Interpreting scripture among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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
201425%26%2%40%7%21,955
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 who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by religious group

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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
Buddhist6%8%1%72%13%212
Catholic25%34%2%31%8%4,619
Evangelical Protestant46%35%3%11%6%3,811
Hindu10%17%1%61%11%158
Historically Black Protestant58%25%2%10%6%1,290
Jewish9%22%1%60%7%633
Mainline Protestant21%35%2%32%10%3,901
Mormon28%53%3%11%4%267
Muslim40%29%11%14%6%178
Orthodox Christian23%36%3%31%8%113
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")8%10%< 1%75%7%5,875
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 who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%35%28%20%4,585
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%33%23%17%5,589
Word of God; other/don't know17%23%30%30%436
Not the word of God32%35%21%13%9,287
Other/don't know21%33%26%20%1,653
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally11%12%29%33%13%2%4,585
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%15%27%28%11%1%5,589
Word of God; other/don't know10%10%19%37%21%3%436
Not the word of God20%19%27%25%8%1%9,287
Other/don't know10%17%26%31%13%2%1,653
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%59%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%58%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know38%62%458
Not the word of God54%46%9,422
Other/don't know47%53%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%25%3%22%3%4,631
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%12%3%14%4%5,637
Word of God; other/don't know59%13%4%19%6%443
Not the word of God71%6%6%13%4%9,303
Other/don't know64%10%6%15%5%1,675
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally21%8%71%4,577
Word of God; not everything taken literally13%11%76%5,621
Word of God; other/don't know22%7%70%445
Not the word of God14%13%73%9,320
Other/don't know16%10%74%1,675
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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 literally55%21%17%7%3,989
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%22%28%18%4,997
Word of God; other/don't know46%23%21%11%341
Not the word of God27%19%28%25%8,538
Other/don't know38%19%26%16%1,348
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally63%26%7%3%4,648
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%33%16%10%5,657
Word of God; other/don't know52%30%12%6%452
Not the word of God30%31%22%16%9,386
Other/don't know38%35%16%11%1,700
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%7%17%10%23%4,657
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%6%13%6%28%5,660
Word of God; other/don't know50%4%14%14%19%454
Not the word of God42%11%11%4%32%9,386
Other/don't know43%9%15%8%25%1,695
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%69%4,665
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%70%5,660
Word of God; other/don't know24%76%451
Not the word of God25%75%9,398
Other/don't know29%71%1,707
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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 literally85%12%2%1%< 1%< 1%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%24%2%< 1%1%< 1%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know84%12%< 1%3%< 1%< 1%458
Not the word of God26%28%13%1%28%5%9,422
Other/don't know55%25%6%2%5%7%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%16%2%1%< 1%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%35%6%2%< 1%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know81%16%2%1%1%458
Not the word of God15%29%25%30%1%9,422
Other/don't know43%33%14%7%3%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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 literally53%31%15%1%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%43%20%< 1%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know46%34%18%2%458
Not the word of God9%33%59%< 1%9,422
Other/don't know23%41%34%2%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally75%15%4%6%1%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%22%7%11%< 1%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know77%11%4%5%3%458
Not the word of God23%14%8%55%< 1%9,422
Other/don't know48%17%7%24%4%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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 literally41%14%10%35%1%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally21%11%11%57%< 1%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know33%8%12%45%2%458
Not the word of God4%4%5%87%< 1%9,422
Other/don't know13%9%7%68%2%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%8%3%36%2%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%9%5%50%1%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know51%6%3%35%4%458
Not the word of God29%11%6%54%1%9,422
Other/don't know37%10%4%46%3%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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 literally70%13%7%9%1%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%19%11%13%1%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know64%12%10%8%6%458
Not the word of God41%17%12%28%1%9,422
Other/don't know51%15%10%19%4%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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 literally43%14%11%30%2%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%18%15%27%1%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know38%11%11%33%7%458
Not the word of God49%17%14%20%< 1%9,422
Other/don't know45%15%13%24%3%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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 literally49%6%37%6%2%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%10%51%7%2%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know42%4%42%2%9%458
Not the word of God5%19%58%17%2%9,422
Other/don't know18%11%57%8%6%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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 literally55%12%8%24%1%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%15%12%42%< 1%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know50%12%9%26%3%458
Not the word of God8%6%8%78%< 1%9,422
Other/don't know23%12%9%53%3%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally93%4%3%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%6%4%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know86%5%9%458
Not the word of God39%52%9%9,422
Other/don't know63%16%21%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally80%13%6%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%25%6%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know72%12%16%458
Not the word of God25%68%7%9,422
Other/don't know43%35%22%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%21%48%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%16%45%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know32%30%38%458
Not the word of God22%17%61%9,422
Other/don't know26%30%45%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%30%20%8%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%42%21%5%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know36%32%16%15%458
Not the word of God15%37%43%5%9,422
Other/don't know24%38%25%13%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally35%59%2%3%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%44%2%3%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know41%40%7%12%458
Not the word of God46%47%3%4%9,422
Other/don't know43%38%9%10%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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 literally40%54%4%3%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%52%3%1%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know41%44%6%9%458
Not the word of God33%63%3%1%9,422
Other/don't know35%50%10%5%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally38%58%5%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%41%3%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know37%46%16%458
Not the word of God81%17%2%9,422
Other/don't know58%30%12%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%46%4%4%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%23%4%2%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know47%33%10%10%458
Not the word of God88%9%2%1%9,422
Other/don't know67%19%8%7%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%57%9%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%33%7%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know39%43%18%458
Not the word of God84%12%4%9,422
Other/don't know60%25%14%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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 literally42%51%2%5%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%61%1%2%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know39%48%3%10%458
Not the word of God24%73%2%2%9,422
Other/don't know30%57%6%7%1,720
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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 literally16%26%3%50%6%4,678
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%38%3%32%3%5,677
Word of God; other/don't know13%26%7%37%17%458
Not the word of God67%16%4%11%2%9,422
Other/don't know32%25%13%20%10%1,720
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.