Interpreting scripture among democrats and Democratic leaners

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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
201426%23%2%43%7%15,682
200729%25%3%34%9%16,420
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by religious group

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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
Buddhist7%8%1%72%13%184
Catholic25%32%2%33%7%3,118
Evangelical Protestant47%33%3%12%5%2,307
Hindu10%17%< 1%64%9%113
Historically Black Protestant60%23%3%9%6%1,557
Jewish6%18%1%69%6%575
Mainline Protestant21%31%1%37%10%2,511
Mormon35%40%3%16%6%110
Muslim38%33%12%12%5%150
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")8%8%< 1%78%5%4,348
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally14%33%31%22%3,373
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%33%25%17%3,519
Word of God; other/don't know14%26%30%30%269
Not the word of God30%34%23%13%7,225
Other/don't know16%32%29%23%1,072
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally9%11%28%36%15%2%3,373
Word of God; not everything taken literally17%14%27%31%11%1%3,519
Word of God; other/don't know8%8%24%36%22%3%269
Not the word of God19%19%26%28%8%1%7,225
Other/don't know8%14%27%34%15%3%1,072
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%61%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%61%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know46%54%275
Not the word of God50%50%7,310
Other/don't know43%57%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally33%40%2%21%4%3,395
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%20%4%17%4%3,535
Word of God; other/don't know41%25%6%22%7%270
Not the word of God71%8%5%12%4%7,241
Other/don't know57%18%5%15%5%1,082
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally20%9%72%3,372
Word of God; not everything taken literally15%12%73%3,528
Word of God; other/don't know27%9%64%271
Not the word of God13%14%72%7,248
Other/don't know17%10%73%1,081
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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 literally58%22%15%6%3,025
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%21%27%16%3,238
Word of God; other/don't know46%24%20%11%219
Not the word of God26%19%29%26%6,727
Other/don't know40%19%25%16%913
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally62%27%7%4%3,409
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%33%16%12%3,561
Word of God; other/don't know49%32%10%9%272
Not the word of God24%31%25%20%7,290
Other/don't know37%33%16%14%1,096
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%6%18%11%24%3,410
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%7%14%6%30%3,561
Word of God; other/don't know40%5%19%16%20%275
Not the word of God43%11%11%4%32%7,292
Other/don't know42%8%15%9%26%1,090
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%71%3,419
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%70%3,561
Word of God; other/don't know26%74%274
Not the word of God24%76%7,290
Other/don't know27%73%1,097
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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%11%2%1%< 1%< 1%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally75%22%2%< 1%1%< 1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know84%13%< 1%1%1%< 1%275
Not the word of God24%26%13%< 1%30%5%7,310
Other/don't know58%26%6%2%4%4%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%13%2%1%< 1%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%32%6%2%< 1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know79%18%2%1%1%275
Not the word of God15%29%24%32%1%7,310
Other/don't know51%30%11%7%2%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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 literally55%30%14%< 1%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%43%18%< 1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know51%33%15%1%275
Not the word of God8%33%58%< 1%7,310
Other/don't know27%42%29%2%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally78%13%3%5%< 1%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%21%6%9%< 1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know80%12%2%4%3%275
Not the word of God23%14%8%55%1%7,310
Other/don't know54%17%7%19%3%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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 literally43%14%9%33%1%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%13%11%54%< 1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know35%12%9%42%1%275
Not the word of God4%4%5%87%< 1%7,310
Other/don't know17%9%7%65%2%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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 literally55%8%4%31%2%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%9%5%45%1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know54%5%4%32%5%275
Not the word of God30%11%6%52%1%7,310
Other/don't know38%10%4%44%3%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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 literally73%11%7%8%1%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%17%11%12%< 1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know72%10%8%6%4%275
Not the word of God43%18%12%26%1%7,310
Other/don't know55%16%10%16%3%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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 literally43%15%12%28%2%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%18%13%27%1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know48%11%12%21%8%275
Not the word of God50%18%14%18%1%7,310
Other/don't know48%14%12%23%4%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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 literally50%5%37%6%2%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%10%48%7%1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know48%2%35%5%11%275
Not the word of God5%21%54%19%2%7,310
Other/don't know21%12%51%8%7%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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%67%1%2%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%73%1%1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know30%63%4%3%275
Not the word of God16%83%1%1%7,310
Other/don't know24%71%3%2%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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 literally59%12%7%21%1%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%15%12%39%< 1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know56%13%8%19%4%275
Not the word of God8%6%8%77%< 1%7,310
Other/don't know28%12%10%48%3%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally94%4%3%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%7%4%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know88%5%7%275
Not the word of God36%56%8%7,310
Other/don't know66%16%19%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%12%6%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%25%6%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know72%11%16%275
Not the word of God22%71%7%7,310
Other/don't know44%35%20%1,102
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

Political ideology among democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%35%23%5%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally21%46%31%3%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know31%36%24%9%275
Not the word of God8%33%57%2%7,310
Other/don't know18%39%35%8%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally27%67%2%3%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%59%2%3%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know30%50%9%11%275
Not the word of God33%59%4%4%7,310
Other/don't know28%50%11%10%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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 literally32%63%3%2%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%68%3%1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know33%52%10%5%275
Not the word of God19%77%3%1%7,310
Other/don't know23%64%8%4%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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%51%5%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%33%3%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know43%39%18%275
Not the word of God86%12%2%7,310
Other/don't know65%25%10%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%44%4%4%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%21%3%2%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know45%35%9%10%275
Not the word of God92%6%1%1%7,310
Other/don't know72%17%5%5%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally35%56%9%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%29%5%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know39%44%17%275
Not the word of God90%8%3%7,310
Other/don't know67%24%10%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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 literally38%55%2%4%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%72%1%1%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know23%61%5%12%275
Not the word of God14%84%1%1%7,310
Other/don't know20%71%4%5%1,102
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 democrats and Democratic leaners by interpretation of scripture

% of democrats and Democratic leaners 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 literally16%26%3%50%5%3,427
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%40%3%31%2%3,568
Word of God; other/don't know14%28%6%31%21%275
Not the word of God71%14%4%9%1%7,310
Other/don't know33%26%12%22%8%1,102
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.