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
201428%28%3%33%8%9,589
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 some college education by religious group

% of adults with some college education 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
Catholic23%38%2%28%9%1,810
Evangelical Protestant51%31%4%9%5%2,739
Historically Black Protestant51%28%3%11%7%600
Jewish11%30%4%46%10%138
Mainline Protestant23%40%3%25%10%1,567
Mormon32%57%5%5%2%224
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")5%11%1%75%8%1,950
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%35%30%18%2,780
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%33%24%14%2,706
Word of God; other/don't know17%32%28%23%285
Not the word of God37%32%20%10%2,933
Other/don't know27%32%26%15%738
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally11%12%29%35%12%1%2,780
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%15%27%28%9%1%2,706
Word of God; other/don't know9%9%30%34%16%1%285
Not the word of God25%21%24%24%6%1%2,933
Other/don't know14%19%26%30%10%1%738
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally38%62%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%58%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know40%60%299
Not the word of God56%44%2,954
Other/don't know53%47%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally61%19%2%13%4%2,799
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%12%2%11%4%2,719
Word of God; other/don't know69%11%1%12%7%288
Not the word of God71%7%4%12%5%2,904
Other/don't know66%13%3%11%6%741
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally10%9%81%2,805
Word of God; not everything taken literally9%11%80%2,710
Word of God; other/don't know10%6%85%292
Not the word of God11%14%75%2,930
Other/don't know10%10%79%752
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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 literally38%26%26%10%2,448
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%23%34%14%2,440
Word of God; other/don't know31%25%32%13%231
Not the word of God30%22%30%18%2,686
Other/don't know37%22%29%12%624
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%5%15%7%19%2,827
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%8%13%5%28%2,731
Word of God; other/don't know58%3%12%8%18%296
Not the word of God37%11%13%3%36%2,945
Other/don't know38%11%16%8%27%756
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally33%67%2,831
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%68%2,731
Word of God; other/don't know31%69%298
Not the word of God25%75%2,944
Other/don't know26%74%761
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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 literally93%6%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%19%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know92%5%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%299
Not the word of God30%28%11%1%25%5%2,954
Other/don't know60%23%5%2%4%6%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally87%11%2%1%< 1%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%30%5%2%< 1%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know81%15%1%1%2%299
Not the word of God16%30%25%29%1%2,954
Other/don't know42%35%15%6%2%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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 literally63%26%10%< 1%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%43%18%< 1%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know53%30%15%2%299
Not the word of God7%33%60%< 1%2,954
Other/don't know20%46%33%2%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%10%2%3%< 1%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%20%6%8%< 1%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know84%9%3%2%2%299
Not the word of God25%15%8%52%1%2,954
Other/don't know51%19%8%20%3%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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 literally47%14%10%29%1%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%11%12%52%< 1%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know42%12%9%35%2%299
Not the word of God4%4%4%88%< 1%2,954
Other/don't know16%9%7%67%2%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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 literally54%7%3%35%2%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%8%4%48%1%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know52%5%2%37%4%299
Not the word of God30%11%5%53%1%2,954
Other/don't know42%9%4%44%2%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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 literally80%10%5%5%1%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%18%9%10%1%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know74%10%6%6%4%299
Not the word of God43%17%11%27%1%2,954
Other/don't know54%15%10%17%4%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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%16%12%26%1%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%18%13%23%1%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know42%14%10%29%5%299
Not the word of God51%17%12%19%1%2,954
Other/don't know48%16%12%23%2%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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 literally65%4%26%3%2%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%9%46%4%2%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know55%4%28%3%10%299
Not the word of God5%18%61%14%2%2,954
Other/don't know20%13%54%7%6%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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 literally51%47%1%1%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%61%1%< 1%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know50%44%4%2%299
Not the word of God21%77%2%1%2,954
Other/don't know27%68%3%2%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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 literally67%12%6%15%1%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%14%11%35%< 1%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know65%8%8%17%2%299
Not the word of God9%6%8%76%< 1%2,954
Other/don't know26%14%8%50%2%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%5%4%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%6%4%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know87%3%10%299
Not the word of God44%47%10%2,954
Other/don't know67%14%18%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%11%5%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally73%21%6%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know72%15%14%299
Not the word of God29%63%9%2,954
Other/don't know53%29%18%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%17%35%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%14%38%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know47%24%29%299
Not the word of God26%18%56%2,954
Other/don't know30%30%41%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%28%12%6%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%36%17%4%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know48%28%7%17%299
Not the word of God18%39%38%5%2,954
Other/don't know26%41%21%12%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%38%2%3%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%34%2%3%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know59%22%8%11%299
Not the word of God52%40%4%4%2,954
Other/don't know51%31%9%8%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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 literally53%41%4%2%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%44%3%1%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know55%28%13%4%299
Not the word of God38%58%3%1%2,954
Other/don't know44%44%8%4%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally33%63%4%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%49%3%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know25%62%13%299
Not the word of God78%18%4%2,954
Other/don't know57%30%13%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%55%5%4%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%31%4%3%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know33%45%14%8%299
Not the word of God87%8%2%2%2,954
Other/don't know64%22%7%6%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%68%6%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%41%7%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know26%57%17%299
Not the word of God83%12%5%2,954
Other/don't know58%27%15%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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 literally48%47%3%2%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%56%2%1%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know42%39%11%8%299
Not the word of God26%70%2%2%2,954
Other/don't know34%55%5%6%764
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 some college education by interpretation of scripture

% of adults with some college education 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 literally9%25%1%61%3%2,836
Word of God; not everything taken literally17%39%2%39%3%2,736
Word of God; other/don't know9%20%5%53%14%299
Not the word of God63%19%5%11%2%2,954
Other/don't know27%31%12%22%8%764
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.