Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201444%18%38%9,811
200741%17%42%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: Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.

Party affiliation 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 identify as…

Religious traditionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Catholic34%23%43%1,545
Evangelical Protestant60%16%24%4,757
Historically Black Protestant11%9%81%1,094
Jehovah's Witness8%71%21%107
Mainline Protestant49%16%35%1,266
Mormon64%16%20%210
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")26%30%44%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: Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.

DemographicInformation

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

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

Party affiliation18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Republican/lean Rep.13%32%31%23%4,677
No lean18%41%25%16%1,546
Democrat/lean Dem.14%33%31%22%3,373
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 political party

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

Party affiliationYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Republican/lean Rep.9%9%28%37%16%2%4,677
No lean10%16%33%29%10%1%1,546
Democrat/lean Dem.9%11%28%36%15%2%3,373
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 political party

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

Party affiliationMenWomenSample size
Republican/lean Rep.48%52%4,765
No lean39%61%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.39%61%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Republican/lean Rep.81%5%2%10%2%4,714
No lean47%12%4%33%5%1,580
Democrat/lean Dem.33%40%2%21%4%3,395
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 political party

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

Party affiliationImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Republican/lean Rep.8%7%85%4,716
No lean34%6%60%1,557
Democrat/lean Dem.20%9%72%3,372
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 political party

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

Party affiliationLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Republican/lean Rep.32%23%30%16%4,122
No lean60%20%14%6%1,178
Democrat/lean Dem.58%22%15%6%3,025
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 political party

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

Party affiliationHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Republican/lean Rep.47%32%15%6%4,745
No lean63%26%7%4%1,587
Democrat/lean Dem.62%27%7%4%3,409
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 political party

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

Party affiliationMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Republican/lean Rep.62%3%12%8%16%4,754
No lean49%8%16%8%18%1,604
Democrat/lean Dem.40%6%18%11%24%3,410
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 political party

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

Party affiliationParentsNon-parentsSample size
Republican/lean Rep.30%70%4,751
No lean37%63%1,606
Democrat/lean Dem.29%71%3,419
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 political party

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

Party affiliationBelieve 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
Republican/lean Rep.93%6%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,765
No lean83%14%1%1%< 1%1%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.86%11%2%1%< 1%< 1%3,427
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

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

Party affiliationVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.87%11%1%1%< 1%4,765
No lean81%14%2%2%1%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.84%13%2%1%< 1%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.66%24%10%< 1%4,765
No lean55%28%15%1%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.55%30%14%< 1%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.83%11%2%3%< 1%4,765
No lean76%13%3%6%1%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.78%13%3%5%< 1%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.50%13%10%27%< 1%4,765
No lean45%12%8%34%2%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.43%14%9%33%1%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.51%6%3%38%2%4,765
No lean53%6%3%35%4%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.55%8%4%31%2%3,427
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 political party

% 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…

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.78%11%5%5%1%4,765
No lean74%10%5%9%3%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.73%11%7%8%1%3,427
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 political party

% 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…

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.47%15%10%26%2%4,765
No lean49%11%10%26%4%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.43%15%12%28%2%3,427
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 political party

% 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

Party affiliationReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.70%3%23%3%1%4,765
No lean57%5%30%5%3%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.50%5%37%6%2%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.61%37%1%1%4,765
No lean36%59%2%3%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.31%67%1%2%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.67%11%5%16%1%4,765
No lean60%10%6%23%2%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.59%12%7%21%1%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.90%5%5%4,765
No lean88%6%6%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.94%4%3%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.86%9%6%4,765
No lean73%19%8%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.82%12%6%3,427
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

Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by political party

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

Party affiliationConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.74%17%7%2%4,765
No lean36%23%17%24%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.36%35%23%5%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.73%23%1%2%4,765
No lean36%55%4%5%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.27%67%2%3%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.69%27%3%2%4,765
No lean41%49%6%4%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.32%63%3%2%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.22%75%3%4,765
No lean30%63%7%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.43%51%5%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.26%68%3%3%4,765
No lean40%47%6%7%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.48%44%4%4%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.17%78%5%4,765
No lean28%58%14%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.35%56%9%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationStricter 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
Republican/lean Rep.60%35%2%3%4,765
No lean41%48%3%8%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.38%55%2%4%3,427
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 political party

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

Party affiliationEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.7%19%1%68%4%4,765
No lean15%22%3%52%8%1,619
Democrat/lean Dem.16%26%3%50%5%3,427
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.