Interpreting scripture among adults ages 65 and older

% of adults ages 65 and older 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
201437%26%4%25%8%9,327
200739%25%6%19%11%8,146
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 ages 65 and older by religious group

% of adults ages 65 and older 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
Catholic27%38%5%22%9%2,131
Evangelical Protestant64%20%5%6%5%2,399
Historically Black Protestant70%16%4%4%5%401
Jewish8%19%1%61%11%320
Mainline Protestant26%34%4%25%12%2,272
Mormon40%48%3%4%5%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")9%8%1%73%9%1,225
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 adults ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally< 1%< 1%< 1%24%68%8%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally< 1%< 1%< 1%29%66%5%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know< 1%< 1%< 1%21%71%8%348
Not the word of God< 1%< 1%< 1%34%60%5%2,690
Other/don't know< 1%< 1%< 1%27%63%10%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%61%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%58%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know34%66%348
Not the word of God57%43%2,690
Other/don't know42%58%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally74%14%1%9%2%2,902
Word of God; not everything taken literally87%5%1%4%2%2,520
Word of God; other/don't know77%8%2%7%5%337
Not the word of God88%3%2%6%2%2,655
Other/don't know82%6%2%8%3%799
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally9%8%83%2,897
Word of God; not everything taken literally7%10%83%2,522
Word of God; other/don't know12%9%79%341
Not the word of God9%15%76%2,668
Other/don't know10%12%77%801
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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 literally53%23%17%6%2,365
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%25%27%13%2,108
Word of God; other/don't know50%23%20%7%247
Not the word of God28%20%29%23%2,303
Other/don't know42%23%23%12%615
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally64%24%8%5%2,923
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%28%16%12%2,535
Word of God; other/don't know53%28%11%8%342
Not the word of God33%25%20%22%2,686
Other/don't know45%26%17%13%812
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%2%12%31%4%2,919
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%2%12%24%4%2,535
Word of God; other/don't know52%< 1%12%33%3%348
Not the word of God58%4%15%19%4%2,684
Other/don't know51%2%16%29%3%809
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally3%97%2,932
Word of God; not everything taken literally3%97%2,536
Word of God; other/don't know2%98%346
Not the word of God2%98%2,687
Other/don't know3%97%815
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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 literally91%6%1%2%< 1%< 1%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%18%2%1%< 1%< 1%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know80%14%1%3%1%1%348
Not the word of God30%30%11%1%23%6%2,690
Other/don't know61%22%4%4%5%4%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%8%1%1%< 1%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%27%4%1%1%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know86%10%1%1%3%348
Not the word of God23%28%20%27%1%2,690
Other/don't know57%27%8%6%3%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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 literally68%20%11%1%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%29%18%1%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know61%20%16%2%348
Not the word of God16%28%56%< 1%2,690
Other/don't know38%30%30%2%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally86%9%2%3%1%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%19%5%8%1%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know82%10%2%2%5%348
Not the word of God29%13%6%50%1%2,690
Other/don't know55%16%6%17%5%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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 literally51%11%8%29%2%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%7%11%55%1%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know35%9%9%46%2%348
Not the word of God5%3%5%86%1%2,690
Other/don't know17%7%9%64%3%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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 literally69%6%3%19%3%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%8%5%33%3%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know56%9%3%25%7%348
Not the word of God34%8%6%51%2%2,690
Other/don't know47%9%3%36%5%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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 literally81%8%3%6%2%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%14%8%11%1%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know78%4%7%5%5%348
Not the word of God42%13%11%32%2%2,690
Other/don't know58%10%8%18%6%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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 literally49%10%9%27%4%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%14%14%26%2%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know45%8%12%25%10%348
Not the word of God44%14%14%27%1%2,690
Other/don't know45%11%11%27%6%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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%3%29%3%2%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%6%45%4%3%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know50%4%32%2%12%348
Not the word of God8%16%58%15%3%2,690
Other/don't know25%5%57%5%7%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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 literally47%48%2%3%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%60%1%1%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know38%53%4%4%348
Not the word of God22%75%2%1%2,690
Other/don't know29%64%3%3%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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 literally68%9%5%16%2%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%11%9%41%1%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know56%10%8%21%5%348
Not the word of God9%5%8%77%< 1%2,690
Other/don't know31%8%9%49%4%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally93%3%4%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally87%7%7%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know85%7%9%348
Not the word of God36%52%12%2,690
Other/don't know61%17%22%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%11%8%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%29%11%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know68%16%16%348
Not the word of God19%72%8%2,690
Other/don't know38%38%24%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%13%38%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%12%39%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know46%21%33%348
Not the word of God29%12%59%2,690
Other/don't know33%20%47%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally59%23%12%7%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%36%14%4%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know50%24%9%17%348
Not the word of God25%35%36%3%2,690
Other/don't know37%32%21%11%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally59%34%2%5%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%26%2%4%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know54%25%8%13%348
Not the word of God50%41%5%4%2,690
Other/don't know51%29%8%13%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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%41%4%4%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%42%3%2%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know42%36%9%12%348
Not the word of God36%59%4%1%2,690
Other/don't know37%49%7%7%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%65%6%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%47%5%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know31%51%18%348
Not the word of God78%17%4%2,690
Other/don't know55%30%15%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally25%67%4%4%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%37%3%4%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know27%53%7%14%348
Not the word of God78%16%3%3%2,690
Other/don't know56%26%9%9%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally15%77%8%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%49%9%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know18%61%21%348
Not the word of God68%24%8%2,690
Other/don't know46%36%18%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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%38%3%9%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%49%2%3%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know40%37%6%17%348
Not the word of God31%64%2%3%2,690
Other/don't know32%50%6%11%816
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 ages 65 and older by interpretation of scripture

% of adults ages 65 and older 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%16%3%60%11%2,934
Word of God; not everything taken literally17%36%4%37%6%2,539
Word of God; other/don't know5%21%5%46%24%348
Not the word of God59%16%5%15%4%2,690
Other/don't know25%27%12%23%13%816
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.