| 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 | 20% | 27% | 2% | 42% | 8% | 15,190 |
| 2007 | 24% | 28% | 3% | 35% | 10% | 18,234 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious group
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buddhist | 4% | 9% | 1% | 72% | 14% | 111 |
| Catholic | 19% | 36% | 3% | 34% | 9% | 3,428 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 38% | 36% | 4% | 16% | 6% | 2,407 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 53% | 26% | 1% | 14% | 6% | 751 |
| Jewish | 9% | 23% | 1% | 57% | 10% | 414 |
| Mainline Protestant | 18% | 36% | 2% | 34% | 10% | 2,990 |
| Mormon | 19% | 61% | 2% | 10% | 8% | 162 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 8% | 12% | < 1% | 72% | 8% | 4,142 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…
| Interpreting scripture | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 16% | 34% | 29% | 21% | 2,673 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 24% | 34% | 25% | 17% | 4,094 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 13% | 29% | 31% | 27% | 271 |
| Not the word of God | 28% | 35% | 24% | 13% | 6,597 |
| Other/don't know | 18% | 33% | 26% | 23% | 1,279 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 10% | 11% | 29% | 34% | 14% | 2% | 2,673 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 15% | 14% | 29% | 30% | 11% | 1% | 4,094 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 7% | 9% | 26% | 37% | 18% | 3% | 271 |
| Not the word of God | 17% | 19% | 27% | 28% | 8% | 1% | 6,597 |
| Other/don't know | 7% | 17% | 27% | 33% | 14% | 2% | 1,279 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 45% | 55% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 48% | 52% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 39% | 61% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 55% | 45% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 49% | 51% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…
| Interpreting scripture | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 53% | 24% | 3% | 17% | 3% | 2,689 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 72% | 10% | 3% | 12% | 3% | 4,115 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 66% | 8% | 4% | 20% | 3% | 271 |
| Not the word of God | 74% | 6% | 4% | 11% | 4% | 6,607 |
| Other/don't know | 69% | 9% | 5% | 13% | 5% | 1,301 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 16% | 8% | 76% | 2,664 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 11% | 11% | 78% | 4,111 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 20% | 8% | 73% | 276 |
| Not the word of God | 11% | 12% | 77% | 6,626 |
| Other/don't know | 13% | 9% | 78% | 1,311 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 51% | 22% | 18% | 9% | 2,303 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 32% | 21% | 28% | 19% | 3,667 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 45% | 20% | 21% | 14% | 211 |
| Not the word of God | 27% | 20% | 29% | 24% | 6,048 |
| Other/don't know | 39% | 20% | 25% | 17% | 1,074 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…
| Interpreting scripture | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 64% | 26% | 7% | 3% | 2,699 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 42% | 34% | 16% | 8% | 4,141 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 54% | 29% | 10% | 7% | 279 |
| Not the word of God | 34% | 34% | 20% | 13% | 6,671 |
| Other/don't know | 42% | 35% | 13% | 9% | 1,321 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 45% | 8% | 16% | 9% | 22% | 2,703 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 48% | 7% | 13% | 7% | 25% | 4,146 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 50% | 4% | 16% | 11% | 18% | 278 |
| Not the word of God | 44% | 11% | 12% | 4% | 30% | 6,679 |
| Other/don't know | 47% | 10% | 15% | 9% | 19% | 1,323 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 30% | 70% | 2,713 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 30% | 70% | 4,141 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 28% | 72% | 281 |
| Not the word of God | 26% | 74% | 6,676 |
| Other/don't know | 31% | 69% | 1,335 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 84% | 12% | 2% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 69% | 26% | 3% | < 1% | 1% | < 1% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 83% | 11% | 1% | 3% | 1% | 1% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 29% | 30% | 12% | 1% | 23% | 5% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 55% | 27% | 6% | 2% | 4% | 6% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 72% | 23% | 3% | 2% | < 1% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 46% | 44% | 8% | 2% | < 1% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 72% | 23% | 3% | 2% | 1% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 14% | 32% | 26% | 27% | 1% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 39% | 37% | 15% | 8% | 2% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 42% | 38% | 20% | 1% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 27% | 49% | 24% | < 1% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 38% | 37% | 23% | 2% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 8% | 33% | 59% | < 1% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 19% | 41% | 39% | 1% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…
| Interpreting scripture | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 70% | 17% | 5% | 8% | 1% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 52% | 25% | 9% | 13% | < 1% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 69% | 15% | 6% | 6% | 4% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 23% | 15% | 9% | 52% | 1% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 47% | 18% | 8% | 24% | 3% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 31% | 13% | 11% | 44% | 1% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 14% | 9% | 11% | 66% | < 1% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 19% | 9% | 12% | 58% | 2% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 4% | 3% | 4% | 89% | < 1% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 10% | 7% | 6% | 74% | 2% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 44% | 8% | 4% | 43% | 2% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 30% | 8% | 5% | 56% | 1% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 44% | 6% | 4% | 43% | 3% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 27% | 10% | 5% | 57% | 1% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 36% | 7% | 4% | 51% | 2% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 65% | 15% | 8% | 11% | 1% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 50% | 20% | 14% | 16% | 1% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 56% | 14% | 11% | 12% | 6% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 40% | 16% | 13% | 30% | 1% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 48% | 15% | 12% | 20% | 4% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 39% | 15% | 12% | 32% | 2% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 36% | 18% | 15% | 30% | 1% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 28% | 17% | 12% | 35% | 8% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 43% | 17% | 15% | 25% | < 1% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 41% | 15% | 13% | 29% | 3% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 31% | 66% | 1% | 2% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 29% | 70% | 1% | < 1% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 30% | 64% | 3% | 3% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 20% | 78% | 1% | < 1% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 24% | 72% | 2% | 1% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 45% | 13% | 10% | 31% | 1% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 22% | 14% | 13% | 50% | < 1% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 38% | 15% | 11% | 34% | 3% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 7% | 5% | 7% | 80% | < 1% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 19% | 11% | 9% | 59% | 3% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven
| Interpreting scripture | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 94% | 4% | 3% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 90% | 6% | 4% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 83% | 8% | 9% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 44% | 47% | 9% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 63% | 15% | 21% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell
| Interpreting scripture | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 79% | 15% | 7% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 68% | 25% | 6% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 70% | 15% | 15% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 29% | 63% | 8% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 45% | 33% | 22% | 1,343 |
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
Party affiliation among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…
| Interpreting scripture | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 34% | 19% | 47% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 44% | 16% | 41% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 36% | 32% | 32% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 28% | 18% | 53% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 31% | 28% | 41% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 41% | 31% | 19% | 9% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 36% | 41% | 19% | 4% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 43% | 26% | 13% | 18% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 20% | 39% | 36% | 6% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 28% | 39% | 20% | 13% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 42% | 53% | 2% | 3% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 58% | 38% | 2% | 2% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 47% | 39% | 4% | 9% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 53% | 40% | 3% | 3% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 48% | 34% | 8% | 10% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 47% | 48% | 3% | 2% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 52% | 45% | 2% | 1% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 50% | 34% | 8% | 8% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 40% | 55% | 3% | 1% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 40% | 46% | 9% | 6% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 44% | 51% | 5% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 58% | 40% | 3% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 41% | 44% | 15% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 79% | 18% | 3% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 61% | 27% | 12% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 49% | 43% | 4% | 4% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 71% | 22% | 4% | 2% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 47% | 29% | 10% | 14% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 85% | 11% | 2% | 2% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 67% | 18% | 8% | 7% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage
| Interpreting scripture | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 37% | 53% | 10% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 60% | 32% | 8% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 38% | 43% | 19% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 80% | 15% | 6% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 60% | 26% | 14% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 47% | 46% | 2% | 4% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 41% | 56% | 1% | 1% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 44% | 41% | 5% | 10% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 29% | 67% | 2% | 2% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 35% | 53% | 5% | 7% | 1,343 |
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by interpretation of scripture
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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 | 17% | 26% | 2% | 49% | 6% | 2,716 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 25% | 38% | 3% | 31% | 3% | 4,156 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 17% | 21% | 6% | 41% | 15% | 282 |
| Not the word of God | 63% | 18% | 4% | 13% | 2% | 6,693 |
| Other/don't know | 31% | 26% | 13% | 20% | 10% | 1,343 |
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.
