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

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

Religious traditionMenWomenSample size
Catholic44%56%2,774
Evangelical Protestant47%53%2,469
Historically Black Protestant36%64%466
Jehovah's Witness39%61%102
Jewish52%48%184
Mainline Protestant43%57%2,158
Mormon49%51%360
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")53%47%713
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: Men, Women

DemographicInformation

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

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

Gender composition18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Men24%34%25%16%4,507
Women24%33%25%18%4,870
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Men16%14%28%30%10%1%4,507
Women16%14%27%30%12%1%4,870
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Men71%9%3%13%4%4,509
Women70%11%2%13%4%4,934
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Men12%10%78%4,526
Women12%10%77%4,920
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Men26%20%31%23%4,124
Women33%22%28%17%4,285
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Men39%31%18%12%4,553
Women36%36%18%11%4,956
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Men53%6%11%3%28%4,558
Women49%6%13%8%23%4,954
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionParentsNon-parentsSample size
Men29%71%4,550
Women33%67%4,956
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionBelieve 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
Men73%23%2%< 1%1%1%4,573
Women79%18%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Men57%34%6%2%< 1%4,573
Women65%29%5%1%< 1%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men41%40%19%< 1%4,573
Women42%40%17%< 1%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men56%23%8%13%< 1%4,573
Women70%19%5%6%1%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men23%11%11%54%< 1%4,573
Women25%12%11%51%< 1%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men37%8%5%50%1%4,573
Women41%9%4%46%1%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

% 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…

Gender compositionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men55%18%11%14%1%4,573
Women64%17%10%9%1%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

% 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…

Gender compositionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men43%18%14%25%1%4,573
Women42%18%14%25%1%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

% 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

Gender compositionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Men34%9%48%6%3%4,573
Women41%9%44%5%2%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Men41%57%1%< 1%4,573
Women32%66%1%1%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men34%14%11%40%< 1%4,573
Women39%14%11%36%< 1%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Men89%6%4%4,573
Women89%6%5%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Men73%21%6%4,573
Women68%25%7%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Men52%16%32%4,573
Women41%16%43%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Men45%36%15%4%4,573
Women36%40%19%5%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Men67%29%2%2%4,573
Women51%43%2%3%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

% 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…

Gender compositionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Men56%40%3%2%4,573
Women45%51%3%1%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Men44%53%3%4,573
Women52%45%3%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Men54%38%5%3%4,573
Women69%24%3%3%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Men46%47%7%4,573
Women57%36%7%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionStricter 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
Men45%51%2%1%4,573
Women36%61%2%2%4,969
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 the word of God but should not be taken literally by gender

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

Gender compositionEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Men19%40%3%34%4%4,573
Women21%36%3%37%3%4,969
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.