DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201422%33%26%19%8,298
200720%40%24%16%8,746
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201415%13%27%31%12%1%8,298
2007< 1%15%30%35%16%4%8,746
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201445%55%8,437
200745%55%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201472%10%2%13%3%8,361
200777%8%2%11%2%8,874
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201411%10%79%8,368
20079%9%82%8,863
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201428%21%30%20%7,437
200724%21%34%20%7,616
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201436%34%19%11%8,413
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201452%6%12%6%24%8,416
200758%5%10%7%18%8,892
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201431%69%8,407
200737%63%8,909
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who say they…

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
201479%19%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%8,437
200784%14%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201466%30%3%1%< 1%8,437
200763%32%4%1%< 1%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201446%40%14%< 1%8,437
200747%39%14%< 1%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201467%21%5%7%< 1%8,437
200765%22%6%7%1%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201426%12%11%50%< 1%8,437
200722%10%10%57%< 1%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201440%9%4%46%1%8,437
200736%8%4%50%2%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201462%18%10%9%1%8,437
200753%17%15%13%2%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201442%18%14%24%1%8,437
200736%16%17%28%3%8,931
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201441%8%44%5%2%8,437
200733%7%54%4%3%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201438%61%1%< 1%8,437
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%14%11%35%< 1%8,437
200735%13%10%41%< 1%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201491%5%4%8,437
200789%5%6%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201472%21%7%8,437
200769%21%10%8,931
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201448%14%37%8,437
200743%15%42%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201443%38%16%4%8,437
200739%41%14%5%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201460%35%2%3%8,437
200748%44%4%5%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201451%44%3%1%8,437
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201447%51%3%8,437
200750%46%5%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201461%32%4%3%8,437
200751%40%5%4%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201450%43%7%8,437
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who say…

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
201441%56%2%2%8,437
200730%64%3%4%8,931
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are Christian who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201418%38%3%37%3%8,437
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.