Religious composition of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201424%34%25%17%9,377
200721%40%24%15%9,630
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: age distribution, 18-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65+

Generational cohort among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201416%14%28%30%11%1%9,377
2007< 1%16%31%35%15%4%9,630
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: generational cohort, Younger Millennial, Older Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent, Greatest

Gender composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201446%54%9,542
200746%54%9,841
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: gender composition, Men, Women

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201470%10%3%13%4%9,443
200776%8%2%11%2%9,768
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: racial and ethnic composition, White, Black, Asian, Latino, Other/Mixed

Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201412%10%78%9,446
200710%9%81%9,762
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: immigrant status, Immigrants, Second generation, Third generation or higher

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201430%21%29%20%8,409
200726%21%34%19%8,382
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: income distribution, Less than $30,000, $30,000-$49,999, $50,000-$99,999, $100,000 or more

Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201437%34%18%11%9,509
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: educational distribution, High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree

Marital status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201451%6%12%6%25%9,512
200758%6%11%7%19%9,796
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: marital status, Married, Living with a partner, Divorced/separated, Widowed, Never married

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201431%69%9,506
200737%63%9,814
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: parent of children under 18, Parents, Non-parents

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201476%20%2%< 1%1%< 1%9,542
200782%16%1%< 1%< 1%1%9,841
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: belief in God, Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201462%31%5%2%< 1%9,542
200760%33%5%1%< 1%9,841
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: importance of religion in one's life, Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201442%40%18%< 1%9,542
200743%39%17%< 1%9,841
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: attendance at religious services, At least once a week, Once or twice a month/a few times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of prayer among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201463%21%6%9%< 1%9,542
200762%22%6%9%1%9,841
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: frequency of prayer, At least daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201425%11%11%52%< 1%9,542
200721%10%10%58%< 1%9,841
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: frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of meditation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%8%4%48%1%9,542
200736%8%4%51%2%9,841
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: frequency of meditation, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201460%18%10%11%1%9,542
200752%17%15%15%2%9,841
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: frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201442%18%14%25%1%9,542
200736%16%16%29%3%9,841
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: frequency of feeling wonder about the universe, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201438%9%45%6%2%9,542
200731%7%55%4%2%9,841
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: sources of guidance on right and wrong, Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201436%62%1%1%9,542
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: belief in absolute standards for right and wrong, There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%14%11%38%< 1%9,542
200734%13%10%43%< 1%9,841
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: frequency of reading scripture, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201489%6%4%9,542
200787%7%6%9,841
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: belief in Heaven, Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201470%23%7%9,542
200767%23%10%9,841
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: belief in Hell, Believe, Don't believe

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201446%16%38%9,542
200742%15%43%9,841
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: party affiliation, Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.

Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201440%38%17%5%9,542
200738%42%15%5%9,841
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: political ideology, Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201458%37%2%3%9,542
200747%45%4%5%9,841
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: views about size of government, Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201450%46%3%1%9,542
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: views about government aid to the poor, Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about abortion among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201448%49%3%9,542
200751%44%5%9,841
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: views about abortion, Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases

Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201463%30%4%3%9,542
200752%38%5%4%9,841
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: views about homosexuality, Should be accepted, Should be discouraged

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201452%41%7%9,542
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: views about same-sex marriage, Strongly favor/favor, Oppose/strongly oppose

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201440%56%2%2%9,542
200729%64%3%4%9,841
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: views about environmental regulation, Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost

Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201420%38%3%36%3%9,542
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: views about human evolution, Evolved; due to natural processes, Evolved; due to God's design, Always existed in present form