Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201485%12%2%1%< 1%9,811
200783%14%2%1%< 1%11,149
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic79%18%1%1%< 1%1,545
Evangelical Protestant91%7%1%< 1%< 1%4,757
Historically Black Protestant94%5%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,094
Jehovah's Witness91%8%< 1%< 1%1%107
Mainline Protestant80%18%2%1%< 1%1,266
Mormon96%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%210
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")51%30%10%7%1%546
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important13%33%30%23%8,276
Somewhat important21%37%29%14%1,045
Not too important28%32%29%11%138
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important8%11%28%36%15%2%8,276
Somewhat important13%14%31%33%9%1%1,045
Not too important21%14%25%33%5%2%138
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important41%59%8,472
Somewhat important51%49%1,057
Not too important51%49%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important56%20%2%18%3%8,359
Somewhat important60%13%2%22%3%1,053
Not too important55%15%6%19%4%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important17%7%76%8,340
Somewhat important17%9%74%1,033
Not too important17%10%72%136
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important46%22%22%10%7,175
Somewhat important48%23%19%10%923
Not too important56%19%17%8%119
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important54%30%11%5%8,417
Somewhat important64%27%7%3%1,048
Not too important65%27%6%2%137
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important53%4%15%10%17%8,434
Somewhat important41%10%16%6%27%1,053
Not too important32%9%8%5%45%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important31%69%8,444
Somewhat important30%70%1,052
Not too important25%75%139
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 by importance of religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve 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
Very important91%7%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%8,472
Somewhat important72%23%3%1%1%< 1%1,057
Not too important62%29%6%1%2%< 1%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important68%24%8%< 1%8,472
Somewhat important19%51%30%1%1,057
Not too important8%34%59%< 1%139
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 by importance of religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important86%10%2%2%< 1%8,472
Somewhat important48%27%10%15%1%1,057
Not too important36%20%7%35%1%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important52%14%9%25%1%8,472
Somewhat important14%10%10%65%< 1%1,057
Not too important10%5%5%79%1%139
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 by importance of religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important57%6%3%31%3%8,472
Somewhat important29%9%3%57%1%1,057
Not too important27%6%2%64%1%139
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 by importance of religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important81%9%5%5%1%8,472
Somewhat important46%21%12%20%1%1,057
Not too important38%14%17%30%2%139
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 by importance of religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important48%14%10%25%2%8,472
Somewhat important33%13%15%37%2%1,057
Not too important31%14%10%45%1%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important66%4%25%4%2%8,472
Somewhat important28%7%56%9%2%1,057
Not too important18%10%60%11%1%139
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 by importance of religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important47%50%1%2%8,472
Somewhat important31%67%1%1%1,057
Not too important37%58%4%1%139
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 by importance of religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important69%11%6%14%1%8,472
Somewhat important25%14%11%49%1%1,057
Not too important15%13%9%63%< 1%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important91%4%4%8,472
Somewhat important92%5%3%1,057
Not too important82%13%5%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important83%11%6%8,472
Somewhat important79%15%5%1,057
Not too important67%28%5%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important45%18%37%8,472
Somewhat important39%21%40%1,057
Not too important37%23%39%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important55%24%14%7%8,472
Somewhat important42%31%19%8%1,057
Not too important30%34%25%12%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important50%44%2%3%8,472
Somewhat important43%53%2%2%1,057
Not too important39%54%5%2%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important50%44%4%2%8,472
Somewhat important52%44%3%1%1,057
Not too important52%45%1%1%139
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 by importance of religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important29%67%4%8,472
Somewhat important48%47%4%1,057
Not too important54%40%6%139
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 by importance of religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important33%59%4%4%8,472
Somewhat important58%34%3%4%1,057
Not too important56%36%2%6%139
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 by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important23%69%8%8,472
Somewhat important44%47%9%1,057
Not too important46%45%9%139
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 by importance of religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter 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
Very important49%44%2%4%8,472
Somewhat important47%48%3%3%1,057
Not too important54%44%< 1%2%139
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 by importance of religion

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important10%22%2%61%5%8,472
Somewhat important21%28%3%45%3%1,057
Not too important25%22%1%48%4%139
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.