Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Newsletters Press Donate My Account Contacted By Us?

Religious Landscape Study

Religious Landscape Study

ReligionsGeographyTopics & QuestionsUser Guide

Religious composition of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

Christian 85%
Evangelical Protestant 32%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 14%
Southern Baptist Convention 9%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 4%
Missionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Baptist Association of America< 1%
Free Will Baptist< 1%
General Association of Regular Baptist Churches< 1%
Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Methodist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Evangelical Trad.) 4%
Nondenominational evangelical 1%
Nondenominational fundamentalist< 1%
Nondenominational charismatic< 1%
Nondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Community Church (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Lutheran Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 1%
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod< 1%
Other Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Church in America 1%
Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Evangelical Trad.) 5%
Assemblies of God 2%
Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) 1%
Foursquare Church< 1%
Pentecostal Church of God< 1%
Pentecostal Holiness Church< 1%
Calvary Chapel< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Church of God of the Apostolic Faith< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Churches of Christ 2%
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Church of the Nazarene< 1%
Wesleyan Church< 1%
Free Methodist Church< 1%
Christian and Missionary Alliance< 1%
Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)< 1%
Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Christian Reformed Church< 1%
Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Adventist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Seventh-day Adventist 1%
Other Adventist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pietist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other evangelical/fundamentalist family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Mainline Protestant 15%
Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.) 4%
American Baptist Churches USA 4%
Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 4%
United Methodist Church 4%
Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Lutheran Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 1%
Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Church (USA) 1%
Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Episcopal Church 1%
Anglican Church< 1%
Other Episcopalian/Anglican (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Disciples of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
United Church of Christ< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Church in America< 1%
Other Reformed (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Friends Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Historically Black Protestant 15%
Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 10%
National Baptist Convention 3%
Progressive Baptist Convention 1%
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 4%
Methodist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 2%
African Methodist Episcopal Church 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church< 1%
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
Other Methodist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 2%
Church of God in Christ 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
United Pentecostal Church International< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Catholic 21%
Mormon 1%
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1%
Other Mormon< 1%
Orthodox Christian 1%
Greek Orthodox< 1%
Russian Orthodox< 1%
Orthodox Church in America< 1%
Other Orthodox Christian< 1%
Jehovah's Witness 1%
Other Christian< 1%
Metaphysical Family< 1%
Spiritualist< 1%
Unity Church< 1%
Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.)< 1%
Others in the "Other Christian" Tradition< 1%
Non-Christian Faiths 3%
Jewish 1%
Muslim 2%
Buddhist< 1%
Hindu< 1%
Other World Religions< 1%
Other Faiths< 1%
Unitarians and other liberal faiths in the "Other Faiths" Tradition< 1%
Unitarian< 1%
Humanist< 1%
Deist< 1%
Spiritual but not religious< 1%
Eclectic, a bit of everything, "I have my own beliefs"< 1%
Other in the "Unitarian and other liberal faiths" family< 1%
New Age< 1%
Pagan or Wiccan< 1%
Other in the New Age family< 1%
Native American Religions< 1%
Unaffiliated (religious "nones") 11%
Atheist< 1%
Agnostic< 1%
Nothing in particular 11%
Nothing in particular (religion not important) 3%
Nothing in particular (religion important) 8%
Don't know < 1%

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201416%34%29%21%2,673
200718%38%24%20%4,034
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: age group by sources of guidance on right and wrongage group by interpretation of scripture

Generational cohort among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201410%11%29%34%14%2%2,673
2007< 1%13%29%33%19%6%4,034
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: generational group by sources of guidance on right and wronggenerational group by interpretation of scripture

Gender composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201445%55%2,716
200745%55%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: gender by sources of guidance on right and wronggender by interpretation of scripture

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201453%24%3%17%3%2,689
200761%20%1%14%4%4,087
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: race/ethnicity by sources of guidance on right and wrongrace/ethnicity by interpretation of scripture

Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201416%8%76%2,664
200711%6%83%4,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: immigrant status by sources of guidance on right and wrongimmigrant status by interpretation of scripture

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201451%22%18%9%2,303
200746%24%21%9%3,390
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: household income by sources of guidance on right and wronghousehold income by interpretation of scripture

Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201464%26%7%3%2,699
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: educational group by sources of guidance on right and wrongeducational group by interpretation of scripture

Marital status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201445%8%16%9%22%2,703
200749%7%14%11%18%4,097
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: marital status by sources of guidance on right and wrongmarital status by interpretation of scripture

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201430%70%2,713
200736%64%4,113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: parental status by sources of guidance on right and wrongparental status by interpretation of scripture

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201484%12%2%1%< 1%< 1%2,716
200788%9%1%< 1%< 1%1%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: belief in God by sources of guidance on right and wrongbelief in God by interpretation of scripture

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201472%23%3%2%< 1%2,716
200772%24%3%1%1%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: importance of religion by sources of guidance on right and wrongimportance of religion by interpretation of scripture

Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201442%38%20%1%2,716
200745%36%19%1%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: religious attendance by sources of guidance on right and wrongreligious attendance by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of prayer among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201470%17%5%8%1%2,716
200769%17%5%8%1%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency of prayer by sources of guidance on right and wrongfrequency of prayer by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201431%13%11%44%1%2,716
200728%11%10%50%< 1%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: attendance at prayer groups by sources of guidance on right and wrongattendance at prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of meditation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201444%8%4%43%2%2,716
200742%7%4%46%2%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency of meditation by sources of guidance on right and wrongfrequency of meditation by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally 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…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201465%15%8%11%1%2,716
200757%13%12%15%3%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by sources of guidance on right and wrongfrequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally 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…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%15%12%32%2%2,716
200733%13%13%37%5%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by sources of guidance on right and wrongfrequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by interpretation of scripture

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201431%66%1%2%2,716
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: belief in existence of standards for right and wrong by sources of guidance on right and wrongbelief in existence of standards for right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201445%13%10%31%1%2,716
200744%13%8%34%1%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: frequency of reading scripture by sources of guidance on right and wrongfrequency of reading scripture by interpretation of scripture

Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201494%4%3%2,716
200793%4%3%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: belief in heaven by sources of guidance on right and wrongbelief in heaven by interpretation of scripture

Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201479%15%7%2,716
200781%12%7%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: belief in hell by sources of guidance on right and wrongbelief in hell by interpretation of scripture

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201434%19%47%2,716
200734%17%49%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: political party by sources of guidance on right and wrongpolitical party by interpretation of scripture

Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201441%31%19%9%2,716
200745%32%15%8%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: political ideology by sources of guidance on right and wrongpolitical ideology by interpretation of scripture

Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201442%53%2%3%2,716
200734%58%3%5%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about size of government by sources of guidance on right and wrongviews about size of government by interpretation of scripture

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201447%48%3%2%2,716
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about government aid to the poor by sources of guidance on right and wrongviews about government aid to the poor by interpretation of scripture

Views about abortion among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201444%51%5%2,716
200742%51%7%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about abortion by sources of guidance on right and wrongviews about abortion by interpretation of scripture

Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201449%43%4%4%2,716
200738%52%5%6%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about homosexuality by sources of guidance on right and wrongviews about homosexuality by interpretation of scripture

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201437%53%10%2,716
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about same-sex marriage by sources of guidance on right and wrongviews about same-sex marriage by interpretation of scripture

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201447%46%2%4%2,716
200741%51%3%5%4,120
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about environmental protection by sources of guidance on right and wrongviews about environmental protection by interpretation of scripture

Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say humans…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201417%26%2%49%6%2,716
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: views about human evolution by sources of guidance on right and wrongviews about human evolution by interpretation of scripture

Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center About Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Settings Reprints, Permissions & Use Policy Feedback Careers