Interpreting scripture among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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
201455%26%4%11%5%10,872
200752%26%5%11%6%14,396
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

Interpreting scripture among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by religious group

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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
Catholic40%37%3%14%6%1,696
Evangelical Protestant68%21%4%4%3%4,943
Historically Black Protestant69%19%3%5%5%793
Jehovah's Witness45%42%7%1%4%187
Mainline Protestant46%31%4%11%7%1,553
Mormon34%56%6%1%3%386
Muslim57%22%13%5%4%108
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")31%18%2%41%9%847
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally11%31%32%26%5,640
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%34%26%21%2,917
Word of God; other/don't know10%29%29%32%432
Not the word of God18%32%28%22%1,115
Other/don't know12%31%31%26%503
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally6%9%27%38%18%2%5,640
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%14%28%31%14%1%2,917
Word of God; other/don't know5%7%26%37%23%2%432
Not the word of God11%12%27%34%14%2%1,115
Other/don't know6%11%26%39%14%4%503
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%52%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%43%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know51%49%450
Not the word of God78%22%1,139
Other/don't know62%38%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally65%17%2%13%3%5,707
Word of God; not everything taken literally73%11%2%11%4%2,944
Word of God; other/don't know75%11%3%7%4%437
Not the word of God61%12%7%15%4%1,120
Other/don't know60%17%6%14%3%512
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally14%6%80%5,697
Word of God; not everything taken literally13%7%80%2,955
Word of God; other/don't know12%7%81%440
Not the word of God17%11%72%1,114
Other/don't know20%5%76%506
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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 literally41%22%25%11%4,896
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%21%31%18%2,621
Word of God; other/don't know34%20%32%14%347
Not the word of God34%21%26%19%1,018
Other/don't know42%22%22%14%410
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%29%12%5%5,736
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%34%17%10%2,966
Word of God; other/don't know42%33%16%9%445
Not the word of God51%27%12%9%1,131
Other/don't know44%36%13%7%516
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally58%3%14%10%15%5,759
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%4%11%7%21%2,972
Word of God; other/don't know65%1%10%12%12%446
Not the word of God48%7%15%7%24%1,132
Other/don't know47%7%16%10%19%510
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%71%5,762
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%68%2,966
Word of God; other/don't know27%73%443
Not the word of God26%74%1,137
Other/don't know25%75%515
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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%6%1%1%< 1%< 1%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally85%13%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know90%7%< 1%2%< 1%1%450
Not the word of God42%27%12%1%14%4%1,139
Other/don't know73%16%3%2%2%4%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%8%1%1%< 1%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally75%20%3%1%< 1%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know85%11%1%1%1%450
Not the word of God29%33%20%18%1%1,139
Other/don't know63%23%7%5%2%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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 literally69%20%10%< 1%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%29%14%< 1%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know66%20%13%2%450
Not the word of God16%37%46%< 1%1,139
Other/don't know38%37%23%2%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%10%2%3%1%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%15%4%6%< 1%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know84%10%2%2%2%450
Not the word of God33%17%10%40%< 1%1,139
Other/don't know63%13%6%13%4%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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 literally55%13%8%23%1%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%11%10%38%1%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know53%9%7%29%1%450
Not the word of God11%5%7%77%1%1,139
Other/don't know29%11%8%51%2%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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 literally57%6%3%31%3%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%7%4%42%2%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know53%6%2%32%7%450
Not the word of God34%7%4%54%1%1,139
Other/don't know42%7%3%42%6%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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%9%4%6%1%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%15%8%10%1%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know78%7%7%4%4%450
Not the word of God41%13%11%34%1%1,139
Other/don't know59%11%6%20%5%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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%10%26%2%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%18%12%24%1%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know48%11%10%23%9%450
Not the word of God42%14%15%28%1%1,139
Other/don't know45%14%11%24%6%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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 literally69%3%23%3%1%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%5%34%4%2%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know64%3%21%2%10%450
Not the word of God15%9%62%13%1%1,139
Other/don't know39%6%45%3%6%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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 literally54%44%1%1%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%48%1%1%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know56%36%5%3%450
Not the word of God30%69%1%1%1,139
Other/don't know36%59%3%2%520
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 adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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 literally72%9%5%13%1%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%12%8%25%1%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know72%7%7%12%2%450
Not the word of God17%8%8%67%< 1%1,139
Other/don't know44%12%7%34%3%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%5%5%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%6%5%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know85%3%11%450
Not the word of God53%37%10%1,139
Other/don't know71%11%18%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally86%9%5%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally75%18%6%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know79%10%12%450
Not the word of God43%49%9%1,139
Other/don't know64%18%18%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%16%30%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%15%27%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know55%22%23%450
Not the word of God45%23%32%1,139
Other/don't know41%26%34%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally62%20%12%6%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%26%9%6%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know58%20%8%14%450
Not the word of God43%30%20%7%1,139
Other/don't know46%28%14%13%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%36%2%3%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%27%1%2%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know62%20%7%12%450
Not the word of God66%30%2%3%1,139
Other/don't know54%32%6%8%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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 literally56%39%3%2%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%36%3%1%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know56%26%11%7%450
Not the word of God58%37%3%2%1,139
Other/don't know49%41%7%3%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally22%75%3%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%70%3%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know19%68%13%450
Not the word of God53%44%3%1,139
Other/don't know34%56%10%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally5%91%3%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally9%86%5%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know2%92%6%450
Not the word of God17%77%6%1,139
Other/don't know11%79%10%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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 literally53%41%2%4%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%45%2%2%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know44%37%9%10%450
Not the word of God52%44%2%2%1,139
Other/don't know46%43%5%5%520
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say homosexuality should be discouraged 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 literally8%18%2%68%5%5,782
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%30%2%52%4%2,981
Word of God; other/don't know7%16%3%58%16%450
Not the word of God40%26%4%26%4%1,139
Other/don't know14%28%9%40%9%520
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.