Interpreting scripture among 50-64 year olds

% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is…

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
201435%26%3%29%7%10,296
200733%26%3%28%9%10,484
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 50-64 year olds by religious group

% of 50-64 year olds 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
Catholic24%36%3%30%7%2,277
Evangelical Protestant60%25%4%7%4%2,758
Historically Black Protestant67%17%2%9%5%622
Jewish12%19%3%57%9%236
Mainline Protestant27%31%3%28%10%1,819
Mormon32%49%9%4%6%168
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")11%13%1%68%8%1,838
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

Generational cohort among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%302
Not the word of God< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%3,297
Other/don't know< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%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.

Gender composition among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%56%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%54%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know39%61%302
Not the word of God56%44%3,297
Other/don't know49%51%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.

Racial and ethnic composition among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally61%20%2%14%3%3,110
Word of God; not everything taken literally78%8%2%9%4%2,746
Word of God; other/don't know65%11%< 1%18%6%294
Not the word of God80%5%3%8%3%3,248
Other/don't know72%8%4%11%5%737
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 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%5%82%3,111
Word of God; not everything taken literally9%7%84%2,769
Word of God; other/don't know20%4%77%296
Not the word of God13%8%79%3,282
Other/don't know12%7%81%744
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 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 literally42%21%24%12%2,779
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%18%31%25%2,518
Word of God; other/don't know37%20%27%17%241
Not the word of God21%15%31%32%3,021
Other/don't know39%17%20%23%636
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 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%29%11%4%3,144
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%32%18%13%2,782
Word of God; other/don't know48%29%13%9%301
Not the word of God31%28%23%18%3,285
Other/don't know38%33%16%13%749
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 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally59%3%21%7%10%3,148
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%4%19%5%9%2,778
Word of God; other/don't know62%2%20%6%10%299
Not the word of God59%7%19%4%10%3,285
Other/don't know54%8%21%5%13%744
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 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally15%85%3,149
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%84%2,780
Word of God; other/don't know15%85%301
Not the word of God14%86%3,292
Other/don't know15%85%754
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 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 literally90%8%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%19%2%< 1%1%< 1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know83%11%1%3%1%1%302
Not the word of God34%31%11%1%18%4%3,297
Other/don't know66%21%3%3%3%5%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.

Importance of religion in one's life among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally86%12%2%1%< 1%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%30%4%2%< 1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know75%20%2%2%1%302
Not the word of God22%32%22%23%1%3,297
Other/don't know53%31%7%7%3%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.

Attendance at religious services among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 literally58%28%13%< 1%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%39%19%< 1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know50%28%20%1%302
Not the word of God11%34%54%< 1%3,297
Other/don't know25%40%32%3%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.

Frequency of prayer among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%12%2%4%< 1%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%20%5%8%< 1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know76%10%4%8%2%302
Not the word of God31%17%8%43%1%3,297
Other/don't know57%17%8%14%4%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.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 literally48%11%8%32%< 1%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%9%11%57%< 1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know39%9%6%44%2%302
Not the word of God6%4%5%85%< 1%3,297
Other/don't know17%7%8%66%2%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.

Frequency of meditation among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 literally53%6%3%36%2%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%8%4%44%1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know55%2%2%37%3%302
Not the word of God34%9%5%51%1%3,297
Other/don't know44%8%4%40%4%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.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 literally78%9%5%8%1%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%16%11%11%1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know71%8%8%9%5%302
Not the word of God46%15%13%25%1%3,297
Other/don't know58%14%8%16%4%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.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 literally48%14%10%26%2%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%17%13%25%< 1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know50%8%12%22%9%302
Not the word of God48%15%15%21%1%3,297
Other/don't know50%13%11%22%5%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.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 literally62%4%29%3%2%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%7%46%5%2%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know51%3%33%4%10%302
Not the word of God8%17%59%13%2%3,297
Other/don't know23%8%51%8%9%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.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 literally48%49%1%1%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%57%1%1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know43%48%5%4%302
Not the word of God25%73%1%1%3,297
Other/don't know28%66%5%2%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.

Frequency of reading scripture among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 literally64%10%6%20%1%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%12%11%39%< 1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know55%7%8%27%2%302
Not the word of God9%7%8%75%< 1%3,297
Other/don't know29%10%9%49%2%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.

Belief in Heaven among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%5%5%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally88%7%5%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know79%6%15%302
Not the word of God45%46%10%3,297
Other/don't know66%14%20%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.

Belief in Hell among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%12%6%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%25%7%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know64%16%19%302
Not the word of God28%64%9%3,297
Other/don't know46%31%23%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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%15%39%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%14%39%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know41%29%29%302
Not the word of God27%15%58%3,297
Other/don't know32%23%45%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.

Political ideology among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally55%24%14%6%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%36%16%3%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know44%24%16%16%302
Not the word of God22%37%37%4%3,297
Other/don't know30%36%24%9%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.

Views about size of government among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%42%3%2%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%31%2%3%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know48%32%9%10%302
Not the word of God51%42%4%4%3,297
Other/don't know50%34%8%8%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.

Views about government aid to the poor among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 literally51%43%3%2%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%44%3%1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know46%38%8%7%302
Not the word of God34%61%3%2%3,297
Other/don't know37%48%10%5%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.

Views about abortion among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%62%4%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%45%3%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know32%53%15%302
Not the word of God80%17%3%3,297
Other/don't know58%31%11%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.

Views about homosexuality among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%58%4%4%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%31%5%3%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know40%43%10%7%302
Not the word of God83%12%3%2%3,297
Other/don't know59%25%7%9%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.

Views about same-sex marriage among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally23%70%7%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%44%8%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know31%53%16%302
Not the word of God76%17%6%3,297
Other/don't know51%33%16%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.

Views about environmental regulation among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 literally51%44%2%3%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%53%2%1%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know41%41%6%12%302
Not the word of God28%68%2%2%3,297
Other/don't know36%52%6%5%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.

Views about human evolution among 50-64 year olds by interpretation of scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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%23%2%61%4%3,153
Word of God; not everything taken literally17%41%3%36%3%2,788
Word of God; other/don't know9%19%7%46%18%302
Not the word of God60%21%5%13%2%3,297
Other/don't know24%28%12%26%10%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.