Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201424%27%2%41%7%6,966
200728%27%2%34%8%4,995
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

Interpreting scripture among never married adults by religious group

% of never married adults who say the holy scripture is…

Religious traditionWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic22%37%2%33%6%1,292
Evangelical Protestant42%40%3%11%4%1,214
Historically Black Protestant53%29%2%8%7%600
Jewish9%21%2%61%7%138
Mainline Protestant22%42%2%28%6%788
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")10%11%1%72%7%2,289
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%35%15%4%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%20%9%3%1,825
Word of God; other/don't know51%27%17%5%133
Not the word of God67%24%8%2%2,925
Other/don't know50%33%14%2%458
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%21%26%17%2%< 1%1,545
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%21%14%10%1%< 1%1,825
Word of God; other/don't know40%15%23%17%5%< 1%133
Not the word of God49%26%16%8%1%< 1%2,925
Other/don't know33%26%25%15%1%< 1%458
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.

Gender composition among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%50%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%50%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know47%53%134
Not the word of God62%38%2,946
Other/don't know59%41%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%35%3%20%5%1,544
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%18%5%18%5%1,837
Word of God; other/don't know47%17%7%24%5%132
Not the word of God61%9%8%17%5%2,913
Other/don't know51%21%6%15%7%455
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%10%73%1,525
Word of God; not everything taken literally13%16%71%1,822
Word of God; other/don't know24%12%64%132
Not the word of God14%19%67%2,910
Other/don't know13%11%76%454
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who have a household income of…

Interpreting scriptureLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally61%19%15%6%1,325
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%22%24%13%1,617
Word of God; other/don't know51%20%18%12%105
Not the word of God37%22%25%16%2,677
Other/don't know54%19%18%9%376
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%29%8%3%1,552
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%37%13%6%1,848
Word of God; other/don't know44%35%15%6%131
Not the word of God37%37%18%8%2,943
Other/don't know40%41%14%6%469
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally21%79%1,563
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%88%1,847
Word of God; other/don't know16%84%133
Not the word of God9%91%2,945
Other/don't know13%87%471
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who say they…

Interpreting scriptureBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%11%3%1%< 1%< 1%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%24%3%< 1%1%< 1%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know89%9%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%134
Not the word of God23%23%14%< 1%34%5%2,946
Other/don't know52%25%8%1%6%8%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally76%17%4%3%< 1%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%35%7%2%< 1%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know81%17%1%< 1%1%134
Not the word of God12%27%28%33%< 1%2,946
Other/don't know39%31%17%9%4%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who attend religious services…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%31%16%< 1%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%44%18%< 1%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know44%41%16%< 1%134
Not the word of God7%32%61%< 1%2,946
Other/don't know17%45%34%4%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally69%18%4%8%< 1%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%24%6%13%< 1%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know78%12%2%6%2%134
Not the word of God17%13%9%61%< 1%2,946
Other/don't know42%13%8%32%6%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who attend prayer group…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally38%14%11%36%< 1%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%14%12%51%1%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know36%15%7%40%2%134
Not the word of God4%4%5%88%< 1%2,946
Other/don't know12%11%7%66%3%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%9%4%42%2%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%9%4%54%1%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know50%4%2%40%3%134
Not the word of God25%11%6%58%1%2,946
Other/don't know34%11%5%47%4%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally66%13%9%10%1%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%21%11%13%1%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know61%19%10%3%6%134
Not the word of God38%19%11%31%1%2,946
Other/don't know51%14%10%20%5%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%16%12%27%2%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%21%12%23%1%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know37%19%12%22%9%134
Not the word of God51%17%12%18%1%2,946
Other/don't know53%9%11%25%2%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Interpreting scriptureReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%6%34%8%2%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%12%45%7%2%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know43%3%35%6%13%134
Not the word of God5%20%56%17%2%2,946
Other/don't know20%17%43%11%8%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who say…

Interpreting scriptureThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%63%2%2%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%69%1%< 1%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know34%53%5%7%134
Not the word of God16%83%1%1%2,946
Other/don't know21%72%4%2%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who read scripture…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%13%8%25%1%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%17%11%36%< 1%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know57%15%7%19%2%134
Not the word of God7%6%7%79%< 1%2,946
Other/don't know24%11%7%55%3%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally92%5%3%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%7%3%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know82%4%14%134
Not the word of God40%52%9%2,946
Other/don't know62%15%23%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally83%13%5%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally75%21%4%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know71%12%18%134
Not the word of God28%65%8%2,946
Other/don't know48%29%24%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%17%47%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%16%46%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know29%36%35%134
Not the word of God21%19%60%2,946
Other/don't know20%33%47%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%27%20%9%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%42%22%6%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know39%30%16%16%134
Not the word of God14%37%42%7%2,946
Other/don't know23%33%25%19%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally33%63%2%2%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%49%1%2%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know45%41%8%6%134
Not the word of God46%48%3%3%2,946
Other/don't know35%47%6%11%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who say government aid to the poor…

Interpreting scriptureDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%53%3%2%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%53%3%1%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know42%39%11%7%134
Not the word of God34%61%3%2%2,946
Other/don't know33%51%9%6%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%59%5%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%48%2%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know30%61%9%134
Not the word of God78%20%3%2,946
Other/don't know55%30%15%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%44%4%5%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%25%4%2%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know49%32%8%11%134
Not the word of God89%8%2%1%2,946
Other/don't know68%18%7%7%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally38%54%8%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%32%5%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know36%40%24%134
Not the word of God86%10%4%2,946
Other/don't know62%23%15%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who say…

Interpreting scriptureStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%48%2%4%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%64%1%1%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know33%44%8%15%134
Not the word of God24%72%2%2%2,946
Other/don't know31%56%5%8%472
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among never married adults by interpretation of scripture

% of never married adults who say humans…

Interpreting scriptureEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%25%2%52%4%1,564
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%37%2%33%2%1,850
Word of God; other/don't know6%25%9%43%17%134
Not the word of God69%15%4%11%1%2,946
Other/don't know32%24%14%19%11%472
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.