| Survey year | Word of God; should be taken literally | Word of God; not everything taken literally | Word of God; other/don't know | Not the word of God | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 31% | 23% | 4% | 32% | 11% | 5,658 |
| 2007 | 31% | 23% | 5% | 26% | 14% | 5,770 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by religious group
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is…
| Religious tradition | Word of God; should be taken literally | Word of God; not everything taken literally | Word of God; other/don't know | Not the word of God | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 32% | 29% | 5% | 24% | 10% | 1,158 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 54% | 25% | 5% | 9% | 7% | 1,230 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 52% | 24% | 5% | 8% | 11% | 184 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 44% | 40% | 8% | 2% | 5% | 188 |
| Mainline Protestant | 25% | 29% | 6% | 26% | 14% | 822 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 13% | 13% | 2% | 60% | 11% | 1,474 |
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
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are ages…
| Interpreting scripture | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 18% | 41% | 25% | 16% | 1,546 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 25% | 38% | 23% | 14% | 1,259 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 15% | 32% | 32% | 21% | 230 |
| Not the word of God | 34% | 38% | 20% | 9% | 1,738 |
| Other/don't know | 24% | 39% | 23% | 15% | 611 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 10% | 16% | 33% | 29% | 10% | 1% | 1,546 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 16% | 17% | 30% | 28% | 8% | 1% | 1,259 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 9% | 11% | 28% | 36% | 16% | 1% | 230 |
| Not the word of God | 20% | 22% | 30% | 23% | 5% | < 1% | 1,738 |
| Other/don't know | 13% | 19% | 30% | 28% | 9% | 1% | 611 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 39% | 61% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 45% | 55% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 37% | 63% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 60% | 40% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 55% | 45% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who identify as…
| Interpreting scripture | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 47% | 12% | 4% | 33% | 5% | 1,580 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 63% | 8% | 3% | 20% | 6% | 1,295 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 55% | 11% | 3% | 25% | 6% | 231 |
| Not the word of God | 65% | 5% | 7% | 19% | 5% | 1,736 |
| Other/don't know | 60% | 9% | 7% | 18% | 6% | 627 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 34% | 6% | 60% | 1,557 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 19% | 11% | 70% | 1,284 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 26% | 5% | 69% | 237 |
| Not the word of God | 19% | 11% | 70% | 1,752 |
| Other/don't know | 20% | 9% | 71% | 639 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have a household income of…
| Interpreting scripture | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 60% | 20% | 14% | 6% | 1,178 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 42% | 24% | 23% | 11% | 1,045 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 49% | 19% | 23% | 8% | 171 |
| Not the word of God | 42% | 18% | 24% | 16% | 1,486 |
| Other/don't know | 52% | 17% | 19% | 12% | 461 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have completed…
| Interpreting scripture | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 63% | 26% | 7% | 4% | 1,587 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 50% | 30% | 13% | 7% | 1,297 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 54% | 29% | 11% | 6% | 243 |
| Not the word of God | 44% | 33% | 15% | 9% | 1,776 |
| Other/don't know | 43% | 36% | 13% | 8% | 657 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 49% | 8% | 16% | 8% | 18% | 1,604 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 47% | 7% | 14% | 5% | 26% | 1,303 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 52% | 2% | 15% | 10% | 22% | 241 |
| Not the word of God | 37% | 12% | 14% | 4% | 33% | 1,778 |
| Other/don't know | 41% | 10% | 15% | 6% | 27% | 650 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 37% | 63% | 1,606 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 33% | 67% | 1,302 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 31% | 69% | 243 |
| Not the word of God | 30% | 70% | 1,793 |
| Other/don't know | 29% | 71% | 663 |
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.
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they…
| Interpreting scripture | Believe in God; absolutely certain | Believe in God; fairly certain | Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | Believe in God; don't know | Do not believe in God | Other/don't know if they believe in God | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 83% | 14% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | 1% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 72% | 22% | 3% | < 1% | 1% | 1% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 82% | 10% | 1% | 4% | 1% | 2% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 32% | 27% | 11% | 1% | 24% | 5% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 58% | 19% | 5% | 3% | 5% | 9% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is…
| Interpreting scripture | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 81% | 14% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 58% | 33% | 6% | 3% | 1% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 78% | 18% | 1% | 2% | 1% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 18% | 29% | 22% | 30% | 1% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 42% | 32% | 13% | 9% | 4% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services…
| Interpreting scripture | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 55% | 28% | 15% | 1% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 39% | 36% | 25% | 1% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 47% | 30% | 20% | 3% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 10% | 28% | 61% | 1% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 20% | 37% | 38% | 5% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray…
| Interpreting scripture | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 76% | 13% | 3% | 6% | 1% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 61% | 18% | 7% | 13% | 1% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 75% | 8% | 5% | 7% | 5% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 26% | 13% | 8% | 52% | 1% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 46% | 14% | 8% | 26% | 6% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend prayer group…
| Interpreting scripture | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 45% | 12% | 8% | 34% | 2% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 27% | 8% | 10% | 54% | 1% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 39% | 7% | 11% | 40% | 4% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 6% | 5% | 5% | 84% | < 1% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 13% | 8% | 8% | 66% | 5% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who meditate…
| Interpreting scripture | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 53% | 6% | 3% | 35% | 4% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 39% | 8% | 3% | 47% | 2% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 57% | 4% | 2% | 30% | 6% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 32% | 9% | 5% | 54% | 2% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 41% | 8% | 5% | 40% | 6% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Interpreting scripture | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 74% | 10% | 5% | 9% | 3% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 58% | 16% | 9% | 15% | 2% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 67% | 10% | 10% | 7% | 6% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 44% | 13% | 11% | 30% | 2% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 53% | 12% | 7% | 20% | 8% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Interpreting scripture | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 49% | 11% | 10% | 26% | 4% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 43% | 14% | 13% | 28% | 1% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 42% | 8% | 8% | 31% | 11% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 48% | 14% | 12% | 26% | 1% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 46% | 12% | 11% | 26% | 5% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Interpreting scripture | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 57% | 5% | 30% | 5% | 3% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 37% | 7% | 46% | 6% | 4% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 44% | 5% | 36% | 2% | 13% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 7% | 15% | 60% | 15% | 3% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 18% | 12% | 53% | 8% | 9% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…
| Interpreting scripture | There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | Right or wrong depends on the situation | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 36% | 59% | 2% | 3% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 34% | 64% | 2% | < 1% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 39% | 50% | 5% | 6% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 21% | 76% | 2% | 1% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 22% | 70% | 5% | 3% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who read scripture…
| Interpreting scripture | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 60% | 10% | 6% | 23% | 2% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 39% | 11% | 9% | 39% | 1% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 56% | 9% | 5% | 27% | 3% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 10% | 7% | 7% | 76% | 1% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 24% | 10% | 8% | 53% | 5% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in heaven
| Interpreting scripture | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 88% | 6% | 6% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 83% | 11% | 7% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 76% | 8% | 16% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 41% | 46% | 12% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 59% | 17% | 24% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in hell
| Interpreting scripture | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 73% | 19% | 8% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 62% | 30% | 8% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 60% | 21% | 19% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 28% | 61% | 10% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 45% | 30% | 25% | 676 |
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.
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Political ideology among independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 36% | 23% | 17% | 24% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 25% | 38% | 18% | 19% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 26% | 24% | 15% | 35% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 16% | 40% | 25% | 18% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 18% | 34% | 19% | 30% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have…
| Interpreting scripture | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 36% | 55% | 4% | 5% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 49% | 42% | 4% | 6% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 38% | 38% | 7% | 17% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 56% | 33% | 5% | 5% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 42% | 33% | 10% | 16% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say government aid to the poor…
| Interpreting scripture | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 41% | 49% | 6% | 4% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 44% | 49% | 4% | 3% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 36% | 42% | 11% | 11% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 41% | 50% | 6% | 3% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 39% | 39% | 12% | 10% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say abortion should be…
| Interpreting scripture | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 30% | 63% | 7% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 44% | 50% | 5% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 31% | 53% | 16% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 68% | 26% | 6% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 51% | 30% | 19% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say homosexuality…
| Interpreting scripture | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 40% | 47% | 6% | 7% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 60% | 28% | 6% | 5% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 40% | 35% | 11% | 14% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 79% | 13% | 5% | 4% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 59% | 19% | 11% | 11% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …same-sex marriage
| Interpreting scripture | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 28% | 58% | 14% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 52% | 36% | 12% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 27% | 42% | 31% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 74% | 16% | 10% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 52% | 26% | 23% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…
| Interpreting scripture | Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy | Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 41% | 48% | 3% | 8% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 35% | 59% | 3% | 3% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 35% | 37% | 6% | 21% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 31% | 61% | 4% | 4% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 31% | 48% | 9% | 12% | 676 |
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say humans…
| Interpreting scripture | Evolved; due to natural processes | Evolved; due to God's design | Evolved; don't know how | Always existed in present form | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 15% | 22% | 3% | 52% | 8% | 1,619 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 20% | 32% | 4% | 38% | 6% | 1,314 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 8% | 18% | 8% | 49% | 16% | 251 |
| Not the word of God | 56% | 18% | 7% | 15% | 4% | 1,798 |
| Other/don't know | 24% | 23% | 15% | 23% | 16% | 676 |
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.
