Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by religious group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who have completed…

Religious traditionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Buddhist16%32%31%21%201
Catholic38%28%20%14%2,060
Evangelical Protestant39%39%14%8%635
Hindu6%17%28%49%119
Historically Black Protestant42%41%10%7%177
Jewish13%18%33%37%511
Mainline Protestant27%26%27%20%1,826
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")30%34%22%14%5,701
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: High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are ages…

Educational distribution18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
High school or less34%30%23%14%2,500
Some college37%32%20%10%2,933
College24%40%24%12%3,675
Post-graduate degree10%45%27%18%2,820
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Educational distributionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
High school or less26%13%25%27%9%1%2,500
Some college25%21%24%24%6%1%2,933
College10%24%30%28%7%1%3,675
Post-graduate degree2%17%36%34%11%1%2,820
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Educational distributionMenWomenSample size
High school or less62%38%2,523
Some college56%44%2,954
College52%48%3,729
Post-graduate degree50%50%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who identify as…

Educational distributionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
High school or less64%8%4%21%4%2,492
Some college71%7%4%12%5%2,904
College79%4%6%8%3%3,681
Post-graduate degree80%3%9%5%3%2,838
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Educational distributionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
High school or less16%12%71%2,484
Some college11%14%75%2,930
College12%13%75%3,711
Post-graduate degree17%12%71%2,847
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.

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who have a household income of…

Educational distributionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
High school or less44%22%23%11%2,226
Some college30%22%30%18%2,686
College12%16%35%37%3,425
Post-graduate degree9%10%30%51%2,602
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Educational distributionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
High school or less35%11%12%6%37%2,514
Some college37%11%13%3%36%2,945
College52%11%9%3%25%3,714
Post-graduate degree62%9%10%3%16%2,868
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Educational distributionParentsNon-parentsSample size
High school or less24%76%2,517
Some college25%75%2,944
College27%73%3,724
Post-graduate degree31%69%2,868
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say they…

Educational distributionBelieve 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
High school or less31%29%13%1%24%4%2,523
Some college30%28%11%1%25%5%2,954
College23%27%13%1%30%6%3,729
Post-graduate degree23%28%14%1%29%6%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say religion is…

Educational distributionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
High school or less20%31%21%27%1%2,523
Some college16%30%25%29%1%2,954
College13%30%26%31%1%3,729
Post-graduate degree16%29%25%30%1%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who attend religious services…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less11%28%61%< 1%2,523
Some college7%33%60%< 1%2,954
College8%37%55%< 1%3,729
Post-graduate degree11%38%51%< 1%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who pray…

Educational distributionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less26%14%9%51%< 1%2,523
Some college25%15%8%52%1%2,954
College21%14%7%56%1%3,729
Post-graduate degree22%15%8%54%1%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who attend prayer group…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less7%5%5%84%< 1%2,523
Some college4%4%4%88%< 1%2,954
College3%3%5%88%< 1%3,729
Post-graduate degree5%3%5%86%< 1%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who meditate…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less27%8%4%59%1%2,523
Some college30%11%5%53%1%2,954
College30%10%7%52%1%3,729
Post-graduate degree32%11%7%48%1%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less40%14%10%34%2%2,523
Some college43%17%11%27%1%2,954
College42%19%14%23%1%3,729
Post-graduate degree42%19%15%23%1%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less44%15%12%29%1%2,523
Some college51%17%12%19%1%2,954
College49%18%16%16%< 1%3,729
Post-graduate degree48%19%17%15%1%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Educational distributionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
High school or less9%13%63%13%1%2,523
Some college5%18%61%14%2%2,954
College4%22%52%20%2%3,729
Post-graduate degree4%24%46%23%2%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say…

Educational distributionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less22%76%1%1%2,523
Some college21%77%2%1%2,954
College18%80%1%1%3,729
Post-graduate degree17%81%1%< 1%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who read scripture…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less10%7%7%75%< 1%2,523
Some college9%6%8%76%< 1%2,954
College6%5%8%80%< 1%3,729
Post-graduate degree7%6%9%78%< 1%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …in heaven

Educational distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less48%42%10%2,523
Some college44%47%10%2,954
College34%58%8%3,729
Post-graduate degree30%62%8%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …in hell

Educational distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less35%57%8%2,523
Some college29%63%9%2,954
College20%74%6%3,729
Post-graduate degree15%78%7%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who identify as…

Educational distributionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
High school or less29%25%45%2,523
Some college26%18%56%2,954
College23%12%65%3,729
Post-graduate degree19%10%72%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Educational distributionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
High school or less26%35%31%8%2,523
Some college18%39%38%5%2,954
College13%38%46%2%3,729
Post-graduate degree10%35%53%2%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who would rather have…

Educational distributionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
High school or less52%42%3%3%2,523
Some college52%40%4%4%2,954
College46%47%4%3%3,729
Post-graduate degree41%53%3%3%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say government aid to the poor…

Educational distributionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less43%52%3%2%2,523
Some college38%58%3%1%2,954
College31%65%3%1%3,729
Post-graduate degree24%72%3%1%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say abortion should be…

Educational distributionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
High school or less68%28%3%2,523
Some college78%18%4%2,954
College85%12%2%3,729
Post-graduate degree88%11%2%2,876
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say homosexuality…

Educational distributionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less78%16%3%3%2,523
Some college87%8%2%2%2,954
College92%6%1%1%3,729
Post-graduate degree92%6%2%1%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …same-sex marriage

Educational distributionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
High school or less69%24%8%2,523
Some college83%12%5%2,954
College90%7%3%3,729
Post-graduate degree90%8%3%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say…

Educational distributionStricter 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
High school or less37%58%2%3%2,523
Some college26%70%2%2%2,954
College18%79%2%1%3,729
Post-graduate degree15%82%2%1%2,876
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say humans…

Educational distributionEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
High school or less54%19%4%20%3%2,523
Some college63%19%5%11%2%2,954
College74%15%4%5%1%3,729
Post-graduate degree78%12%4%5%1%2,876
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.