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
201449%31%4%10%6%18,725
200749%29%5%10%8%20,547
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 say religion is very important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is very important 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
Catholic35%39%4%14%8%4,220
Evangelical Protestant63%25%4%4%4%6,904
Historically Black Protestant65%21%3%5%6%1,641
Jehovah's Witness47%40%8%1%4%224
Jewish24%37%4%25%11%279
Mainline Protestant36%38%4%13%9%3,317
Mormon37%54%5%1%2%559
Muslim54%26%11%6%3%154
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")38%24%3%25%10%826
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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 say religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%33%30%23%8,276
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%33%26%19%6,037
Word of God; other/don't know14%29%28%29%779
Not the word of God19%32%30%19%1,979
Other/don't know12%31%31%25%1,201
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally8%11%28%36%15%2%8,276
Word of God; not everything taken literally14%13%28%31%13%1%6,037
Word of God; other/don't know9%9%25%35%20%3%779
Not the word of God10%15%26%36%11%1%1,979
Other/don't know5%13%26%37%17%2%1,201
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%59%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%57%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know42%58%816
Not the word of God47%53%2,020
Other/don't know46%54%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%20%2%18%3%8,359
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%12%2%13%4%6,088
Word of God; other/don't know64%12%3%16%5%790
Not the word of God61%11%4%19%5%1,985
Other/don't know61%16%2%17%4%1,220
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%7%76%8,340
Word of God; not everything taken literally13%10%77%6,106
Word of God; other/don't know17%7%76%799
Not the word of God18%10%72%1,994
Other/don't know16%7%77%1,226
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 literally46%22%22%10%7,175
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%21%30%20%5,394
Word of God; other/don't know35%21%29%15%619
Not the word of God36%19%25%20%1,766
Other/don't know42%19%23%17%986
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%30%11%5%8,417
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%35%19%13%6,135
Word of God; other/don't know43%33%15%9%807
Not the word of God37%30%17%15%2,011
Other/don't know41%31%16%12%1,241
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%4%15%10%17%8,434
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%4%12%6%23%6,140
Word of God; other/don't know58%2%12%11%17%809
Not the word of God47%10%15%7%22%2,009
Other/don't know47%7%15%11%20%1,239
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%69%8,444
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%67%6,134
Word of God; other/don't know28%72%808
Not the word of God28%72%2,015
Other/don't know26%74%1,247
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 literally91%7%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%10%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know90%6%< 1%2%< 1%1%816
Not the word of God68%22%4%1%4%1%2,020
Other/don't know80%14%1%2%1%2%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 literally68%24%8%< 1%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%31%10%< 1%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know63%26%10%2%816
Not the word of God34%41%25%1%2,020
Other/don't know45%37%16%2%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally86%10%2%2%< 1%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally80%15%2%2%< 1%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know85%9%1%1%3%816
Not the word of God67%19%5%9%1%2,020
Other/don't know75%13%4%4%4%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 literally52%14%9%25%1%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%13%12%39%< 1%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know45%9%10%33%2%816
Not the word of God19%10%11%60%1%2,020
Other/don't know28%10%10%49%2%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%6%3%31%3%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%8%3%39%1%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know54%5%2%33%5%816
Not the word of God51%10%4%34%2%2,020
Other/don't know51%9%3%32%4%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 literally81%9%5%5%1%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%14%6%5%1%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know75%9%7%4%4%816
Not the word of God66%14%8%10%1%2,020
Other/don't know72%12%5%7%4%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 literally48%14%10%25%2%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%18%12%21%1%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know46%13%10%24%6%816
Not the word of God57%14%11%17%1%2,020
Other/don't know54%12%9%21%4%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 literally66%4%25%4%2%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%7%34%4%2%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know56%3%28%2%10%816
Not the word of God21%15%50%10%3%2,020
Other/don't know37%8%44%4%8%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 literally47%50%1%2%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%57%1%1%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know44%48%5%3%816
Not the word of God24%72%2%2%2,020
Other/don't know31%63%4%2%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 literally69%11%6%14%1%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%15%10%23%< 1%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know65%10%5%18%3%816
Not the word of God29%15%12%43%1%2,020
Other/don't know45%14%9%29%3%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally91%4%4%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%5%4%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know84%4%11%816
Not the word of God71%21%8%2,020
Other/don't know76%8%16%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally83%11%6%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally73%20%7%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know72%12%16%816
Not the word of God47%45%8%2,020
Other/don't know57%25%19%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%18%37%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%15%38%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know44%27%28%816
Not the word of God27%20%53%2,020
Other/don't know29%25%46%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally55%24%14%7%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%35%15%5%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know48%25%10%17%816
Not the word of God25%35%34%5%2,020
Other/don't know32%35%20%13%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%44%2%3%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%36%2%3%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know53%30%7%10%816
Not the word of God46%46%5%3%2,020
Other/don't know43%39%8%10%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 literally50%44%4%2%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%45%3%1%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know48%35%10%7%816
Not the word of God36%58%3%2%2,020
Other/don't know39%47%9%5%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%67%4%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%57%3%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know26%61%13%816
Not the word of God65%32%4%2,020
Other/don't know46%40%15%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally33%59%4%4%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%37%4%3%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know34%47%10%10%816
Not the word of God77%17%4%2%2,020
Other/don't know54%29%9%8%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally23%69%8%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%49%7%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know25%56%18%816
Not the word of God69%24%8%2,020
Other/don't know49%36%15%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 literally49%44%2%4%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%56%2%2%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know41%42%7%10%816
Not the word of God32%63%2%2%2,020
Other/don't know34%52%6%8%1,259
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 religion is very important by interpretation of scripture

% of adults who say religion is very important 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 literally10%22%2%61%5%8,472
Word of God; not everything taken literally13%39%3%42%4%6,158
Word of God; other/don't know8%19%5%51%17%816
Not the word of God35%33%6%23%3%2,020
Other/don't know15%32%11%30%11%1,259
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.