Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201442%24%3%25%6%10,584
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 with an education level of high school or less by religious group

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say the holy scripture is…

Religious traditionWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic36%31%4%23%7%2,431
Evangelical Protestant62%24%3%7%4%2,977
Historically Black Protestant69%17%2%7%5%823
Jehovah's Witness53%35%5%3%3%130
Mainline Protestant37%32%3%21%8%1,536
Mormon43%40%4%9%5%127
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")18%16%1%57%7%2,129
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally15%31%30%24%4,385
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%28%24%21%2,566
Word of God; other/don't know13%23%33%32%325
Not the word of God34%30%23%14%2,500
Other/don't know16%32%27%25%685
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 with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally9%10%26%35%17%2%4,385
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%11%24%29%15%1%2,566
Word of God; other/don't know9%6%21%39%23%3%325
Not the word of God26%13%25%27%9%1%2,500
Other/don't know9%12%26%33%16%3%685
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 with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%55%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%52%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know42%58%330
Not the word of God62%38%2,523
Other/don't know51%49%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.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%20%1%24%3%4,394
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%10%1%19%4%2,581
Word of God; other/don't know60%10%3%23%5%321
Not the word of God64%8%4%21%4%2,492
Other/don't know61%11%2%22%4%685
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 with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally22%7%72%4,343
Word of God; not everything taken literally15%10%75%2,570
Word of God; other/don't know25%6%69%326
Not the word of God16%12%71%2,484
Other/don't know17%9%74%669
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 with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who have a household income of…

Interpreting scriptureLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%21%14%5%3,706
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%24%21%9%2,246
Word of God; other/don't know57%20%18%5%236
Not the word of God44%22%23%11%2,226
Other/don't know56%20%15%8%545
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 with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%6%16%11%21%4,414
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%6%13%8%29%2,591
Word of God; other/don't know46%4%17%16%16%327
Not the word of God35%11%12%6%37%2,514
Other/don't know39%10%17%10%25%693
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 with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally28%72%4,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%74%2,591
Word of God; other/don't know25%75%326
Not the word of God24%76%2,517
Other/don't know26%74%694
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 with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say they…

Interpreting scriptureBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%13%2%1%< 1%< 1%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%24%3%< 1%1%< 1%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know78%15%1%4%1%1%330
Not the word of God31%29%13%1%24%4%2,523
Other/don't know61%22%6%3%4%4%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.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%14%2%1%1%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%36%7%2%< 1%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know78%17%2%1%1%330
Not the word of God20%31%21%27%1%2,523
Other/don't know51%28%9%9%3%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.

Attendance at religious services among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who attend religious services…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%30%16%1%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%41%24%< 1%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know48%29%21%2%330
Not the word of God11%28%61%< 1%2,523
Other/don't know25%35%37%3%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.

Frequency of prayer among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally76%14%3%6%1%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%22%7%13%< 1%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know75%12%3%7%4%330
Not the word of God26%14%9%51%< 1%2,523
Other/don't know50%15%8%22%5%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.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who attend prayer group…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%13%9%35%1%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%11%9%58%< 1%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know33%7%9%48%2%330
Not the word of God7%5%5%84%< 1%2,523
Other/don't know14%8%7%66%4%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.

Frequency of meditation among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%7%3%35%3%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%8%4%52%1%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know45%6%4%38%7%330
Not the word of God27%8%4%59%1%2,523
Other/don't know36%10%3%47%5%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.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally71%11%6%9%1%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%17%11%17%1%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know67%10%11%7%6%330
Not the word of God40%14%10%34%2%2,523
Other/don't know51%14%9%22%5%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.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%13%10%29%3%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%16%13%32%1%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know41%11%10%28%10%330
Not the word of God44%15%12%29%1%2,523
Other/don't know44%10%11%29%6%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.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Interpreting scriptureReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%5%34%5%2%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%8%52%6%2%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know44%3%39%3%12%330
Not the word of God9%13%63%13%1%2,523
Other/don't know21%7%59%7%6%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.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say…

Interpreting scriptureThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%59%1%2%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%68%1%1%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know33%57%5%6%330
Not the word of God22%76%1%1%2,523
Other/don't know26%68%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.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who read scripture…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%11%7%23%1%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%14%11%44%1%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know50%12%7%29%2%330
Not the word of God10%7%7%75%< 1%2,523
Other/don't know27%10%8%51%4%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.

Belief in Heaven among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally92%4%4%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally88%8%4%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know82%7%11%330
Not the word of God48%42%10%2,523
Other/don't know67%12%21%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.

Belief in Hell among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%13%6%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%24%6%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know74%12%14%330
Not the word of God35%57%8%2,523
Other/don't know50%28%22%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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%21%42%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%21%39%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know34%34%32%330
Not the word of God29%25%45%2,523
Other/don't know25%33%42%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.

Political ideology among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%24%18%9%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%37%19%7%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know43%20%18%19%330
Not the word of God26%35%31%8%2,523
Other/don't know34%28%20%18%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.

Views about size of government among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%55%2%3%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%44%2%3%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know39%43%6%13%330
Not the word of God52%42%3%3%2,523
Other/don't know40%41%7%12%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.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say government aid to the poor…

Interpreting scriptureDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%49%3%3%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%47%3%2%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know43%40%6%11%330
Not the word of God43%52%3%2%2,523
Other/don't know36%46%10%8%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.

Views about abortion among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally32%63%5%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%50%3%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know34%49%17%330
Not the word of God68%28%3%2,523
Other/don't know49%37%14%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.

Views about homosexuality among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%53%4%4%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%32%4%3%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know39%42%6%13%330
Not the word of God78%16%3%3%2,523
Other/don't know58%25%9%8%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.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally27%63%9%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%42%8%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know29%50%21%330
Not the word of God69%24%8%2,523
Other/don't know48%35%17%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.

Views about environmental regulation among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say…

Interpreting scriptureStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%44%2%5%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%54%2%2%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know37%43%5%16%330
Not the word of God37%58%2%3%2,523
Other/don't know37%45%6%11%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.

Views about human evolution among adults with an education level of high school or less by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with an education level of high school or less who say humans…

Interpreting scriptureEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally14%21%3%55%7%4,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%32%3%38%4%2,598
Word of God; other/don't know11%18%6%43%22%330
Not the word of God54%19%4%20%3%2,523
Other/don't know23%23%10%29%15%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.