Interpreting scripture among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain 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
20146%10%< 1%77%7%1,819
20076%10%2%75%8%1,189
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; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

Interpreting scripture among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by religious group

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain 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
Catholic9%15%< 1%66%9%310
Jewish3%6%< 1%83%9%118
Mainline Protestant3%12%< 1%78%7%277
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")4%7%< 1%84%5%850
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; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%34%21%15%153
Not the word of God36%33%20%11%1,449
Other/don't know35%35%14%17%110
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%14%29%25%9%2%153
Not the word of God23%21%25%23%7%1%1,449
Other/don't know25%15%29%16%12%2%110
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%46%155
Not the word of God61%39%1,467
Other/don't know52%48%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%8%7%21%5%153
Not the word of God70%3%8%15%3%1,448
Other/don't know64%4%13%15%4%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%12%65%153
Not the word of God18%16%67%1,454
Other/don't know27%12%61%113
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain 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; not everything taken literally40%23%20%18%132
Not the word of God28%16%27%28%1,349
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%23%10%6%153
Not the word of God31%29%22%17%1,462
Other/don't know42%32%15%11%113
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%11%10%6%39%154
Not the word of God42%11%9%3%35%1,462
Other/don't know40%10%5%10%34%112
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%75%155
Not the word of God24%76%1,461
Other/don't know34%66%113
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally17%43%25%14%1%155
Not the word of God6%28%43%23%< 1%1,467
Other/don't know12%41%35%12%< 1%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain 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; not everything taken literally11%48%39%1%155
Not the word of God5%34%61%< 1%1,467
Other/don't know10%39%49%2%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%14%18%41%< 1%155
Not the word of God12%12%11%64%< 1%1,467
Other/don't know22%15%7%55%2%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who attend prayer group…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally8%8%8%76%< 1%155
Not the word of God2%2%4%92%< 1%1,467
Other/don't know7%13%3%75%2%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%12%8%62%2%155
Not the word of God24%11%7%57%< 1%1,467
Other/don't know16%11%2%69%2%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain 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; not everything taken literally27%15%18%40%< 1%155
Not the word of God31%17%15%36%1%1,467
Other/don't know24%25%11%37%3%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain 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; not everything taken literally39%9%18%34%< 1%155
Not the word of God46%17%16%21%1%1,467
Other/don't know46%16%8%28%2%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Interpreting scriptureReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%16%57%14%1%155
Not the word of God3%22%57%16%1%1,467
Other/don't know3%20%56%16%5%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain 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; not everything taken literally26%72%1%1%155
Not the word of God19%79%1%1%1,467
Other/don't know23%76%1%1%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who read scripture…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally8%15%11%67%< 1%155
Not the word of God3%4%6%87%< 1%1,467
Other/don't know9%9%9%72%1%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%21%12%155
Not the word of God32%55%12%1,467
Other/don't know39%32%29%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%44%9%155
Not the word of God22%68%10%1,467
Other/don't know26%43%30%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%26%43%155
Not the word of God23%15%61%1,467
Other/don't know20%29%51%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%30%31%6%155
Not the word of God15%41%39%5%1,467
Other/don't know25%35%31%9%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%52%3%3%155
Not the word of God48%46%3%3%1,467
Other/don't know42%37%13%7%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain 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; not everything taken literally45%50%2%2%155
Not the word of God35%61%3%2%1,467
Other/don't know26%60%11%2%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%41%3%155
Not the word of God83%15%2%1,467
Other/don't know78%13%8%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%18%5%3%155
Not the word of God87%9%2%2%1,467
Other/don't know82%10%3%5%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%25%9%155
Not the word of God82%14%4%1,467
Other/don't know72%15%13%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain 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; not everything taken literally32%62%3%4%155
Not the word of God26%71%2%1%1,467
Other/don't know35%58%4%4%115
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 and are not too or not at all certain by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain 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; not everything taken literally41%25%3%30%1%155
Not the word of God75%10%5%9%2%1,467
Other/don't know60%9%15%10%6%115
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.