DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201429%42%21%9%767
200730%45%17%7%660
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201417%21%32%23%6%< 1%767
2007< 1%25%39%28%6%3%660
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201451%49%780
200750%50%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201442%27%8%18%4%765
200750%22%5%17%6%661
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201429%9%62%751
200720%9%72%665
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201457%20%16%7%634
200751%21%19%8%538
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201466%20%9%5%775
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201434%9%15%5%37%777
200744%9%13%5%29%669
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201434%66%777
200740%60%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians 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
201477%16%4%1%1%< 1%780
200781%14%2%< 1%2%1%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201458%26%9%6%1%780
200756%30%8%4%1%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201428%36%36%1%780
200724%34%42%1%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201462%17%5%15%< 1%780
200754%19%6%19%2%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201430%12%9%49%1%780
200724%9%7%58%2%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%8%4%45%4%780
200734%7%4%50%5%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians 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
201457%13%9%18%3%780
200748%13%11%24%4%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians 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
201443%14%10%31%2%780
200734%12%11%37%6%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201438%7%44%9%2%780
200726%6%57%6%5%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201429%66%2%2%780
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201440%14%7%38%1%780
200734%14%8%43%2%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201487%9%4%780
200786%8%5%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201470%24%6%780
200774%19%8%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201425%30%45%780
200726%27%47%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201433%29%25%13%780
200734%34%19%13%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201430%65%2%4%780
200728%66%3%4%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201440%52%4%3%780
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201440%54%6%780
200743%51%6%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201446%44%4%6%780
200743%45%4%7%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201435%54%11%780
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians 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
201443%49%2%6%780
200737%52%3%7%676
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 and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are All Non-Christians 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
201420%23%2%46%8%780
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.