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
201430%26%3%35%7%26,567
200732%26%4%29%10%24,726
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 non-parents by religious group

% of non-parents 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
Buddhist5%10%< 1%71%13%217
Catholic24%36%3%29%8%5,411
Evangelical Protestant56%28%4%8%4%6,385
Hindu11%17%< 1%62%9%115
Historically Black Protestant61%22%3%8%6%1,421
Jehovah's Witness48%40%7%2%3%182
Jewish10%22%2%57%9%661
Mainline Protestant24%35%3%28%10%4,844
Mormon33%52%5%7%3%419
Muslim41%32%10%11%6%147
Orthodox Christian18%40%2%28%12%137
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")9%10%1%74%7%5,788
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.

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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally14%19%37%30%7,187
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%18%31%25%6,912
Word of God; other/don't know13%14%36%37%728
Not the word of God33%23%27%17%9,248
Other/don't know19%21%32%28%1,946
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally10%6%17%44%20%2%7,187
Word of God; not everything taken literally21%9%15%38%16%1%6,912
Word of God; other/don't know10%4%13%44%26%3%728
Not the word of God22%17%17%32%10%1%9,248
Other/don't know12%11%17%40%18%2%1,946
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%55%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%53%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know42%58%763
Not the word of God58%42%9,385
Other/don't know51%49%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%20%2%15%3%7,250
Word of God; not everything taken literally73%10%3%11%4%6,961
Word of God; other/don't know68%9%3%14%6%737
Not the word of God74%5%6%12%4%9,245
Other/don't know69%10%4%12%4%1,971
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%8%79%7,228
Word of God; not everything taken literally10%11%79%6,964
Word of God; other/don't know17%7%76%748
Not the word of God12%14%73%9,289
Other/don't know12%11%78%1,988
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally48%22%21%10%6,113
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%22%28%18%6,080
Word of God; other/don't know42%20%24%13%563
Not the word of God27%20%29%23%8,376
Other/don't know41%21%23%16%1,577
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally58%28%9%4%7,301
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%33%17%10%7,012
Word of God; other/don't know46%32%13%9%750
Not the word of God32%32%22%15%9,346
Other/don't know38%36%15%11%2,012
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%4%16%12%22%7,316
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%5%12%8%32%7,012
Word of God; other/don't know48%3%14%15%20%757
Not the word of God35%11%12%5%37%9,346
Other/don't know39%8%15%11%28%1,999
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally89%9%1%1%< 1%< 1%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally76%21%2%< 1%1%< 1%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know85%10%1%3%1%1%763
Not the word of God26%27%13%1%28%5%9,385
Other/don't know59%23%5%2%5%6%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%12%2%1%< 1%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%32%6%2%< 1%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know81%15%1%1%2%763
Not the word of God16%29%25%30%1%9,385
Other/don't know48%30%12%8%3%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally60%26%14%1%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%39%19%< 1%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know54%28%17%1%763
Not the word of God9%32%59%< 1%9,385
Other/don't know25%38%33%3%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally80%12%3%5%1%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%21%6%10%1%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know79%11%3%4%4%763
Not the word of God23%14%8%54%1%9,385
Other/don't know51%16%7%21%5%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally46%12%9%32%1%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%11%11%55%< 1%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know39%8%7%43%2%763
Not the word of God4%3%4%88%< 1%9,385
Other/don't know14%8%7%67%3%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally55%7%3%33%3%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%8%4%46%1%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know53%5%2%35%5%763
Not the word of God29%11%6%54%1%9,385
Other/don't know41%10%4%42%4%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally76%10%5%7%1%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%17%10%12%1%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know72%10%7%6%5%763
Not the word of God41%17%12%29%1%9,385
Other/don't know55%13%9%17%5%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally47%14%10%27%3%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%18%13%25%1%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know45%10%11%25%9%763
Not the word of God49%16%14%21%1%9,385
Other/don't know49%12%12%23%4%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally59%4%30%4%2%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%9%46%6%2%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know51%4%32%3%10%763
Not the word of God6%19%57%16%2%9,385
Other/don't know22%12%51%8%7%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally45%52%1%2%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%63%1%< 1%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know41%50%4%4%763
Not the word of God20%78%1%1%9,385
Other/don't know27%66%4%2%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally63%11%6%19%1%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%14%11%39%< 1%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know57%10%7%22%3%763
Not the word of God8%6%8%78%< 1%9,385
Other/don't know27%11%9%50%3%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%5%4%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally88%7%5%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know82%6%12%763
Not the word of God39%52%9%9,385
Other/don't know64%15%21%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%12%6%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%24%7%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know69%14%17%763
Not the word of God25%67%8%9,385
Other/don't know45%33%23%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%17%39%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%15%39%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know43%27%30%763
Not the word of God25%17%58%9,385
Other/don't know30%28%43%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%25%14%7%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%38%18%5%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know46%25%12%16%763
Not the word of God18%36%41%5%9,385
Other/don't know28%36%23%14%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%44%2%3%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%36%2%3%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know52%30%7%10%763
Not the word of God49%44%3%4%9,385
Other/don't know48%33%9%10%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally50%44%3%2%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%46%3%1%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know47%35%9%9%763
Not the word of God35%60%3%2%9,385
Other/don't know38%47%9%6%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally32%63%5%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%47%3%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know31%53%15%763
Not the word of God80%17%3%9,385
Other/don't know56%30%14%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally35%57%4%4%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%30%4%3%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know35%45%10%10%763
Not the word of God86%10%2%2%9,385
Other/don't know63%22%8%8%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally25%68%8%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%40%7%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know27%55%19%763
Not the word of God81%14%5%9,385
Other/don't know55%28%16%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally49%44%3%5%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%56%2%2%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know40%41%6%13%763
Not the word of God26%70%2%2%9,385
Other/don't know33%54%6%8%2,035
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 non-parents by interpretation of scripture

% of non-parents 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 literally11%22%3%59%6%7,352
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%38%3%35%3%7,032
Word of God; other/don't know7%21%6%47%19%763
Not the word of God66%17%5%11%2%9,385
Other/don't know28%28%13%22%10%2,035
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.