Interpreting scripture among baby Boomers

% of baby Boomers 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
201435%26%3%29%7%13,049
200733%27%3%28%9%13,662
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 baby Boomers by religious group

% of baby Boomers 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
Buddhist8%8%3%71%11%107
Catholic24%36%3%29%8%2,905
Evangelical Protestant60%24%4%7%4%3,416
Historically Black Protestant67%17%2%8%5%749
Jewish11%19%3%60%8%330
Mainline Protestant26%32%3%29%11%2,435
Mormon32%50%8%4%5%214
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")10%12%1%69%8%2,281
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally< 1%< 1%85%15%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally< 1%< 1%83%17%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know< 1%< 1%84%16%383
Not the word of God< 1%< 1%84%16%4,246
Other/don't know< 1%< 1%83%17%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%56%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%54%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know40%60%383
Not the word of God56%44%4,246
Other/don't know50%50%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally62%19%2%14%3%3,832
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%7%2%8%3%3,515
Word of God; other/don't know65%10%1%17%6%373
Not the word of God81%5%3%8%3%4,181
Other/don't know74%8%3%10%5%950
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%5%82%3,830
Word of God; not everything taken literally9%7%84%3,537
Word of God; other/don't know19%4%77%376
Not the word of God12%8%80%4,224
Other/don't know12%7%82%962
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers 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 literally43%22%24%11%3,403
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%19%32%24%3,185
Word of God; other/don't know37%22%26%15%300
Not the word of God22%16%31%32%3,867
Other/don't know39%17%22%22%815
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%29%11%4%3,867
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%32%19%13%3,555
Word of God; other/don't know48%30%13%9%382
Not the word of God30%28%23%19%4,234
Other/don't know39%32%16%13%972
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally59%3%21%8%9%3,871
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%3%18%6%9%3,551
Word of God; other/don't know63%1%20%8%8%380
Not the word of God60%7%19%5%9%4,233
Other/don't know56%7%21%6%11%964
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally14%86%3,875
Word of God; not everything taken literally14%86%3,553
Word of God; other/don't know13%87%381
Not the word of God12%88%4,241
Other/don't know13%87%977
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers 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 literally91%8%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%19%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know84%10%1%3%1%1%383
Not the word of God34%31%11%1%19%4%4,246
Other/don't know65%22%3%2%3%5%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally86%11%2%1%< 1%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%31%4%2%< 1%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know77%17%2%2%2%383
Not the word of God22%32%22%24%1%4,246
Other/don't know53%30%8%6%3%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers 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 literally60%28%12%< 1%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%39%20%< 1%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know52%28%19%2%383
Not the word of God12%34%55%< 1%4,246
Other/don't know26%39%33%2%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%11%2%4%< 1%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%21%5%8%< 1%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know77%10%3%7%2%383
Not the word of God31%17%8%44%1%4,246
Other/don't know56%17%8%14%5%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers 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 literally48%12%8%31%< 1%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%9%11%57%< 1%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know40%10%6%42%2%383
Not the word of God6%4%5%85%< 1%4,246
Other/don't know17%6%8%66%2%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%6%3%35%2%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%7%4%44%1%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know54%4%3%35%3%383
Not the word of God34%9%5%51%1%4,246
Other/don't know43%9%4%40%4%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally78%9%5%7%1%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%16%10%11%1%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know71%8%9%8%4%383
Not the word of God45%15%13%26%1%4,246
Other/don't know58%14%9%16%4%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers 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 literally48%14%9%26%2%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%17%13%24%< 1%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know49%9%12%22%9%383
Not the word of God48%15%15%22%1%4,246
Other/don't know49%14%11%22%5%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers 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 literally62%4%29%3%2%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%7%46%5%2%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know51%3%33%4%9%383
Not the word of God8%17%59%13%2%4,246
Other/don't know23%8%53%8%8%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers 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 literally48%49%1%1%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%58%1%1%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know43%49%4%4%383
Not the word of God25%73%2%1%4,246
Other/don't know28%65%5%2%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers 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 literally65%10%6%19%1%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%12%11%40%< 1%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know56%8%8%27%2%383
Not the word of God9%7%8%76%< 1%4,246
Other/don't know28%10%10%50%3%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%5%5%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally88%7%5%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know81%6%13%383
Not the word of God44%46%10%4,246
Other/don't know66%13%20%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%12%6%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%25%8%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know65%16%18%383
Not the word of God27%65%9%4,246
Other/don't know46%31%22%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%15%39%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%14%39%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know43%27%29%383
Not the word of God28%15%58%4,246
Other/don't know33%23%44%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%24%14%6%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%36%16%4%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know48%24%14%14%383
Not the word of God22%37%38%4%4,246
Other/don't know31%35%23%11%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%42%2%3%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%31%2%3%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know50%31%9%10%383
Not the word of God50%42%4%4%4,246
Other/don't know50%32%8%10%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who say government aid to the poor…

Interpreting scriptureDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%43%4%2%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%43%3%2%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know46%38%9%8%383
Not the word of God34%61%3%2%4,246
Other/don't know37%49%10%5%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally33%62%4%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%46%3%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know33%53%14%383
Not the word of God81%16%3%4,246
Other/don't know57%30%12%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%59%4%4%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%31%5%3%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know39%45%9%7%383
Not the word of God83%12%3%2%4,246
Other/don't know59%25%7%9%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally23%70%7%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%44%8%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know28%55%17%383
Not the word of God76%18%6%4,246
Other/don't know50%33%16%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers 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 literally52%43%2%3%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%52%2%1%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know41%42%6%11%383
Not the word of God28%68%2%2%4,246
Other/don't know36%53%6%6%979
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 baby Boomers by interpretation of scripture

% of baby Boomers 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 literally9%22%2%62%5%3,879
Word of God; not everything taken literally17%41%3%35%3%3,562
Word of God; other/don't know10%20%7%46%17%383
Not the word of God60%20%5%13%2%4,246
Other/don't know25%27%12%26%10%979
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.