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Religious Landscape Study

Religious Landscape Study

ReligionsGeographyTopics & QuestionsUser Guide

Religious composition of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

Christian 89%
Evangelical Protestant 28%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 9%
Southern Baptist Convention 5%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 3%
Missionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Baptist Association of America< 1%
Free Will Baptist< 1%
General Association of Regular Baptist Churches< 1%
Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Evangelical Trad.) 6%
Nondenominational evangelical 2%
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.) 3%
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 2%
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod< 1%
Other Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Presbyterian Church in America 1%
Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Pentecostal Family (Evangelical Trad.) 3%
Assemblies of God 1%
Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)< 1%
Foursquare Church< 1%
Pentecostal Church of God< 1%
Pentecostal Holiness Church< 1%
Calvary Chapel< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Church of God of the Apostolic Faith< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Churches of Christ 2%
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Church of the Nazarene< 1%
Wesleyan Church< 1%
Free Methodist Church< 1%
Christian and Missionary Alliance< 1%
Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)< 1%
Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Christian Reformed Church< 1%
Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Adventist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Seventh-day Adventist< 1%
Other Adventist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pietist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other evangelical/fundamentalist family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Mainline Protestant 20%
Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
American Baptist Churches USA 2%
Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 6%
United Methodist Church 6%
Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Lutheran Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 3%
Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Presbyterian Church (USA) 1%
Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Episcopal Church 1%
Anglican Church< 1%
Other Episcopalian/Anglican (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Disciples of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
United Church of Christ 1%
Other Congregationalist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Church in America< 1%
Other Reformed (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Friends Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Historically Black Protestant 5%
Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 3%
National Baptist Convention 2%
Progressive Baptist Convention< 1%
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 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 32%
Mormon 3%
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3%
Other Mormon< 1%
Orthodox Christian< 1%
Greek Orthodox< 1%
Russian Orthodox< 1%
Orthodox Church in America< 1%
Other Orthodox Christian< 1%
Jehovah's Witness 1%
Other Christian< 1%
Metaphysical Family< 1%
Spiritualist< 1%
Unity Church< 1%
Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.)< 1%
Others in the "Other Christian" Tradition< 1%
Non-Christian Faiths 3%
Jewish 1%
Muslim< 1%
Buddhist< 1%
Hindu< 1%
Other World Religions< 1%
Other Faiths 1%
Unitarians and other liberal faiths in the "Other Faiths" Tradition< 1%
Unitarian< 1%
Humanist< 1%
Deist< 1%
Spiritual but not religious< 1%
Eclectic, a bit of everything, "I have my own beliefs"< 1%
Other in the "Unitarian and other liberal faiths" family< 1%
New Age< 1%
Pagan or Wiccan< 1%
Other in the New Age family< 1%
Native American Religions< 1%
Unaffiliated (religious "nones") 8%
Atheist< 1%
Agnostic< 1%
Nothing in particular 8%
Nothing in particular (religion not important) 2%
Nothing in particular (religion important) 6%
Don't know < 1%

DemographicInformation

Generational cohort among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

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Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
2014< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%2,788
2007< 1%< 1%< 1%84%16%< 1%2,861
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 age group

Gender composition among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

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Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201446%54%2,788
200747%53%2,861
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 age group

Racial and ethnic composition among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who identify as…

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Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201478%8%2%9%4%2,746
200783%7%1%6%2%2,841
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 age group

Immigrant status among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

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Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20149%7%84%2,769
20077%6%87%2,850
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 age group

Income distribution among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who have a household income of…

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Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201426%18%31%25%2,518
200719%21%37%23%2,505
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 age group

Educational distribution among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who have completed…

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Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201436%32%18%13%2,782
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 age group

Marital status among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

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Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201464%4%19%5%9%2,778
200767%3%17%5%8%2,853
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 age group

Parent of children under 18 among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

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Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201416%84%2,780
200715%85%2,860
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 age group

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say they…

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Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201479%19%2%< 1%1%< 1%2,788
200784%14%1%< 1%< 1%1%2,861
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 age group

Importance of religion in one's life among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say religion is…

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Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201464%30%4%2%< 1%2,788
200763%31%5%1%< 1%2,861
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 age group

Attendance at religious services among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who attend religious services…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201441%39%19%< 1%2,788
200743%37%19%< 1%2,861
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 age group

Frequency of prayer among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who pray…

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Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201466%20%5%8%< 1%2,788
200764%21%6%9%1%2,861
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 age group

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who attend prayer group…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201423%9%11%57%< 1%2,788
200719%9%10%61%< 1%2,861
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 age group

Frequency of meditation among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who meditate…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201443%8%4%44%1%2,788
200742%8%5%43%1%2,861
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 age group

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201461%16%11%11%1%2,788
200755%16%14%13%2%2,861
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 age group

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201445%17%13%25%< 1%2,788
200742%15%15%26%2%2,861
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 age group

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

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Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201440%7%46%5%2%2,788
200731%8%55%3%3%2,861
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 age group

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say…

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Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201441%57%1%1%2,788
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 age group

Frequency of reading scripture among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who read scripture…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%12%11%39%< 1%2,788
200735%12%10%43%< 1%2,861
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 age group

Belief in Heaven among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …in heaven

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Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201488%7%5%2,788
200785%8%7%2,861
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 age group

Belief in Hell among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …in hell

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Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201468%25%7%2,788
200764%25%11%2,861
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 age group

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who identify as…

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Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201447%14%39%2,788
200742%13%45%2,861
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

Political ideology among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

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Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201445%36%16%3%2,788
200741%41%14%4%2,861
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 age group

Views about size of government among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who would rather have…

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Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201463%31%2%3%2,788
200754%36%5%5%2,861
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 age group

Views about government aid to the poor among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say government aid to the poor…

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Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201452%44%3%1%2,788
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 age group

Views about abortion among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say abortion should be…

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Trends
Table
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Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201452%45%3%2,788
200756%40%5%2,861
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 age group

Views about homosexuality among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say homosexuality…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201461%31%5%3%2,788
200750%41%5%4%2,861
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 age group

Views about same-sex marriage among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …same-sex marriage

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Table
Share
Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201448%44%8%2,788
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 age group

Views about environmental regulation among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say…

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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
201444%53%2%1%2,788
200731%64%3%3%2,861
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 age group

Views about human evolution among 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say humans…

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Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201417%41%3%36%3%2,788
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 age group

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