DemographicInformation

Age distribution among the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201437%34%23%7%494
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201425%19%27%26%4%< 1%494
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201448%52%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201462%13%3%17%5%496
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201412%10%77%487
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201446%19%23%12%445
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201455%30%11%4%499
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201436%8%14%4%37%501
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201430%70%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say they…

Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201453%34%7%< 1%4%2%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201427%40%22%11%1%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20145%43%51%< 1%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%21%11%30%< 1%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20146%7%9%79%< 1%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201426%7%4%62%1%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%16%13%30%1%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201435%15%12%37%< 1%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

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

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201413%13%62%11%2%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201415%14%8%62%< 1%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201480%15%5%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201462%33%4%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201429%27%44%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201421%43%26%9%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201449%48%2%2%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201446%52%1%1%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201459%38%3%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201478%16%5%1%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201469%26%5%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say…

Survey yearStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201439%57%2%2%503
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 the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation

% of the Unaffiliated adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say right or wrong depends on the situation who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201434%32%3%29%2%503
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.