Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201425%26%2%40%8%2,884
200729%29%3%31%9%2,613
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 meditate once or twice a month by religious group

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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
Catholic28%31%1%29%10%613
Evangelical Protestant47%36%3%10%5%546
Historically Black Protestant47%36%1%7%9%162
Mainline Protestant18%35%2%37%9%574
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")9%7%1%78%6%703
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%38%28%18%624
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%32%23%17%761
Not the word of God31%37%21%11%1,191
Other/don't know21%36%24%20%215
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally11%13%30%32%12%2%624
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%14%27%27%12%1%761
Not the word of God20%21%28%24%7%1%1,191
Other/don't know10%20%27%32%9%2%215
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%55%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%57%779
Not the word of God51%49%1,205
Other/don't know54%46%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%20%3%26%4%625
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%14%5%12%3%774
Not the word of God72%4%6%14%4%1,185
Other/don't know53%12%7%24%4%218
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally25%5%70%621
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%12%76%769
Not the word of God13%14%73%1,188
Other/don't know23%11%66%218
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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 literally52%20%18%10%561
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%21%29%21%693
Not the word of God27%17%31%26%1,107
Other/don't know41%18%23%18%187
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally58%30%9%4%627
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%33%20%12%777
Not the word of God25%35%22%18%1,201
Other/don't know41%33%16%11%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%7%13%8%26%626
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%6%10%5%28%779
Not the word of God40%11%14%3%32%1,204
Other/don't know40%10%17%6%27%219
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally32%68%627
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%70%778
Not the word of God23%77%1,201
Other/don't know23%77%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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%16%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%25%3%< 1%< 1%1%779
Not the word of God24%35%14%1%22%4%1,205
Other/don't know58%25%7%3%1%7%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally80%17%1%2%< 1%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%34%6%1%< 1%779
Not the word of God16%34%26%23%1%1,205
Other/don't know48%32%13%5%1%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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 literally55%36%9%< 1%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%47%13%< 1%779
Not the word of God9%37%53%< 1%1,205
Other/don't know23%52%24%1%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally71%19%6%3%< 1%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%27%9%6%< 1%779
Not the word of God19%18%13%49%1%1,205
Other/don't know47%17%14%19%3%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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 literally36%24%14%26%< 1%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%18%12%48%< 1%779
Not the word of God4%6%6%83%< 1%1,205
Other/don't know15%14%11%59%1%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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 literally66%22%6%5%1%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%30%9%6%< 1%779
Not the word of God45%24%13%17%1%1,205
Other/don't know54%21%11%11%2%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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 literally38%22%14%24%2%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%23%17%19%1%779
Not the word of God54%21%14%11%< 1%1,205
Other/don't know53%16%15%14%1%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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 literally54%4%34%7%< 1%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%9%44%9%2%779
Not the word of God5%23%54%16%2%1,205
Other/don't know24%21%42%3%9%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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 literally41%57%1%1%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%66%1%< 1%779
Not the word of God18%80%1%< 1%1,205
Other/don't know25%72%1%2%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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 literally50%22%12%15%< 1%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%25%14%31%< 1%779
Not the word of God6%10%11%73%< 1%1,205
Other/don't know21%20%17%42%1%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally92%5%3%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%6%3%779
Not the word of God39%52%9%1,205
Other/don't know67%14%19%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%12%5%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%25%5%779
Not the word of God25%68%8%1,205
Other/don't know45%35%20%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%17%42%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%16%42%779
Not the word of God23%15%62%1,205
Other/don't know28%25%47%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%29%17%6%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%40%18%3%779
Not the word of God15%37%44%5%1,205
Other/don't know30%37%24%9%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%56%3%1%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%41%2%2%779
Not the word of God48%46%3%3%1,205
Other/don't know42%41%8%8%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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 literally45%50%2%2%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%47%2%1%779
Not the word of God30%66%3%1%1,205
Other/don't know35%52%8%5%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%60%4%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%42%2%779
Not the word of God81%16%3%1,205
Other/don't know56%30%14%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%50%3%5%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%25%5%3%779
Not the word of God90%7%2%1%1,205
Other/don't know71%15%8%6%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally32%60%8%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%37%7%779
Not the word of God86%10%4%1,205
Other/don't know64%25%11%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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 literally48%48%2%3%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%61%1%1%779
Not the word of God22%75%2%1%1,205
Other/don't know33%55%6%6%222
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 meditate once or twice a month by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who meditate once or twice a month 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 literally14%27%3%53%3%628
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%40%2%31%3%779
Not the word of God66%18%5%11%1%1,205
Other/don't know31%28%16%18%8%222
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.