Interpreting scripture among adults who seldom or never read scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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
201413%22%1%56%8%16,085
200716%25%2%46%11%15,857
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 read scripture by religious group

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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%4%1%83%11%147
Catholic17%34%2%38%8%3,807
Evangelical Protestant31%40%3%21%6%1,462
Hindu3%13%< 1%70%13%120
Historically Black Protestant45%27%1%20%7%308
Jewish7%16%1%69%6%580
Mainline Protestant13%32%1%44%10%2,641
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")5%8%< 1%79%7%6,116
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%35%31%18%1,651
Word of God; not everything taken literally21%33%26%19%3,459
Word of God; other/don't know14%21%38%26%192
Not the word of God30%35%22%13%9,278
Other/don't know21%33%26%20%1,240
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally10%13%28%35%11%2%1,651
Word of God; not everything taken literally15%13%27%32%12%1%3,459
Word of God; other/don't know7%9%19%44%19%2%192
Not the word of God19%19%27%27%8%1%9,278
Other/don't know11%16%26%32%12%2%1,240
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%50%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%51%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know41%59%197
Not the word of God57%43%9,405
Other/don't know53%47%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%15%3%22%3%1,663
Word of God; not everything taken literally76%6%3%12%3%3,491
Word of God; other/don't know66%5%2%23%4%195
Not the word of God75%4%6%11%4%9,287
Other/don't know70%6%6%13%5%1,249
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally21%8%71%1,633
Word of God; not everything taken literally11%11%78%3,482
Word of God; other/don't know25%8%67%194
Not the word of God13%13%74%9,323
Other/don't know15%10%75%1,260
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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 literally52%22%17%10%1,395
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%20%29%21%3,068
Word of God; other/don't know51%17%19%14%152
Not the word of God25%19%30%27%8,492
Other/don't know35%21%24%20%1,020
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally69%23%6%2%1,657
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%31%17%8%3,504
Word of God; other/don't know60%25%11%4%194
Not the word of God30%31%23%16%9,375
Other/don't know38%35%17%10%1,274
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%8%16%8%26%1,667
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%8%11%6%24%3,511
Word of God; other/don't know54%3%13%15%15%196
Not the word of God44%11%11%3%31%9,373
Other/don't know46%10%12%7%26%1,276
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%70%1,670
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%72%3,506
Word of God; other/don't know25%75%196
Not the word of God25%75%9,380
Other/don't know28%72%1,283
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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 literally76%19%3%1%1%< 1%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%31%4%< 1%1%1%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know71%21%< 1%6%2%1%197
Not the word of God21%28%14%< 1%31%5%9,405
Other/don't know43%30%7%3%8%8%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally61%31%6%2%< 1%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%48%11%3%< 1%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know66%25%6%2%1%197
Not the word of God9%28%28%35%1%9,405
Other/don't know27%40%19%12%2%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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 literally26%39%35%< 1%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%48%33%< 1%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know26%40%34%< 1%197
Not the word of God5%29%66%< 1%9,405
Other/don't know9%40%50%1%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%22%8%18%1%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%28%11%20%< 1%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know59%13%8%17%2%197
Not the word of God16%13%8%62%< 1%9,405
Other/don't know32%19%10%37%3%1,291
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 seldom or never read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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 literally11%5%7%76%< 1%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally5%4%6%84%< 1%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know10%2%5%84%< 1%197
Not the word of God2%2%2%94%< 1%9,405
Other/don't know3%3%4%89%1%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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 literally29%6%3%60%2%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally21%7%4%67%1%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know32%5%7%52%4%197
Not the word of God24%10%5%61%1%9,405
Other/don't know29%8%4%58%2%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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 literally51%14%12%22%1%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%20%15%22%1%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know50%12%17%19%2%197
Not the word of God37%17%12%33%1%9,405
Other/don't know42%15%12%27%4%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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 literally31%11%15%41%2%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%16%16%37%1%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know25%10%17%42%7%197
Not the word of God44%17%15%23%1%9,405
Other/don't know38%15%14%31%2%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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 literally35%6%49%8%2%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%9%61%8%2%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know31%5%50%3%10%197
Not the word of God4%18%59%18%2%9,405
Other/don't know10%11%62%10%6%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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 literally31%65%1%2%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%70%1%< 1%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know30%59%4%7%197
Not the word of God19%79%1%1%9,405
Other/don't know22%72%3%3%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally93%4%3%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally88%8%4%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know80%6%14%197
Not the word of God36%55%9%9,405
Other/don't know56%21%23%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally76%16%7%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%27%6%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know71%13%16%197
Not the word of God23%70%8%9,405
Other/don't know38%38%24%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%22%41%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%16%40%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know38%35%26%197
Not the word of God25%17%58%9,405
Other/don't know30%30%40%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%29%21%10%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%41%19%5%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know42%24%18%16%197
Not the word of God17%37%41%5%9,405
Other/don't know27%38%22%14%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally38%57%2%3%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%37%2%3%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know44%39%5%12%197
Not the word of God49%45%3%3%9,405
Other/don't know48%33%8%11%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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 literally49%46%3%2%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%43%3%2%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know51%36%4%9%197
Not the word of God36%59%3%1%9,405
Other/don't know39%44%10%7%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%52%5%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%38%3%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know36%49%15%197
Not the word of God81%16%3%9,405
Other/don't know61%26%13%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%37%4%4%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%20%4%2%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know54%25%7%13%197
Not the word of God88%9%2%2%9,405
Other/don't know70%15%8%7%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%49%9%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%30%7%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know42%33%25%197
Not the word of God83%12%4%9,405
Other/don't know63%22%15%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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%2%5%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%57%2%1%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know38%45%3%14%197
Not the word of God25%71%2%2%9,405
Other/don't know33%54%5%8%1,291
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 read scripture by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture 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 literally18%26%3%46%6%1,674
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%38%3%28%2%3,518
Word of God; other/don't know15%19%11%33%23%197
Not the word of God71%14%4%10%2%9,405
Other/don't know38%23%14%15%11%1,291
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.