Interpreting scripture among conservatives

% of conservatives 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
201445%30%3%17%6%12,935
200746%28%4%15%7%13,598
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 conservatives by religious group

% of conservatives 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
Catholic31%41%3%17%7%2,780
Evangelical Protestant64%25%4%4%3%4,975
Historically Black Protestant67%19%3%6%5%653
Jewish27%39%5%21%7%167
Mainline Protestant34%37%3%19%7%2,269
Mormon32%58%5%3%2%419
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")17%14%1%58%9%1,277
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally12%33%32%24%5,438
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%33%28%20%3,990
Word of God; other/don't know11%31%29%29%461
Not the word of God23%31%27%18%2,072
Other/don't know12%32%29%27%718
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally7%9%28%38%16%2%5,438
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%12%27%34%14%1%3,990
Word of God; other/don't know7%5%29%37%19%2%461
Not the word of God16%13%26%33%12%1%2,072
Other/don't know6%11%27%36%17%3%718
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%54%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%49%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know49%51%482
Not the word of God66%34%2,107
Other/don't know55%45%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally67%14%2%14%3%5,490
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%6%2%10%3%4,005
Word of God; other/don't know76%7%2%12%3%466
Not the word of God73%6%4%13%3%2,066
Other/don't know66%10%4%15%4%716
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%7%80%5,503
Word of God; not everything taken literally10%8%82%4,028
Word of God; other/don't know12%9%79%473
Not the word of God12%12%76%2,088
Other/don't know17%8%75%725
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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 literally38%22%27%13%4,757
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%20%32%23%3,554
Word of God; other/don't know33%20%29%19%376
Not the word of God28%20%30%22%1,886
Other/don't know36%21%23%21%589
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%30%13%6%5,532
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%36%20%10%4,044
Word of God; other/don't know40%34%17%9%476
Not the word of God44%31%16%8%2,100
Other/don't know45%32%15%8%734
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally58%4%13%9%16%5,538
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%4%11%6%19%4,041
Word of God; other/don't know64%5%9%8%14%477
Not the word of God48%10%13%5%24%2,096
Other/don't know52%6%14%9%19%727
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%70%5,538
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%68%4,035
Word of God; other/don't know29%71%478
Not the word of God26%74%2,102
Other/don't know28%72%734
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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 literally92%7%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally81%16%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know88%8%< 1%2%< 1%1%482
Not the word of God37%30%10%1%18%4%2,107
Other/don't know66%20%5%2%3%4%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally89%10%1%1%< 1%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%26%4%1%< 1%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know83%13%1%1%2%482
Not the word of God23%34%22%21%1%2,107
Other/don't know54%30%11%4%1%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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 literally66%23%10%< 1%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%37%14%< 1%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know61%25%12%2%482
Not the word of God12%35%52%< 1%2,107
Other/don't know31%37%31%1%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%10%2%3%< 1%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%19%5%7%< 1%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know83%10%3%3%2%482
Not the word of God30%17%8%44%1%2,107
Other/don't know59%13%6%18%4%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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 literally51%13%9%26%1%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%11%11%47%< 1%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know43%11%7%37%1%482
Not the word of God7%4%6%83%< 1%2,107
Other/don't know20%7%8%62%3%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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%2%35%2%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%8%4%47%1%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know53%6%3%34%4%482
Not the word of God29%8%3%58%1%2,107
Other/don't know39%10%3%44%4%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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 literally80%10%5%5%1%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%17%8%10%1%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know77%9%7%5%3%482
Not the word of God41%17%12%29%1%2,107
Other/don't know58%12%8%18%4%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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 literally49%15%10%25%2%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%18%13%25%1%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know46%14%11%23%5%482
Not the word of God43%16%14%27%< 1%2,107
Other/don't know43%13%11%30%3%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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 literally68%3%23%4%1%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%6%40%4%2%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know54%3%29%4%9%482
Not the word of God10%13%63%13%1%2,107
Other/don't know28%8%52%6%6%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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 literally56%41%1%1%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%50%1%1%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know52%38%7%3%482
Not the word of God31%66%1%1%2,107
Other/don't know37%58%4%2%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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 literally69%10%6%15%1%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%13%10%32%1%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know62%12%6%19%2%482
Not the word of God12%8%8%71%< 1%2,107
Other/don't know30%11%10%47%2%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%4%6%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%5%4%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know82%5%13%482
Not the word of God53%38%9%2,107
Other/don't know68%10%22%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%9%6%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally75%18%7%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know78%10%13%482
Not the word of God38%54%9%2,107
Other/don't know53%25%22%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally62%13%26%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%10%20%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know65%16%19%482
Not the word of God60%16%24%2,107
Other/don't know55%18%27%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally64%32%2%2%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally76%21%1%1%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know69%20%3%8%482
Not the word of God73%24%1%2%2,107
Other/don't know62%26%5%6%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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 literally61%35%3%2%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%28%3%1%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know61%24%8%6%482
Not the word of God63%32%4%1%2,107
Other/don't know58%30%9%4%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally24%72%3%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%65%3%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know22%65%13%482
Not the word of God62%34%4%2,107
Other/don't know41%45%14%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally28%65%4%3%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%45%5%4%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know27%55%8%10%482
Not the word of God70%23%4%3%2,107
Other/don't know48%35%10%7%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally18%76%6%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%59%8%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know18%66%15%482
Not the word of God59%33%8%2,107
Other/don't know37%46%17%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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 literally56%38%2%3%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%41%2%2%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know54%33%7%6%482
Not the word of God52%44%2%2%2,107
Other/don't know51%36%6%7%738
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 conservatives by interpretation of scripture

% of conservatives 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%19%2%65%5%5,555
Word of God; not everything taken literally15%35%3%44%4%4,053
Word of God; other/don't know5%20%2%55%17%482
Not the word of God49%24%4%20%3%2,107
Other/don't know21%26%12%31%11%738
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.