Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201425%25%2%39%8%8,498
200725%27%3%34%11%7,279
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

Interpreting scripture among adults in the West by religious group

% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is…

Religious traditionWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist5%12%1%72%10%113
Catholic29%33%2%27%8%1,660
Evangelical Protestant52%32%3%8%5%1,819
Historically Black Protestant43%30%4%12%10%143
Jewish9%21%1%67%2%181
Mainline Protestant20%33%3%33%11%1,141
Mormon33%54%5%5%3%480
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")5%9%1%76%8%2,388
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally18%36%27%20%1,898
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%36%25%16%2,128
Word of God; other/don't know13%26%35%26%210
Not the word of God28%35%24%14%3,448
Other/don't know20%33%27%20%642
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally11%13%31%32%13%1%1,898
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%14%29%30%11%1%2,128
Word of God; other/don't know7%11%21%42%17%2%210
Not the word of God17%18%27%28%8%1%3,448
Other/don't know9%16%28%31%15%1%642
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%59%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%54%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know48%52%224
Not the word of God56%44%3,500
Other/don't know51%49%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%7%7%38%5%1,913
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%4%7%24%5%2,141
Word of God; other/don't know51%5%4%33%7%214
Not the word of God62%3%11%19%4%3,440
Other/don't know55%5%11%23%6%648
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally32%11%57%1,902
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%13%66%2,143
Word of God; other/don't know28%8%63%214
Not the word of God19%16%65%3,466
Other/don't know23%13%65%662
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who have a household income of…

Interpreting scriptureLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%22%19%11%1,655
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%20%28%21%1,934
Word of God; other/don't know31%27%28%14%165
Not the word of God26%20%28%27%3,170
Other/don't know39%20%22%19%547
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%32%11%5%1,924
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%35%18%10%2,161
Word of God; other/don't know42%35%15%8%216
Not the word of God29%33%22%15%3,481
Other/don't know38%37%14%10%667
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%7%14%7%19%1,926
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%8%13%5%25%2,162
Word of God; other/don't know53%3%12%8%23%220
Not the word of God43%12%12%4%29%3,485
Other/don't know42%9%16%9%24%663
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%66%1,929
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%68%2,160
Word of God; other/don't know23%77%220
Not the word of God24%76%3,486
Other/don't know28%72%665
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who say they…

Interpreting scriptureBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%13%1%1%< 1%< 1%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally75%21%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know80%13%1%4%1%1%224
Not the word of God25%27%15%1%28%4%3,500
Other/don't know53%27%6%2%7%6%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%13%2%1%1%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%30%7%1%1%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know80%16%2%1%1%224
Not the word of God14%28%25%32%1%3,500
Other/don't know38%35%14%10%3%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who attend religious services…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally59%28%12%1%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%37%18%< 1%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know59%22%17%2%224
Not the word of God8%32%60%< 1%3,500
Other/don't know18%43%38%2%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%11%3%5%1%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%18%6%10%< 1%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know74%10%4%10%2%224
Not the word of God22%14%8%56%< 1%3,500
Other/don't know48%14%9%26%3%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who attend prayer group…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%15%9%30%1%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%12%10%50%< 1%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know45%9%10%34%3%224
Not the word of God5%3%5%86%< 1%3,500
Other/don't know12%8%8%69%3%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%7%3%31%3%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%9%5%42%1%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know52%6%2%35%6%224
Not the word of God30%11%5%52%1%3,500
Other/don't know34%10%4%48%3%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally75%11%6%6%1%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%16%9%12%1%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know74%7%11%5%4%224
Not the word of God44%16%13%26%1%3,500
Other/don't know52%15%10%20%4%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%14%11%21%2%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%18%14%23%1%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know43%11%13%26%7%224
Not the word of God49%17%15%19%1%3,500
Other/don't know48%13%11%25%3%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Interpreting scriptureReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%4%28%6%2%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%9%43%6%3%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know50%1%28%5%16%224
Not the word of God6%20%55%18%2%3,500
Other/don't know20%14%51%7%7%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who say…

Interpreting scriptureThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%50%2%2%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%58%1%1%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know46%45%4%5%224
Not the word of God20%78%1%1%3,500
Other/don't know24%70%4%2%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who read scripture…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally61%12%7%20%1%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%13%10%37%< 1%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know58%9%7%23%3%224
Not the word of God8%6%8%78%< 1%3,500
Other/don't know22%10%8%58%2%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally89%6%5%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%7%4%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know78%9%13%224
Not the word of God34%56%10%3,500
Other/don't know60%20%20%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally78%16%6%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%26%7%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know61%17%22%224
Not the word of God22%70%7%3,500
Other/don't know41%36%23%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally44%23%33%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%17%38%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know39%31%30%224
Not the word of God23%17%60%3,500
Other/don't know27%31%41%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%26%16%7%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%38%18%4%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know42%28%14%17%224
Not the word of God16%36%43%5%3,500
Other/don't know28%38%23%11%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%48%2%2%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%38%2%2%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know51%35%8%6%224
Not the word of God47%46%4%3%3,500
Other/don't know45%37%8%9%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who say government aid to the poor…

Interpreting scriptureDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%45%3%2%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%48%3%1%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know44%45%5%6%224
Not the word of God32%63%4%1%3,500
Other/don't know41%43%9%8%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%66%4%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%49%3%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know23%59%18%224
Not the word of God82%15%3%3,500
Other/don't know58%28%14%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%50%4%5%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%31%4%3%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know44%35%9%13%224
Not the word of God88%8%2%2%3,500
Other/don't know68%16%9%7%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%61%8%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%40%7%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know33%49%18%224
Not the word of God83%12%4%3,500
Other/don't know60%26%14%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who say…

Interpreting scriptureStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%45%3%5%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%55%1%2%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know44%32%5%19%224
Not the word of God24%72%2%2%3,500
Other/don't know34%51%6%9%672
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 in the West by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in the West who say humans…

Interpreting scriptureEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%23%2%57%4%1,935
Word of God; not everything taken literally21%36%3%35%4%2,167
Word of God; other/don't know9%18%4%47%21%224
Not the word of God68%14%5%10%2%3,500
Other/don't know31%25%13%21%10%672
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.