Interpreting scripture among adults who believe in God with absolute certainty

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty 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
201443%32%4%14%7%21,904
200742%31%4%15%8%25,667
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by religious group

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty 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
Catholic29%42%3%18%7%4,775
Evangelical Protestant59%28%4%5%4%7,594
Historically Black Protestant62%23%3%7%5%1,694
Jehovah's Witness49%38%8%1%4%221
Jewish26%39%3%21%10%277
Mainline Protestant32%39%3%16%9%3,989
Mormon35%56%5%2%2%576
Muslim48%28%11%10%3%192
Orthodox Christian35%45%4%9%8%113
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")26%23%2%39%10%1,805
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally14%33%31%22%8,640
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%34%26%18%7,303
Word of God; other/don't know14%30%30%26%810
Not the word of God21%36%29%14%3,214
Other/don't know15%33%30%21%1,457
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally9%10%28%36%15%2%8,640
Word of God; not everything taken literally15%14%28%31%12%1%7,303
Word of God; other/don't know9%9%27%36%18%2%810
Not the word of God12%17%29%34%8%< 1%3,214
Other/don't know7%14%28%36%14%2%1,457
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%58%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%56%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know42%58%853
Not the word of God47%53%3,266
Other/don't know47%53%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%20%2%14%3%8,724
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%11%2%12%4%7,342
Word of God; other/don't know67%12%3%13%5%824
Not the word of God63%11%4%17%5%3,202
Other/don't know62%15%4%14%6%1,467
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally14%8%79%8,706
Word of God; not everything taken literally11%10%79%7,359
Word of God; other/don't know15%7%78%834
Not the word of God14%11%75%3,232
Other/don't know15%9%76%1,483
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty 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 literally44%22%23%11%7,525
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%21%31%21%6,550
Word of God; other/don't know35%21%29%15%649
Not the word of God33%20%27%19%2,928
Other/don't know39%21%24%16%1,218
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%31%11%5%8,781
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%35%19%12%7,410
Word of God; other/don't know41%35%15%9%842
Not the word of God34%34%19%13%3,242
Other/don't know38%35%16%10%1,497
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%4%15%9%19%8,800
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%5%12%6%23%7,412
Word of God; other/don't know56%3%13%11%17%843
Not the word of God44%9%15%6%26%3,254
Other/don't know46%9%16%9%20%1,495
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%70%8,806
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%68%7,405
Word of God; other/don't know29%71%844
Not the word of God29%71%3,259
Other/don't know28%72%1,505
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

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally88%10%1%1%< 1%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%24%3%1%< 1%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know86%12%< 1%1%1%853
Not the word of God40%38%11%10%1%3,266
Other/don't know63%27%5%3%2%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who attend religious services…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally63%26%11%1%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%37%15%< 1%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know57%27%14%2%853
Not the word of God18%42%40%< 1%3,266
Other/don't know33%41%24%2%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally83%11%2%3%1%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%19%4%5%< 1%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know83%10%2%2%3%853
Not the word of God54%21%7%17%1%3,266
Other/don't know68%16%6%7%3%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty 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 literally49%13%9%29%1%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%12%11%48%< 1%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know42%10%10%37%2%853
Not the word of God10%7%7%75%1%3,266
Other/don't know22%9%9%58%2%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%6%3%34%2%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%8%4%44%1%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know52%5%3%35%5%853
Not the word of God45%9%4%41%1%3,266
Other/don't know47%9%3%38%3%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty 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%10%5%6%1%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%17%8%8%1%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know75%10%7%4%4%853
Not the word of God60%16%10%13%1%3,266
Other/don't know67%13%6%10%3%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty 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 literally47%14%10%27%2%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%18%13%24%1%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know45%13%11%25%6%853
Not the word of God53%15%11%21%1%3,266
Other/don't know50%13%11%23%3%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty 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 literally63%4%28%3%2%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%8%41%4%2%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know53%3%31%3%10%853
Not the word of God13%15%59%10%2%3,266
Other/don't know29%9%49%5%7%1,517
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 who believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty 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%51%1%1%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%59%1%< 1%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know45%47%5%2%853
Not the word of God23%74%1%1%3,266
Other/don't know31%63%4%2%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty 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 literally66%11%6%16%1%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%14%11%31%< 1%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know63%10%7%18%2%853
Not the word of God20%10%10%60%1%3,266
Other/don't know37%13%10%37%2%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%4%4%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally91%5%4%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know84%5%11%853
Not the word of God70%22%8%3,266
Other/don't know76%8%16%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally83%11%6%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally73%20%7%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know73%13%14%853
Not the word of God46%46%8%3,266
Other/don't know56%27%17%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%17%37%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%15%37%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know44%27%29%853
Not the word of God29%20%51%3,266
Other/don't know31%28%41%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally55%25%13%7%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%37%15%5%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know48%26%11%14%853
Not the word of God25%36%34%6%3,266
Other/don't know31%36%21%13%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%42%2%3%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%35%2%3%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know55%29%7%10%853
Not the word of God51%41%3%4%3,266
Other/don't know48%35%8%10%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty 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%4%2%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%45%3%1%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know48%35%10%7%853
Not the word of God40%55%4%2%3,266
Other/don't know41%45%9%5%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%65%4%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%52%3%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know29%58%13%853
Not the word of God69%27%4%3,266
Other/don't know52%36%12%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%57%4%4%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%34%4%3%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know33%47%9%10%853
Not the word of God79%15%3%3%3,266
Other/don't know57%26%10%7%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally24%68%7%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%45%7%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know26%57%17%853
Not the word of God72%21%7%3,266
Other/don't know51%33%16%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty who say…

Interpreting scriptureStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%44%2%4%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%56%2%2%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know42%40%7%11%853
Not the word of God31%64%2%2%3,266
Other/don't know34%52%6%8%1,517
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 believe in God with absolute certainty by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God with absolute certainty 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 literally10%22%2%61%5%8,837
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%39%3%40%3%7,431
Word of God; other/don't know9%20%5%50%16%853
Not the word of God38%34%5%20%3%3,266
Other/don't know17%33%11%28%11%1,517
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.