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
201434%23%2%35%6%13,339
200737%26%3%26%8%14,306
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 who would rather have a bigger government with more services by religious group

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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
Buddhist7%8%< 1%72%13%134
Catholic34%30%2%27%7%2,884
Evangelical Protestant54%30%3%8%4%2,210
Hindu18%20%1%51%9%103
Historically Black Protestant63%22%2%8%5%1,326
Jehovah's Witness59%31%2%2%6%109
Jewish11%22%< 1%62%5%442
Mainline Protestant28%32%2%31%8%1,908
Mormon43%38%2%14%3%119
Muslim45%29%8%12%6%163
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")13%10%1%70%5%3,419
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 who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally20%36%28%16%3,743
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%34%21%12%2,994
Word of God; other/don't know16%31%31%22%236
Not the word of God32%34%21%12%5,321
Other/don't know24%34%26%17%808
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally12%14%30%32%11%1%3,743
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%17%27%25%8%1%2,994
Word of God; other/don't know9%9%29%36%15%2%236
Not the word of God20%20%26%26%7%1%5,321
Other/don't know12%19%26%30%11%2%808
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally38%62%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%64%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know37%63%243
Not the word of God48%52%5,399
Other/don't know40%60%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally32%31%3%30%4%3,780
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%19%5%22%4%3,025
Word of God; other/don't know37%21%4%34%3%239
Not the word of God65%8%7%16%4%5,344
Other/don't know48%17%6%23%5%822
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%8%63%3,716
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%12%68%2,997
Word of God; other/don't know37%7%56%238
Not the word of God18%14%68%5,342
Other/don't know25%9%67%808
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally64%19%12%5%3,262
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%21%24%14%2,691
Word of God; other/don't know59%18%16%7%193
Not the word of God30%18%28%24%4,940
Other/don't know48%20%19%13%679
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally66%24%6%3%3,780
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%31%14%10%3,034
Word of God; other/don't know62%24%10%4%240
Not the word of God29%29%23%19%5,380
Other/don't know44%31%14%11%826
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally38%7%18%9%27%3,799
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%8%14%5%34%3,038
Word of God; other/don't know41%7%20%10%22%242
Not the word of God41%12%11%4%33%5,374
Other/don't know36%11%16%6%31%826
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%66%3,800
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%67%3,037
Word of God; other/don't know30%70%242
Not the word of God27%73%5,386
Other/don't know32%68%830
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally82%15%2%1%< 1%< 1%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%23%3%< 1%1%< 1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know80%15%1%2%1%1%243
Not the word of God26%27%13%< 1%30%4%5,399
Other/don't know59%26%5%2%4%4%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%14%2%1%< 1%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%33%6%2%< 1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know79%18%1%1%1%243
Not the word of God17%29%24%30%1%5,399
Other/don't know51%30%11%6%2%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally54%31%14%1%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%43%19%< 1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know44%35%19%2%243
Not the word of God10%33%57%< 1%5,399
Other/don't know27%45%26%2%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally76%15%3%6%1%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%20%7%11%< 1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know77%11%3%8%2%243
Not the word of God23%15%8%53%< 1%5,399
Other/don't know53%17%7%20%4%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally42%14%10%33%1%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%13%12%53%< 1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know38%10%12%38%2%243
Not the word of God5%4%5%86%< 1%5,399
Other/don't know17%9%7%65%2%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally53%8%3%33%2%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%9%4%48%1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know52%5%5%33%5%243
Not the word of God29%11%6%53%1%5,399
Other/don't know40%11%4%42%3%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally70%12%7%9%1%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%17%11%13%< 1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know66%10%11%7%6%243
Not the word of God42%18%12%27%1%5,399
Other/don't know56%14%10%16%4%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally45%14%11%27%2%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%18%14%28%< 1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know43%12%10%26%9%243
Not the word of God49%17%13%20%1%5,399
Other/don't know46%13%13%25%3%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally51%6%35%7%1%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%10%47%8%1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know41%2%41%5%11%243
Not the word of God6%21%52%19%1%5,399
Other/don't know24%10%51%10%5%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally30%68%1%2%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%73%1%< 1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know28%64%3%6%243
Not the word of God15%84%1%1%5,399
Other/don't know22%74%3%2%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally56%12%7%24%1%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%15%12%38%< 1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know53%10%8%27%2%243
Not the word of God8%7%7%78%< 1%5,399
Other/don't know29%11%10%47%3%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally93%5%3%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%8%3%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know84%7%9%243
Not the word of God39%53%8%5,399
Other/don't know65%16%19%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally80%14%6%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%26%6%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know76%13%11%243
Not the word of God25%68%7%5,399
Other/don't know46%36%19%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally22%22%56%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally21%18%61%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know16%35%48%243
Not the word of God10%13%77%5,399
Other/don't know13%27%60%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%30%24%9%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%42%30%5%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know30%28%25%18%243
Not the word of God10%28%58%4%5,399
Other/don't know21%32%34%14%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally31%64%3%2%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%70%2%1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know25%59%10%7%243
Not the word of God18%79%2%1%5,399
Other/don't know24%67%6%3%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%56%5%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%41%2%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know40%46%15%243
Not the word of God82%16%2%5,399
Other/don't know58%31%11%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%43%3%4%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally73%22%3%2%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know54%29%7%9%243
Not the word of God91%7%1%1%5,399
Other/don't know70%19%7%4%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%55%8%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%30%6%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know43%37%21%243
Not the word of God87%9%3%5,399
Other/don't know66%25%9%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally38%56%1%5%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%71%1%1%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know31%52%2%15%243
Not the word of God16%82%1%1%5,399
Other/don't know25%67%3%6%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services 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 literally17%26%2%50%5%3,813
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%37%2%33%2%3,046
Word of God; other/don't know17%23%7%32%21%243
Not the word of God70%14%3%11%2%5,399
Other/don't know30%26%10%26%7%838
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.