Interpreting scripture among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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
201416%24%2%50%8%20,395
200720%26%3%40%11%20,841
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 seldom or never attend prayer groups by religious group

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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
Buddhist2%6%1%81%10%160
Catholic19%34%2%36%8%4,669
Evangelical Protestant37%37%4%16%6%2,790
Hindu3%12%< 1%72%13%119
Historically Black Protestant41%29%2%18%9%572
Jewish6%17%< 1%69%7%548
Mainline Protestant15%34%2%38%10%3,642
Mormon24%44%3%22%7%116
Orthodox Christian12%28%3%43%15%109
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")6%10%1%77%7%6,810
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 seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally15%34%31%20%2,817
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%33%27%18%4,866
Word of God; other/don't know12%23%34%31%361
Not the word of God30%35%22%13%10,369
Other/don't know18%34%27%20%1,637
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 seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally9%12%28%36%13%2%2,817
Word of God; not everything taken literally14%13%27%33%11%1%4,866
Word of God; other/don't know7%7%21%39%24%3%361
Not the word of God18%19%27%27%8%1%10,369
Other/don't know10%15%28%33%13%2%1,637
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 seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%55%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%53%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know42%58%373
Not the word of God57%43%10,512
Other/don't know50%50%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.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%15%2%20%3%2,838
Word of God; not everything taken literally75%8%3%11%3%4,896
Word of God; other/don't know71%6%1%16%5%362
Not the word of God74%5%5%12%4%10,377
Other/don't know70%8%5%13%5%1,654
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 seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%9%74%2,793
Word of God; not everything taken literally10%11%79%4,894
Word of God; other/don't know18%7%74%365
Not the word of God12%13%75%10,415
Other/don't know14%9%77%1,669
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 seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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 literally50%23%18%8%2,406
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%21%28%20%4,340
Word of God; other/don't know44%19%22%15%275
Not the word of God26%19%29%26%9,515
Other/don't know37%21%24%18%1,364
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 seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally63%27%7%3%2,839
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%33%16%9%4,929
Word of God; other/don't know54%29%11%6%367
Not the word of God30%32%22%16%10,475
Other/don't know38%35%16%11%1,688
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 seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%7%17%9%23%2,850
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%7%13%6%24%4,927
Word of God; other/don't know48%4%14%17%17%367
Not the word of God43%11%11%4%31%10,473
Other/don't know44%10%14%8%23%1,685
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 seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally28%72%2,855
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%72%4,927
Word of God; other/don't know22%78%371
Not the word of God25%75%10,485
Other/don't know26%74%1,696
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 seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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 literally82%14%2%1%< 1%< 1%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%26%3%< 1%1%< 1%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know80%16%< 1%2%1%< 1%373
Not the word of God24%28%13%< 1%29%5%10,512
Other/don't know53%27%6%2%6%7%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.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally68%26%4%2%< 1%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%43%9%3%< 1%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know69%25%3%1%2%373
Not the word of God11%29%27%33%1%10,512
Other/don't know35%37%16%10%2%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.

Attendance at religious services among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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 literally27%41%32%1%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%50%31%< 1%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know22%40%35%2%373
Not the word of God5%31%64%< 1%10,512
Other/don't know10%43%45%2%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.

Frequency of prayer among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally63%19%6%12%1%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%26%9%16%< 1%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know67%16%6%8%3%373
Not the word of God19%14%8%59%< 1%10,512
Other/don't know42%18%9%28%3%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.

Frequency of meditation among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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 literally36%6%3%52%2%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%8%5%60%1%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know35%6%4%50%5%373
Not the word of God26%10%5%58%1%10,512
Other/don't know34%8%4%51%2%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.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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 literally58%15%9%16%2%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%20%14%17%1%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know59%14%10%12%6%373
Not the word of God39%17%12%31%1%10,512
Other/don't know47%14%11%23%4%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.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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 literally37%12%13%37%2%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%16%15%32%1%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know33%11%12%36%8%373
Not the word of God47%17%14%22%1%10,512
Other/don't know41%14%13%29%3%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.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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 literally44%6%43%6%2%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%9%57%7%2%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know34%5%47%4%10%373
Not the word of God4%18%59%17%2%10,512
Other/don't know13%12%60%9%7%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.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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 literally37%60%2%2%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%68%1%< 1%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know33%55%6%6%373
Not the word of God20%79%1%1%10,512
Other/don't know24%70%4%2%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.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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 literally31%12%9%47%1%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%12%12%60%< 1%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know30%10%12%46%3%373
Not the word of God5%5%6%84%< 1%10,512
Other/don't know13%9%9%68%2%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.

Belief in Heaven among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally93%4%3%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%7%4%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know84%5%11%373
Not the word of God38%53%9%10,512
Other/don't know61%18%21%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.

Belief in Hell among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally78%15%7%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%25%7%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know68%14%17%373
Not the word of God24%68%8%10,512
Other/don't know44%34%22%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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%20%41%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%16%39%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know39%29%32%373
Not the word of God25%17%58%10,512
Other/don't know29%29%42%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.

Political ideology among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%29%18%9%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%40%20%4%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know44%25%14%17%373
Not the word of God17%37%41%5%10,512
Other/don't know26%37%23%14%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.

Views about size of government among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%49%3%4%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%37%2%3%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know50%30%8%13%373
Not the word of God49%44%3%3%10,512
Other/don't know48%35%8%10%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.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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 literally50%45%3%2%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%45%3%1%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know49%36%7%8%373
Not the word of God36%60%3%1%10,512
Other/don't know39%46%9%6%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.

Views about abortion among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%56%5%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%41%3%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know38%47%15%373
Not the word of God80%17%3%10,512
Other/don't know61%27%12%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.

Views about homosexuality among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%42%4%5%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%22%4%3%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know45%33%7%14%373
Not the word of God88%9%2%2%10,512
Other/don't know69%16%8%6%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.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%54%9%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%32%7%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know33%45%22%373
Not the word of God83%13%5%10,512
Other/don't know62%23%14%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.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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 literally47%46%2%5%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%56%2%2%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know38%42%6%14%373
Not the word of God26%71%2%2%10,512
Other/don't know32%54%6%7%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.

Views about human evolution among adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never attend prayer groups 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 literally17%27%3%48%6%2,862
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%38%3%30%3%4,941
Word of God; other/don't know10%22%9%35%24%373
Not the word of God69%16%4%10%2%10,512
Other/don't know33%25%13%19%10%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.