State 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 in…

Survey yearAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingSample size
20142%< 1%2%1%11%2%1%< 1%< 1%6%3%< 1%1%5%2%1%1%1%1%< 1%2%2%4%2%1%2%< 1%1%1%< 1%3%1%6%3%< 1%4%1%1%4%< 1%1%< 1%2%8%1%< 1%2%2%1%2%< 1%9,542
20071%< 1%2%1%11%1%1%< 1%< 1%5%3%< 1%1%5%3%1%1%2%1%1%2%2%3%2%1%2%1%1%1%1%3%1%6%3%< 1%5%1%1%6%< 1%1%< 1%2%6%1%< 1%3%2%1%2%< 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: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

State 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 in…

Religious traditionAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingSample size
Catholic< 1%< 1%2%< 1%14%1%2%< 1%< 1%6%2%< 1%< 1%7%2%1%1%1%2%< 1%1%3%3%2%< 1%2%< 1%1%1%1%5%1%9%1%< 1%4%< 1%1%5%1%1%< 1%< 1%8%< 1%< 1%1%2%< 1%3%< 1%2,774
Evangelical Protestant3%< 1%2%2%10%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%6%5%< 1%< 1%4%2%1%1%2%2%< 1%2%1%4%1%1%2%< 1%1%1%< 1%1%1%3%4%< 1%5%2%2%3%< 1%1%< 1%4%9%< 1%< 1%2%2%1%2%< 1%2,469
Historically Black Protestant3%< 1%1%1%5%< 1%1%1%1%8%8%< 1%< 1%5%1%< 1%< 1%1%4%< 1%4%1%5%< 1%3%2%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%3%< 1%6%4%< 1%4%< 1%< 1%4%< 1%4%< 1%1%7%< 1%< 1%5%1%< 1%1%< 1%466
Jehovah's Witness1%< 1%3%< 1%20%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%6%8%< 1%< 1%1%2%< 1%< 1%1%1%< 1%1%< 1%4%1%1%1%1%< 1%2%< 1%2%2%10%5%< 1%3%< 1%1%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%3%6%1%< 1%< 1%3%< 1%2%1%102
Jewish< 1%< 1%1%< 1%13%1%3%< 1%1%12%2%< 1%< 1%5%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%3%1%1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%12%< 1%21%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%4%< 1%1%< 1%3%6%< 1%< 1%1%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%184
Mainline Protestant2%< 1%2%1%7%2%1%< 1%< 1%5%3%< 1%< 1%4%2%3%2%1%1%< 1%3%1%4%4%1%2%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%2%< 1%4%4%1%5%1%1%6%< 1%2%1%2%7%< 1%< 1%3%2%1%2%< 1%2,158
Mormon1%1%7%1%8%1%1%< 1%< 1%2%2%1%6%1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%2%1%2%2%1%< 1%2%< 1%1%< 1%1%1%< 1%2%1%3%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%4%32%< 1%3%5%1%< 1%1%360
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")2%< 1%4%1%10%2%1%< 1%< 1%8%2%1%< 1%4%3%2%< 1%2%1%< 1%2%2%5%1%1%2%1%1%< 1%< 1%2%1%6%2%< 1%4%3%1%4%< 1%1%< 1%2%7%< 1%< 1%2%3%1%3%< 1%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: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

DemographicInformation

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

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

State18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Alabama36%28%22%15%143
Arizona19%44%19%19%181
California24%36%25%15%836
Colorado17%36%28%18%125
Florida26%30%21%23%513
Georgia30%31%25%14%265
Idaho16%37%30%18%106
Illinois25%32%26%17%390
Indiana22%34%28%15%186
Iowa17%42%26%15%119
Kansas18%34%32%16%105
Kentucky21%39%23%16%103
Louisiana22%44%18%17%129
Maryland16%40%25%19%173
Massachusetts20%19%42%19%150
Michigan24%33%29%15%280
Minnesota18%32%28%21%160
Missouri26%34%27%14%176
Nebraska27%37%19%17%104
New Jersey19%31%27%23%255
New York21%30%27%22%495
North Carolina24%38%22%17%261
North Dakota21%35%31%13%122
Ohio19%33%27%21%362
Oklahoma33%34%22%12%100
Oregon29%27%26%18%108
Pennsylvania20%32%30%19%396
South Carolina30%33%27%10%123
South Dakota24%33%28%15%109
Tennessee37%30%18%15%157
Texas31%38%19%13%694
Utah31%33%25%12%124
Virginia27%32%24%17%227
Washington21%36%25%19%181
Wisconsin16%35%27%22%174
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 state

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

StateYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Alabama24%19%20%25%11%< 1%143
Arizona11%16%35%24%12%1%181
California17%14%30%29%10%1%836
Colorado12%12%30%34%11%1%125
Florida17%12%26%28%15%2%513
Georgia23%12%27%30%9%< 1%265
Idaho12%12%28%35%12%< 1%106
Illinois18%13%27%30%12%1%390
Indiana17%12%28%32%11%< 1%186
Iowa13%13%33%31%10%1%119
Kansas12%14%26%37%11%< 1%105
Kentucky13%14%34%28%11%< 1%103
Louisiana13%19%33%24%11%< 1%129
Maryland9%15%32%30%14%< 1%173
Massachusetts16%7%16%48%11%1%150
Michigan15%15%26%34%10%1%280
Minnesota11%13%26%34%16%< 1%160
Missouri18%15%26%31%8%1%176
Nebraska18%12%35%24%12%< 1%104
New Jersey12%13%25%34%13%3%255
New York13%14%24%32%14%2%495
North Carolina15%17%30%28%10%< 1%261
North Dakota10%13%32%36%6%2%122
Ohio10%14%28%35%12%1%362
Oklahoma19%20%27%23%9%1%100
Oregon14%18%24%30%13%1%108
Pennsylvania12%13%26%35%13%1%396
South Carolina23%16%24%30%6%< 1%123
South Dakota18%16%23%32%9%1%109
Tennessee27%17%23%24%9%1%157
Texas20%16%33%22%8%1%694
Utah21%19%23%29%8%< 1%124
Virginia15%18%25%28%13%< 1%227
Washington15%13%29%31%11%1%181
Wisconsin13%7%32%32%16%2%174
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

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

StateMenWomenSample size
Alabama54%46%147
Arizona44%56%183
California46%54%855
Colorado44%56%127
Florida42%58%524
Georgia46%54%266
Idaho46%54%106
Illinois43%57%400
Indiana42%58%186
Iowa46%54%119
Kansas43%57%105
Kentucky45%55%104
Louisiana51%49%129
Maryland52%48%177
Massachusetts46%54%154
Michigan44%56%283
Minnesota49%51%161
Missouri43%57%181
Nebraska49%51%106
New Jersey42%58%266
New York46%54%507
North Carolina49%51%262
North Dakota45%55%122
Ohio46%54%366
Oklahoma50%50%100
Oregon45%55%108
Pennsylvania45%55%401
South Carolina43%57%127
South Dakota49%51%114
Tennessee47%53%160
Texas48%52%704
Utah44%56%126
Virginia42%58%231
Washington52%48%186
Wisconsin45%55%180
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 state

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

StateWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Alabama74%20%< 1%2%4%147
Arizona67%5%4%17%7%180
California44%5%12%36%3%843
Colorado74%4%1%17%4%127
Florida61%13%1%21%3%517
Georgia66%22%< 1%6%5%264
Idaho92%< 1%< 1%7%1%105
Illinois72%13%2%11%2%392
Indiana87%3%< 1%4%5%184
Iowa96%2%< 1%3%< 1%119
Kansas87%3%1%10%< 1%103
Kentucky88%8%< 1%3%1%104
Louisiana70%22%1%6%2%129
Maryland58%24%3%5%9%172
Massachusetts78%10%2%5%5%150
Michigan83%10%1%3%3%279
Minnesota86%3%< 1%2%9%159
Missouri83%11%< 1%4%2%179
Nebraska88%5%2%3%2%105
New Jersey65%11%4%17%3%261
New York67%15%5%10%4%502
North Carolina74%16%1%5%4%261
North Dakota91%< 1%< 1%1%8%121
Ohio87%8%< 1%2%2%362
Oklahoma81%5%< 1%2%12%100
Oregon87%< 1%2%6%5%106
Pennsylvania85%6%2%5%2%396
South Carolina73%21%< 1%3%2%127
South Dakota93%< 1%1%1%5%114
Tennessee83%11%1%3%2%159
Texas50%11%2%34%4%699
Utah84%< 1%2%9%5%125
Virginia66%19%5%6%4%227
Washington76%3%4%9%7%183
Wisconsin89%3%1%5%2%180
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 state

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

StateImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Alabama6%6%88%145
Arizona13%8%78%183
California31%18%51%843
Colorado4%12%84%126
Florida22%12%66%518
Georgia8%5%87%263
Idaho6%6%88%106
Illinois10%12%78%394
Indiana3%6%91%186
Iowa4%4%92%119
Kansas6%7%86%104
Kentucky3%1%96%103
Louisiana4%2%95%129
Maryland11%6%83%174
Massachusetts14%17%69%152
Michigan7%7%87%280
Minnesota5%3%92%161
Missouri4%6%90%181
Nebraska8%4%88%105
New Jersey17%18%64%261
New York17%20%63%498
North Carolina6%3%91%259
North Dakota< 1%4%96%121
Ohio4%6%89%363
Oklahoma2%5%94%100
Oregon9%9%82%108
Pennsylvania4%7%89%395
South Carolina4%8%89%127
South Dakota2%2%96%113
Tennessee5%7%88%159
Texas19%14%67%698
Utah5%10%85%125
Virginia9%10%81%229
Washington13%9%78%183
Wisconsin4%10%86%179
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 state

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

StateLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Alabama27%29%23%21%135
Arizona25%23%35%17%166
California34%18%26%22%756
Colorado20%18%28%33%115
Florida33%24%26%17%461
Georgia33%18%30%20%243
Illinois29%20%34%17%339
Indiana34%22%30%14%165
Iowa18%23%39%20%108
Louisiana35%17%31%17%117
Maryland16%16%42%26%153
Massachusetts22%24%27%28%136
Michigan37%18%33%13%251
Minnesota23%20%32%24%149
Missouri29%31%25%15%161
New Jersey20%18%26%36%219
New York30%20%32%18%431
North Carolina30%22%30%18%230
North Dakota18%19%45%18%109
Ohio38%21%29%12%327
Pennsylvania32%21%28%20%355
South Carolina26%12%36%25%114
South Dakota19%26%32%23%100
Tennessee25%28%29%19%149
Texas29%22%26%22%617
Utah25%22%29%23%116
Virginia15%18%35%31%208
Washington25%27%26%23%168
Wisconsin25%19%39%17%152
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 state

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

StateHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Alabama34%36%17%13%147
Arizona38%34%18%11%183
California38%34%17%10%850
Colorado33%29%22%16%127
Florida38%37%15%10%522
Georgia44%25%17%14%264
Idaho34%41%15%10%106
Illinois40%34%14%11%398
Indiana40%38%16%6%186
Iowa32%35%18%15%118
Kansas40%30%19%11%105
Kentucky39%36%12%13%103
Louisiana47%26%20%7%129
Maryland33%27%22%18%177
Massachusetts41%27%21%11%154
Michigan39%36%16%9%283
Minnesota35%32%24%9%161
Missouri35%38%16%11%181
Nebraska29%34%23%14%105
New Jersey35%30%20%15%265
New York40%31%16%14%505
North Carolina31%42%16%11%262
North Dakota22%40%25%13%122
Ohio41%33%16%11%365
Oklahoma44%34%13%9%100
Oregon40%34%17%10%108
Pennsylvania41%27%19%13%399
South Carolina32%33%20%16%127
South Dakota38%36%15%11%113
Tennessee32%40%16%13%158
Texas36%34%20%10%700
Utah25%43%21%11%126
Virginia29%28%28%16%230
Washington34%38%21%6%185
Wisconsin41%33%20%6%180
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 state

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

StateMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Alabama51%3%14%4%28%147
Arizona51%9%12%4%24%183
California45%8%14%6%27%851
Colorado64%7%6%3%21%127
Florida45%6%14%9%26%522
Georgia48%3%14%3%32%266
Idaho69%7%13%4%7%106
Illinois47%5%13%5%30%398
Indiana50%4%14%9%23%186
Iowa65%6%6%6%17%119
Kansas61%2%12%5%21%105
Kentucky46%3%17%6%29%104
Louisiana46%4%15%5%30%129
Maryland57%3%5%6%28%177
Massachusetts50%5%13%4%28%152
Michigan53%8%12%4%23%283
Minnesota60%3%7%9%21%161
Missouri47%7%13%7%26%181
Nebraska58%2%16%2%23%105
New Jersey54%8%10%6%22%265
New York51%3%9%7%29%506
North Carolina53%5%10%7%24%261
North Dakota57%5%12%8%19%122
Ohio54%5%11%7%23%366
Oklahoma55%7%11%4%23%100
Oregon38%5%21%5%31%108
Pennsylvania55%4%8%8%25%398
South Carolina51%8%10%3%28%127
South Dakota48%9%16%4%24%114
Tennessee45%10%14%5%27%158
Texas50%6%12%4%27%702
Utah62%4%8%2%24%125
Virginia58%3%9%8%22%231
Washington53%6%12%6%23%186
Wisconsin56%5%15%7%18%179
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 state

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

StateParentsNon-parentsSample size
Alabama29%71%147
Arizona36%64%182
California31%69%852
Colorado36%64%126
Florida33%67%521
Georgia27%73%266
Idaho32%68%105
Illinois26%74%399
Indiana35%65%185
Iowa40%60%119
Kansas34%66%104
Kentucky27%73%104
Louisiana35%65%129
Maryland26%74%175
Massachusetts20%80%153
Michigan32%68%282
Minnesota24%76%161
Missouri33%67%179
Nebraska27%73%105
New Jersey28%72%265
New York28%72%505
North Carolina34%66%261
North Dakota35%65%122
Ohio35%65%365
Oklahoma30%70%100
Oregon31%69%108
Pennsylvania28%72%398
South Carolina35%65%127
South Dakota34%66%114
Tennessee36%64%160
Texas37%63%703
Utah35%65%126
Virginia32%68%229
Washington30%70%186
Wisconsin35%65%178
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 state

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

StateBelieve 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
Alabama82%14%1%< 1%3%< 1%147
Arizona75%20%4%< 1%1%< 1%183
California72%23%3%1%< 1%< 1%855
Colorado74%24%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%127
Florida78%18%2%1%1%< 1%524
Georgia85%14%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%266
Idaho83%17%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%106
Illinois73%24%1%< 1%< 1%1%400
Indiana73%24%1%< 1%1%1%186
Iowa79%19%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%119
Kansas73%26%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%105
Kentucky82%17%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%104
Louisiana83%14%2%1%< 1%< 1%129
Maryland79%19%1%< 1%< 1%1%177
Massachusetts65%27%4%< 1%4%1%154
Michigan78%20%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%283
Minnesota71%25%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%161
Missouri85%12%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%181
Nebraska79%19%1%1%< 1%1%106
New Jersey75%23%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%266
New York75%19%3%< 1%1%1%507
North Carolina79%20%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%262
North Dakota82%18%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%122
Ohio75%21%3%< 1%1%1%366
Oklahoma76%23%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%100
Oregon78%17%4%< 1%< 1%2%108
Pennsylvania79%19%1%< 1%1%< 1%401
South Carolina87%13%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%127
South Dakota73%27%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%114
Tennessee81%17%1%1%< 1%< 1%160
Texas78%19%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%704
Utah80%16%2%< 1%< 1%1%126
Virginia76%22%1%1%< 1%< 1%231
Washington80%18%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%186
Wisconsin66%30%1%< 1%1%2%180
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 state

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

StateVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Alabama68%26%4%2%< 1%147
Arizona60%27%10%2%1%183
California62%30%6%1%1%855
Colorado61%33%5%1%< 1%127
Florida59%32%7%3%< 1%524
Georgia72%25%3%< 1%1%266
Idaho64%30%6%< 1%< 1%106
Illinois61%30%7%1%1%400
Indiana57%35%7%1%< 1%186
Iowa63%33%4%< 1%< 1%119
Kansas55%37%6%2%< 1%105
Kentucky66%31%1%1%< 1%104
Louisiana80%19%1%< 1%< 1%129
Maryland59%30%8%1%2%177
Massachusetts46%46%8%1%< 1%154
Michigan55%36%6%2%1%283
Minnesota56%38%2%3%< 1%161
Missouri67%29%4%< 1%< 1%181
Nebraska61%34%3%1%2%106
New Jersey61%34%4%< 1%1%266
New York61%30%6%3%< 1%507
North Carolina65%31%3%1%< 1%262
North Dakota66%24%9%1%< 1%122
Ohio62%33%3%2%< 1%366
Oklahoma59%39%1%1%1%100
Oregon59%27%9%3%2%108
Pennsylvania64%26%7%3%< 1%401
South Carolina70%25%4%1%< 1%127
South Dakota62%36%2%< 1%< 1%114
Tennessee70%25%3%1%1%160
Texas65%30%3%2%< 1%704
Utah79%17%3%< 1%1%126
Virginia64%33%2%1%< 1%231
Washington60%32%7%1%< 1%186
Wisconsin50%41%7%2%< 1%180
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 state

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

StateAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Alabama44%39%16%1%147
Arizona42%36%22%< 1%183
California42%40%18%< 1%855
Colorado46%40%14%< 1%127
Florida43%40%17%< 1%524
Georgia45%40%14%1%266
Idaho43%42%16%< 1%106
Illinois37%43%19%1%400
Indiana41%39%20%< 1%186
Iowa38%46%15%1%119
Kansas43%42%15%< 1%105
Kentucky42%38%20%< 1%104
Louisiana45%41%13%< 1%129
Maryland35%44%20%< 1%177
Massachusetts34%47%19%< 1%154
Michigan33%44%23%< 1%283
Minnesota40%46%14%< 1%161
Missouri44%35%21%< 1%181
Nebraska42%44%14%< 1%106
New Jersey43%43%15%< 1%266
New York41%39%20%< 1%507
North Carolina32%48%21%< 1%262
North Dakota40%44%16%< 1%122
Ohio47%32%21%< 1%366
Oklahoma41%36%23%< 1%100
Oregon41%33%22%3%108
Pennsylvania43%39%18%< 1%401
South Carolina48%41%8%2%127
South Dakota37%49%14%< 1%114
Tennessee47%34%18%1%160
Texas42%40%17%< 1%704
Utah80%13%7%< 1%126
Virginia50%40%10%< 1%231
Washington43%33%22%2%186
Wisconsin31%54%14%1%180
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 state

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

StateAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Alabama66%12%10%13%< 1%147
Arizona68%21%3%9%< 1%183
California66%18%6%10%< 1%855
Colorado66%20%7%7%< 1%127
Florida62%22%7%9%< 1%524
Georgia73%20%5%2%< 1%266
Idaho64%22%6%9%< 1%106
Illinois60%23%8%9%< 1%400
Indiana55%28%4%12%1%186
Iowa56%30%4%10%< 1%119
Kansas61%30%6%3%< 1%105
Kentucky66%17%3%15%< 1%104
Louisiana68%20%3%9%< 1%129
Maryland60%24%6%9%1%177
Massachusetts55%22%10%12%1%154
Michigan57%25%8%11%< 1%283
Minnesota49%34%9%9%< 1%161
Missouri73%16%1%9%< 1%181
Nebraska58%25%9%8%< 1%106
New Jersey63%23%6%8%1%266
New York61%19%6%13%< 1%507
North Carolina69%22%3%5%1%262
North Dakota64%19%9%8%< 1%122
Ohio63%22%6%8%< 1%366
Oklahoma65%28%3%4%1%100
Oregon65%12%5%18%1%108
Pennsylvania64%18%6%12%< 1%401
South Carolina67%23%4%5%1%127
South Dakota61%23%9%8%1%114
Tennessee73%19%4%4%1%160
Texas66%18%5%10%< 1%704
Utah82%13%1%4%1%126
Virginia69%21%4%5%< 1%231
Washington60%16%12%12%< 1%186
Wisconsin54%27%11%8%< 1%180
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 state

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

StateAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Alabama32%12%11%45%< 1%147
Arizona30%8%11%52%< 1%183
California27%12%11%50%< 1%855
Colorado19%14%13%55%< 1%127
Florida26%9%13%52%< 1%524
Georgia29%17%12%42%1%266
Idaho29%7%9%54%< 1%106
Illinois16%15%12%57%< 1%400
Indiana26%11%14%49%< 1%186
Iowa22%6%15%58%< 1%119
Kansas27%12%9%52%< 1%105
Kentucky29%7%9%55%< 1%104
Louisiana31%17%8%44%< 1%129
Maryland20%7%14%59%1%177
Massachusetts13%8%11%68%< 1%154
Michigan19%11%11%60%< 1%283
Minnesota21%8%11%59%< 1%161
Missouri23%12%9%56%< 1%181
Nebraska18%12%17%50%2%106
New Jersey18%12%13%55%2%266
New York21%10%8%60%< 1%507
North Carolina24%11%16%49%< 1%262
North Dakota16%13%13%58%< 1%122
Ohio27%10%12%51%1%366
Oklahoma30%9%10%51%< 1%100
Oregon28%14%9%50%< 1%108
Pennsylvania25%8%11%55%< 1%401
South Carolina30%11%11%47%1%127
South Dakota18%9%12%61%1%114
Tennessee32%18%8%41%< 1%160
Texas25%15%12%48%< 1%704
Utah68%9%4%17%1%126
Virginia24%18%6%52%< 1%231
Washington27%14%8%51%< 1%186
Wisconsin14%9%17%59%2%180
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 state

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

StateAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Alabama35%7%3%54%< 1%147
Arizona45%9%8%38%< 1%183
California43%8%5%42%1%855
Colorado42%8%6%44%< 1%127
Florida44%8%4%42%2%524
Georgia47%11%< 1%40%2%266
Idaho46%12%5%36%< 1%106
Illinois38%7%4%49%1%400
Indiana34%8%3%56%< 1%186
Iowa35%5%3%57%< 1%119
Kansas31%9%6%52%1%105
Kentucky36%5%5%53%1%104
Louisiana40%10%5%45%1%129
Maryland29%7%6%56%2%177
Massachusetts32%9%5%53%1%154
Michigan28%9%5%58%< 1%283
Minnesota27%8%4%61%1%161
Missouri36%9%2%52%1%181
Nebraska37%10%1%52%< 1%106
New Jersey35%9%5%51%< 1%266
New York36%10%4%49%< 1%507
North Carolina44%6%3%45%1%262
North Dakota29%5%4%62%< 1%122
Ohio38%8%6%47%1%366
Oklahoma38%6%3%53%< 1%100
Oregon40%7%5%47%1%108
Pennsylvania39%6%4%50%1%401
South Carolina40%7%7%45%1%127
South Dakota29%6%7%56%1%114
Tennessee45%5%1%48%2%160
Texas43%9%4%44%1%704
Utah44%19%3%31%2%126
Virginia38%11%5%46%< 1%231
Washington45%7%3%44%1%186
Wisconsin24%10%9%56%1%180
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 state

% 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…

StateAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Alabama59%22%7%11%1%147
Arizona57%20%8%15%< 1%183
California60%16%10%13%1%855
Colorado60%15%17%7%1%127
Florida66%15%9%10%< 1%524
Georgia66%16%11%7%1%266
Idaho70%12%12%7%< 1%106
Illinois52%18%10%18%1%400
Indiana56%14%10%18%1%186
Iowa57%26%6%10%1%119
Kansas58%26%13%2%< 1%105
Kentucky68%12%7%12%1%104
Louisiana69%16%8%8%< 1%129
Maryland52%24%11%10%2%177
Massachusetts48%22%10%20%< 1%154
Michigan56%20%12%11%1%283
Minnesota57%26%8%8%< 1%161
Missouri64%18%9%8%1%181
Nebraska55%20%11%12%1%106
New Jersey62%17%10%11%< 1%266
New York56%17%12%14%1%507
North Carolina63%18%11%7%1%262
North Dakota52%19%13%16%< 1%122
Ohio61%13%16%9%1%366
Oklahoma57%19%5%19%< 1%100
Oregon62%18%4%13%2%108
Pennsylvania55%21%12%11%1%401
South Carolina65%17%11%7%1%127
South Dakota59%15%10%14%2%114
Tennessee66%17%6%11%< 1%160
Texas63%18%11%8%< 1%704
Utah83%7%5%4%1%126
Virginia56%21%14%10%< 1%231
Washington64%16%8%10%2%186
Wisconsin52%26%9%12%< 1%180
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 state

% 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…

StateAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Alabama39%16%9%35%< 1%147
Arizona47%15%12%26%< 1%183
California43%17%15%25%1%855
Colorado47%17%14%22%< 1%127
Florida46%15%12%27%1%524
Georgia44%14%13%28%1%266
Idaho37%19%19%26%< 1%106
Illinois40%18%12%29%1%400
Indiana37%18%15%30%< 1%186
Iowa32%18%25%25%1%119
Kansas35%21%17%21%5%105
Kentucky39%16%18%26%< 1%104
Louisiana41%18%18%19%4%129
Maryland40%15%11%33%1%177
Massachusetts38%12%19%31%1%154
Michigan37%20%14%27%1%283
Minnesota38%20%14%28%< 1%161
Missouri45%20%11%24%1%181
Nebraska34%22%19%24%1%106
New Jersey40%16%12%31%< 1%266
New York43%17%12%27%1%507
North Carolina48%15%12%24%< 1%262
North Dakota45%5%19%30%< 1%122
Ohio44%17%18%21%1%366
Oklahoma33%25%11%30%2%100
Oregon44%22%17%16%< 1%108
Pennsylvania38%25%12%25%1%401
South Carolina42%14%12%30%1%127
South Dakota35%17%7%41%< 1%114
Tennessee54%13%13%19%2%160
Texas46%20%13%21%1%704
Utah49%33%10%8%1%126
Virginia45%18%22%15%1%231
Washington51%17%11%20%1%186
Wisconsin33%18%19%28%1%180
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 state

% 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

StateReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Alabama47%5%44%2%2%147
Arizona42%9%39%7%3%183
California37%10%44%6%3%855
Colorado40%8%47%3%1%127
Florida32%12%48%6%2%524
Georgia52%7%35%4%2%266
Idaho44%1%50%5%< 1%106
Illinois32%10%49%7%1%400
Indiana33%8%52%4%4%186
Iowa41%5%46%4%3%119
Kansas38%4%56%2%1%105
Kentucky47%5%41%6%1%104
Louisiana48%7%38%4%3%129
Maryland32%7%52%6%4%177
Massachusetts27%11%53%8%2%154
Michigan30%6%54%8%2%283
Minnesota33%9%51%5%2%161
Missouri39%9%43%4%4%181
Nebraska42%6%45%6%1%106
New Jersey37%9%46%6%1%266
New York35%9%48%5%2%507
North Carolina38%11%45%5%< 1%262
North Dakota37%7%53%3%< 1%122
Ohio37%9%44%7%3%366
Oklahoma31%9%55%4%2%100
Oregon42%9%44%4%1%108
Pennsylvania44%9%42%4%1%401
South Carolina51%4%39%2%5%127
South Dakota37%9%48%5%1%114
Tennessee47%10%36%4%3%160
Texas43%9%40%8%1%704
Utah59%8%28%3%2%126
Virginia35%8%50%5%2%231
Washington33%12%48%5%3%186
Wisconsin32%9%49%7%3%180
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 state

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

StateThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Alabama32%67%1%< 1%147
Arizona45%51%2%2%183
California34%63%2%1%855
Colorado48%49%< 1%3%127
Florida36%62%1%1%524
Georgia42%56%1%< 1%266
Idaho40%60%< 1%< 1%106
Illinois31%67%1%1%400
Indiana30%68%1%< 1%186
Iowa35%63%1%< 1%119
Kansas33%67%< 1%< 1%105
Kentucky36%64%< 1%< 1%104
Louisiana43%57%< 1%< 1%129
Maryland39%59%2%< 1%177
Massachusetts30%67%1%1%154
Michigan31%68%1%< 1%283
Minnesota40%58%1%2%161
Missouri38%62%< 1%< 1%181
Nebraska40%60%< 1%< 1%106
New Jersey31%69%< 1%< 1%266
New York34%65%1%< 1%507
North Carolina38%61%1%< 1%262
North Dakota42%58%< 1%< 1%122
Ohio35%63%1%< 1%366
Oklahoma32%66%2%< 1%100
Oregon44%54%< 1%2%108
Pennsylvania39%60%< 1%< 1%401
South Carolina31%64%3%2%127
South Dakota43%57%< 1%< 1%114
Tennessee39%57%4%< 1%160
Texas37%62%1%< 1%704
Utah53%45%2%< 1%126
Virginia32%67%1%< 1%231
Washington42%57%1%< 1%186
Wisconsin30%69%1%< 1%180
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 state

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

StateAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Alabama46%19%7%28%< 1%147
Arizona42%7%12%40%< 1%183
California37%15%9%39%< 1%855
Colorado43%6%10%40%< 1%127
Florida38%15%11%36%< 1%524
Georgia50%15%11%24%< 1%266
Idaho50%16%10%24%< 1%106
Illinois29%16%13%42%< 1%400
Indiana33%11%16%40%< 1%186
Iowa30%13%13%44%< 1%119
Kansas34%13%10%43%< 1%105
Kentucky43%11%8%39%< 1%104
Louisiana43%15%9%32%< 1%129
Maryland35%24%6%35%< 1%177
Massachusetts22%10%12%55%1%154
Michigan29%11%11%47%1%283
Minnesota30%9%18%43%< 1%161
Missouri44%13%11%32%< 1%181
Nebraska26%16%10%48%< 1%106
New Jersey30%14%8%48%1%266
New York30%10%14%45%< 1%507
North Carolina42%23%9%26%< 1%262
North Dakota29%18%13%40%< 1%122
Ohio39%12%8%40%< 1%366
Oklahoma41%15%10%35%< 1%100
Oregon44%8%8%39%< 1%108
Pennsylvania32%14%14%39%1%401
South Carolina48%17%9%26%1%127
South Dakota25%13%12%50%< 1%114
Tennessee53%9%12%24%3%160
Texas42%15%14%29%< 1%704
Utah74%6%8%10%2%126
Virginia39%17%11%33%< 1%231
Washington38%17%8%37%< 1%186
Wisconsin25%17%11%47%< 1%180
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 state

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

StateBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Alabama84%11%5%147
Arizona91%8%1%183
California88%8%4%855
Colorado84%11%5%127
Florida84%10%6%524
Georgia92%5%3%266
Idaho98%2%< 1%106
Illinois89%6%5%400
Indiana88%3%9%186
Iowa90%6%4%119
Kansas92%4%4%105
Kentucky93%1%6%104
Louisiana90%7%4%129
Maryland89%7%4%177
Massachusetts85%11%4%154
Michigan89%7%4%283
Minnesota92%4%4%161
Missouri89%9%2%181
Nebraska95%3%1%106
New Jersey89%5%7%266
New York88%7%5%507
North Carolina93%3%4%262
North Dakota96%4%< 1%122
Ohio89%7%4%366
Oklahoma95%3%1%100
Oregon90%6%4%108
Pennsylvania88%7%4%401
South Carolina94%2%4%127
South Dakota95%2%3%114
Tennessee88%6%6%160
Texas90%6%4%704
Utah97%1%2%126
Virginia90%7%4%231
Washington87%7%7%186
Wisconsin87%6%7%180
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 state

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

StateBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Alabama74%20%6%147
Arizona66%28%6%183
California68%24%7%855
Colorado66%23%10%127
Florida66%27%7%524
Georgia75%19%6%266
Idaho69%26%6%106
Illinois73%20%7%400
Indiana75%20%5%186
Iowa75%20%5%119
Kansas74%23%4%105
Kentucky85%13%2%104
Louisiana78%14%8%129
Maryland63%29%8%177
Massachusetts59%35%6%154
Michigan72%23%5%283
Minnesota69%22%9%161
Missouri76%20%5%181
Nebraska73%22%5%106
New Jersey61%28%11%266
New York61%31%8%507
North Carolina77%16%7%262
North Dakota73%20%7%122
Ohio72%21%7%366
Oklahoma79%16%5%100
Oregon71%23%5%108
Pennsylvania71%22%7%401
South Carolina77%11%11%127
South Dakota83%11%6%114
Tennessee71%21%8%160
Texas77%19%4%704
Utah58%38%4%126
Virginia75%17%7%231
Washington61%29%11%186
Wisconsin71%25%4%180
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 state

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

StateRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Alabama59%8%33%147
Arizona49%17%34%183
California38%18%44%855
Colorado52%12%36%127
Florida45%14%41%524
Georgia49%18%32%266
Idaho67%11%22%106
Illinois41%17%43%400
Indiana46%18%35%186
Iowa48%18%34%119
Kansas58%18%24%105
Kentucky41%13%46%104
Louisiana47%17%36%129
Maryland39%16%45%177
Massachusetts43%13%44%154
Michigan42%16%42%283
Minnesota53%11%37%161
Missouri42%18%40%181
Nebraska54%17%28%106
New Jersey41%19%41%266
New York38%19%43%507
North Carolina49%15%36%262
North Dakota55%20%25%122
Ohio47%16%37%366
Oklahoma54%18%29%100
Oregon34%25%40%108
Pennsylvania46%11%43%401
South Carolina50%14%36%127
South Dakota66%5%29%114
Tennessee58%15%28%160
Texas47%15%38%704
Utah76%8%16%126
Virginia52%12%36%231
Washington44%22%34%186
Wisconsin57%14%29%180
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 state

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

StateConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Alabama44%38%16%2%147
Arizona49%30%16%5%183
California37%39%20%4%855
Colorado35%39%23%3%127
Florida40%37%19%4%524
Georgia45%38%14%3%266
Idaho48%37%13%2%106
Illinois37%39%21%4%400
Indiana40%40%12%7%186
Iowa44%32%20%4%119
Kansas41%33%26%< 1%105
Kentucky39%37%18%6%104
Louisiana55%31%11%4%129
Maryland33%40%20%6%177
Massachusetts34%41%21%3%154
Michigan37%39%18%6%283
Minnesota49%36%13%2%161
Missouri41%30%21%8%181
Nebraska39%36%18%7%106
New Jersey31%43%22%4%266
New York40%36%18%5%507
North Carolina41%41%16%3%262
North Dakota44%36%17%3%122
Ohio40%34%21%6%366
Oklahoma39%42%13%5%100
Oregon31%41%23%6%108
Pennsylvania38%43%12%8%401
South Carolina44%45%10%2%127
South Dakota53%34%12%2%114
Tennessee40%39%15%6%160
Texas43%37%16%4%704
Utah61%29%8%1%126
Virginia42%40%11%6%231
Washington38%38%19%5%186
Wisconsin44%42%12%2%180
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 state

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

StateSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Alabama64%35%< 1%1%147
Arizona63%36%< 1%1%183
California51%44%3%2%855
Colorado57%40%2%2%127
Florida55%40%2%3%524
Georgia54%39%2%5%266
Idaho71%28%< 1%1%106
Illinois55%41%2%3%400
Indiana61%31%5%2%186
Iowa64%28%1%6%119
Kansas69%27%1%3%105
Kentucky56%37%4%3%104
Louisiana60%34%3%2%129
Maryland55%40%1%4%177
Massachusetts52%41%4%3%154
Michigan58%37%3%2%283
Minnesota71%24%3%2%161
Missouri63%33%2%2%181
Nebraska77%22%1%1%106
New Jersey49%48%2%2%266
New York51%46%1%2%507
North Carolina60%35%2%3%262
North Dakota81%16%1%1%122
Ohio63%30%3%4%366
Oklahoma69%28%2%< 1%100
Oregon62%30%1%8%108
Pennsylvania65%30%1%3%401
South Carolina60%33%2%5%127
South Dakota72%23%2%3%114
Tennessee61%33%1%5%160
Texas52%45%2%2%704
Utah78%17%1%5%126
Virginia67%31%1%2%231
Washington65%29%4%2%186
Wisconsin66%31%2%1%180
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 state

% 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…

StateDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Alabama58%38%3%< 1%147
Arizona57%39%2%2%183
California45%51%3%1%855
Colorado38%59%1%2%127
Florida52%43%4%1%524
Georgia51%45%3%1%266
Idaho57%39%3%2%106
Illinois48%47%3%2%400
Indiana59%36%4%< 1%186
Iowa42%54%4%< 1%119
Kansas50%42%6%2%105
Kentucky46%48%4%2%104
Louisiana48%48%1%4%129
Maryland45%51%2%1%177
Massachusetts52%45%2%1%154
Michigan46%48%5%1%283
Minnesota47%45%7%1%161
Missouri54%42%4%< 1%181
Nebraska64%33%3%< 1%106
New Jersey48%49%2%1%266
New York49%46%5%1%507
North Carolina48%49%2%1%262
North Dakota58%36%4%2%122
Ohio52%44%2%1%366
Oklahoma56%41%< 1%2%100
Oregon34%57%6%2%108
Pennsylvania50%45%3%1%401
South Carolina51%45%4%< 1%127
South Dakota58%36%3%2%114
Tennessee51%44%2%3%160
Texas51%45%3%2%704
Utah63%36%1%< 1%126
Virginia54%42%3%< 1%231
Washington48%45%4%2%186
Wisconsin57%40%2%1%180
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 state

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

StateLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Alabama35%62%3%147
Arizona46%52%2%183
California50%47%3%855
Colorado45%52%3%127
Florida53%44%3%524
Georgia46%52%1%266
Idaho24%73%4%106
Illinois47%52%1%400
Indiana36%63%< 1%186
Iowa43%55%2%119
Kansas45%53%2%105
Kentucky35%58%6%104
Louisiana33%65%2%129
Maryland63%34%3%177
Massachusetts64%31%4%154
Michigan54%44%2%283
Minnesota43%53%4%161
Missouri43%54%4%181
Nebraska44%53%3%106
New Jersey58%39%3%266
New York57%40%3%507
North Carolina51%45%5%262
North Dakota47%52%< 1%122
Ohio42%54%4%366
Oklahoma59%41%< 1%100
Oregon54%44%2%108
Pennsylvania42%54%4%401
South Carolina47%51%2%127
South Dakota48%51%2%114
Tennessee40%57%3%160
Texas43%54%2%704
Utah29%71%< 1%126
Virginia55%44%2%231
Washington51%46%3%186
Wisconsin47%51%2%180
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 state

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

StateShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Alabama53%43%2%1%147
Arizona55%32%6%7%183
California65%28%4%2%855
Colorado70%22%3%4%127
Florida67%26%5%2%524
Georgia59%34%4%3%266
Idaho51%38%9%2%106
Illinois66%26%4%4%400
Indiana56%37%5%3%186
Iowa60%34%4%2%119
Kansas60%29%8%2%105
Kentucky50%34%12%4%104
Louisiana61%26%6%8%129
Maryland63%29%7%2%177
Massachusetts76%19%4%1%154
Michigan65%28%4%3%283
Minnesota63%32%4%1%161
Missouri60%33%3%4%181
Nebraska57%38%2%2%106
New Jersey72%20%4%5%266
New York66%26%4%4%507
North Carolina57%36%4%3%262
North Dakota56%39%3%2%122
Ohio64%30%4%2%366
Oklahoma62%36%2%< 1%100
Oregon53%35%8%3%108
Pennsylvania64%28%5%2%401
South Carolina57%30%8%5%127
South Dakota62%30%5%4%114
Tennessee51%45%1%3%160
Texas61%32%3%3%704
Utah45%52%2%< 1%126
Virginia66%27%4%3%231
Washington63%31%4%2%186
Wisconsin69%26%1%5%180
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 state

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

StateStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Alabama44%51%5%147
Arizona48%41%11%183
California56%38%6%855
Colorado62%33%6%127
Florida51%40%9%524
Georgia45%49%6%266
Idaho44%44%12%106
Illinois56%34%10%400
Indiana46%47%7%186
Iowa49%42%8%119
Kansas54%41%6%105
Kentucky43%46%12%104
Louisiana43%48%9%129
Maryland56%35%9%177
Massachusetts62%30%8%154
Michigan51%41%7%283
Minnesota58%40%3%161
Missouri50%41%9%181
Nebraska45%45%10%106
New Jersey58%34%8%266
New York56%37%7%507
North Carolina47%46%7%262
North Dakota44%48%7%122
Ohio51%44%5%366
Oklahoma53%44%4%100
Oregon53%43%5%108
Pennsylvania50%42%8%401
South Carolina43%50%7%127
South Dakota45%47%8%114
Tennessee45%48%8%160
Texas50%43%7%704
Utah36%61%3%126
Virginia54%38%8%231
Washington55%36%9%186
Wisconsin56%38%6%180
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 state

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

StateStricter 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
Alabama45%50%3%3%147
Arizona39%57%1%2%183
California43%54%2%2%855
Colorado38%61%1%< 1%127
Florida41%56%2%1%524
Georgia38%59%1%2%266
Idaho55%43%1%1%106
Illinois39%57%2%1%400
Indiana44%54%1%< 1%186
Iowa35%62%1%2%119
Kansas44%49%4%2%105
Kentucky54%44%2%1%104
Louisiana45%52%1%2%129
Maryland39%61%< 1%< 1%177
Massachusetts44%53%2%1%154
Michigan37%56%5%2%283
Minnesota39%57%3%1%161
Missouri40%57%2%1%181
Nebraska40%54%3%3%106
New Jersey31%66%1%2%266
New York34%62%1%3%507
North Carolina38%60%< 1%2%262
North Dakota51%46%2%1%122
Ohio41%55%3%1%366
Oklahoma39%56%1%3%100
Oregon40%58%< 1%2%108
Pennsylvania45%51%1%2%401
South Carolina35%63%< 1%2%127
South Dakota50%49%1%< 1%114
Tennessee42%53%3%2%160
Texas36%60%2%3%704
Utah50%46%3%1%126
Virginia43%56%1%< 1%231
Washington32%64%1%2%186
Wisconsin36%61%2%1%180
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 state

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

StateEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Alabama15%47%1%34%3%147
Arizona19%34%3%39%5%183
California24%36%3%33%3%855
Colorado19%43%2%35%1%127
Florida19%35%4%39%4%524
Georgia16%36%3%43%2%266
Idaho11%39%3%40%7%106
Illinois26%36%2%33%2%400
Indiana16%39%3%39%4%186
Iowa19%42%4%31%4%119
Kansas23%34%3%36%5%105
Kentucky11%35%1%44%8%104
Louisiana20%44%2%31%4%129
Maryland25%37%6%28%5%177
Massachusetts23%39%3%32%3%154
Michigan24%33%3%39%2%283
Minnesota15%36%9%38%2%161
Missouri15%41%2%40%2%181
Nebraska20%46%2%33%< 1%106
New Jersey28%35%3%31%4%266
New York20%36%3%39%3%507
North Carolina21%40%2%35%3%262
North Dakota20%35%5%37%3%122
Ohio21%39%2%35%4%366
Oklahoma17%37%2%40%4%100
Oregon22%39%4%28%7%108
Pennsylvania17%38%3%38%4%401
South Carolina16%51%1%27%5%127
South Dakota23%32%< 1%39%6%114
Tennessee14%37%4%42%4%160
Texas21%37%4%36%2%704
Utah7%43%1%46%3%126
Virginia17%50%2%28%3%231
Washington17%34%6%39%4%186
Wisconsin20%40%1%34%5%180
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.