feedback Careers