Interpreting scripture among adults who read scripture once or twice a month

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
201433%36%3%20%8%3,457
200735%34%4%17%10%3,543
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 read scripture once or twice a month by religious group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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%40%3%19%8%782
Evangelical Protestant44%38%2%10%5%979
Historically Black Protestant49%31%1%11%9%249
Mainline Protestant25%41%4%19%10%791
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")23%25%1%44%8%362
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally19%37%27%18%1,035
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%32%21%14%1,274
Not the word of God31%32%26%11%714
Other/don't know17%45%24%14%279
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%13%30%31%11%2%1,035
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%15%28%26%9%1%1,274
Not the word of God21%17%26%30%7%< 1%714
Other/don't know8%18%36%29%8%1%279
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%53%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%53%1,291
Not the word of God54%46%726
Other/don't know48%52%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%20%3%20%3%1,046
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%14%4%13%3%1,274
Not the word of God63%9%5%19%3%713
Other/don't know63%15%1%16%5%285
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally20%7%72%1,033
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%12%76%1,281
Not the word of God17%13%71%716
Other/don't know14%12%74%284
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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 literally47%21%21%12%912
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%22%30%19%1,167
Not the word of God37%21%24%19%659
Other/don't know34%17%31%17%236
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%30%10%4%1,053
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%33%19%12%1,291
Not the word of God36%31%18%14%721
Other/don't know31%41%14%14%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%7%17%7%22%1,052
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%5%11%5%32%1,290
Not the word of God40%13%12%4%30%723
Other/don't know42%13%17%6%21%284
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally32%68%1,052
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%69%1,288
Not the word of God30%70%725
Other/don't know30%70%285
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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 literally86%12%1%1%< 1%< 1%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%18%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,291
Not the word of God44%32%8%1%11%4%726
Other/don't know69%25%4%1%< 1%1%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%15%2%1%1%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%31%3%1%< 1%1,291
Not the word of God39%41%10%9%1%726
Other/don't know58%28%11%2%2%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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 literally41%48%10%< 1%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%49%11%< 1%1,291
Not the word of God21%47%32%< 1%726
Other/don't know26%59%14%1%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally76%18%3%2%1%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%25%5%4%< 1%1,291
Not the word of God44%26%8%21%1%726
Other/don't know62%21%8%6%4%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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 literally24%27%14%34%< 1%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%22%17%45%< 1%1,291
Not the word of God9%15%11%63%< 1%726
Other/don't know12%23%12%52%1%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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 literally41%14%3%39%2%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%15%4%46%1%1,291
Not the word of God41%16%4%39%1%726
Other/don't know38%16%5%39%2%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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 literally67%18%7%7%1%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%25%11%7%1%1,291
Not the word of God56%21%10%11%1%726
Other/don't know56%20%10%11%2%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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 literally36%20%12%29%2%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%21%15%20%< 1%1,291
Not the word of God58%18%10%14%< 1%726
Other/don't know47%18%14%17%4%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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 literally52%6%35%6%2%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%10%47%6%2%1,291
Not the word of God10%24%50%13%3%726
Other/don't know23%15%50%5%8%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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 literally40%58%1%2%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%65%1%< 1%1,291
Not the word of God22%75%2%1%726
Other/don't know23%73%2%2%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally92%4%3%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally93%5%2%1,291
Not the word of God55%34%11%726
Other/don't know73%9%18%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%13%6%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%20%6%1,291
Not the word of God37%55%7%726
Other/don't know56%23%21%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%16%41%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%13%42%1,291
Not the word of God23%19%59%726
Other/don't know31%26%43%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%28%17%6%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%40%18%3%1,291
Not the word of God22%38%36%4%726
Other/don't know27%41%24%7%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%49%2%4%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%41%1%2%1,291
Not the word of God44%47%4%5%726
Other/don't know49%33%11%7%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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 literally48%47%3%2%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%50%3%< 1%1,291
Not the word of God33%63%3%2%726
Other/don't know46%46%6%3%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%59%4%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%48%1%1,291
Not the word of God71%27%3%726
Other/don't know56%35%10%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%45%4%5%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%26%4%2%1,291
Not the word of God84%12%3%1%726
Other/don't know66%22%6%5%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally33%58%10%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%36%8%1,291
Not the word of God77%16%7%726
Other/don't know58%31%11%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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%47%3%3%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%56%1%1%1,291
Not the word of God28%67%3%2%726
Other/don't know35%56%5%4%288
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 read scripture once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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 literally13%27%2%53%5%1,055
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%39%4%35%3%1,291
Not the word of God49%26%6%17%2%726
Other/don't know27%32%12%23%7%288
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.