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
201443%24%5%20%9%3,218
200743%23%7%16%11%3,705
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 widowed adults by religious group

% of widowed adults 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
Catholic30%34%4%22%10%721
Evangelical Protestant64%21%5%6%5%923
Historically Black Protestant72%10%4%7%7%196
Mainline Protestant33%30%7%18%12%791
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")17%14%< 1%58%10%338
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally< 1%6%22%72%1,210
Word of God; not everything taken literally< 1%8%20%72%830
Word of God; other/don't know< 1%2%17%81%132
Not the word of God1%7%26%66%679
Other/don't know< 1%7%16%76%289
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally< 1%1%6%29%53%12%1,210
Word of God; not everything taken literally< 1%1%7%29%52%10%830
Word of God; other/don't know< 1%< 1%2%24%58%15%132
Not the word of God< 1%1%7%37%45%10%679
Other/don't know< 1%< 1%7%23%52%17%289
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally22%78%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%76%850
Word of God; other/don't know23%77%138
Not the word of God33%67%693
Other/don't know23%77%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally67%20%1%10%2%1,219
Word of God; not everything taken literally82%6%2%7%3%845
Word of God; other/don't know76%10%3%5%7%135
Not the word of God81%7%1%7%3%680
Other/don't know82%8%3%4%3%299
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally8%9%83%1,211
Word of God; not everything taken literally8%11%81%841
Word of God; other/don't know10%7%83%133
Not the word of God9%15%76%685
Other/don't know7%16%77%295
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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 literally69%18%9%3%998
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%26%15%6%712
Not the word of God47%21%20%11%574
Other/don't know56%16%16%11%229
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally69%23%6%3%1,228
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%29%11%9%850
Word of God; other/don't know65%25%7%3%135
Not the word of God44%27%15%14%688
Other/don't know45%33%11%10%300
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally8%92%1,232
Word of God; not everything taken literally8%92%850
Word of God; other/don't know1%99%137
Not the word of God4%96%691
Other/don't know9%91%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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 literally89%8%1%2%< 1%< 1%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%17%2%1%< 1%< 1%850
Word of God; other/don't know82%13%1%3%< 1%1%138
Not the word of God40%26%10%1%16%6%693
Other/don't know65%19%7%6%2%2%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%8%1%1%1%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%29%3%2%< 1%850
Word of God; other/don't know82%15%2%1%< 1%138
Not the word of God29%31%17%21%2%693
Other/don't know60%25%7%5%3%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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 literally62%21%16%1%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%32%20%1%850
Word of God; other/don't know48%28%21%3%138
Not the word of God17%28%53%1%693
Other/don't know35%35%28%2%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%9%2%3%1%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%16%5%7%1%850
Word of God; other/don't know84%10%< 1%3%3%138
Not the word of God39%15%5%39%1%693
Other/don't know64%15%3%14%4%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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 literally47%10%9%30%3%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%7%10%56%1%850
Word of God; other/don't know24%5%10%59%3%138
Not the word of God8%5%5%82%< 1%693
Other/don't know18%7%9%63%3%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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 literally68%6%2%19%4%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%7%3%34%3%850
Word of God; other/don't know56%5%1%31%7%138
Not the word of God37%8%4%48%2%693
Other/don't know53%7%2%34%4%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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 literally80%6%4%7%2%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally65%12%9%13%1%850
Word of God; other/don't know76%5%8%9%2%138
Not the word of God48%12%9%29%2%693
Other/don't know53%14%5%20%8%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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%11%11%26%4%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%13%12%31%1%850
Word of God; other/don't know40%7%11%34%8%138
Not the word of God45%10%15%30%1%693
Other/don't know40%11%9%35%5%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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 literally59%4%31%3%3%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%5%52%4%4%850
Word of God; other/don't know49%3%30%3%15%138
Not the word of God10%16%61%11%2%693
Other/don't know27%5%59%2%8%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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 literally36%59%2%4%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%65%1%2%850
Word of God; other/don't know32%60%2%5%138
Not the word of God21%76%3%1%693
Other/don't know28%67%2%4%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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 literally68%8%6%16%2%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%13%9%39%1%850
Word of God; other/don't know46%8%12%29%5%138
Not the word of God17%6%8%68%< 1%693
Other/don't know37%9%8%45%2%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally94%3%3%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally91%4%5%850
Word of God; other/don't know92%3%5%138
Not the word of God48%40%12%693
Other/don't know70%13%17%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%11%8%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%28%11%850
Word of God; other/don't know69%15%16%138
Not the word of God26%63%11%693
Other/don't know42%37%21%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%16%47%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%14%42%850
Word of God; other/don't know33%24%43%138
Not the word of God27%18%55%693
Other/don't know34%20%45%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%29%13%9%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%41%14%5%850
Word of God; other/don't know34%27%22%16%138
Not the word of God26%35%32%7%693
Other/don't know32%37%22%8%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%44%3%6%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%34%3%5%850
Word of God; other/don't know49%27%12%12%138
Not the word of God49%40%5%5%693
Other/don't know47%27%13%12%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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 literally43%48%5%5%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%48%3%3%850
Word of God; other/don't know43%42%8%7%138
Not the word of God38%55%4%3%693
Other/don't know38%46%8%7%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%61%8%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%47%5%850
Word of God; other/don't know40%42%18%138
Not the word of God70%25%6%693
Other/don't know57%29%14%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally28%62%4%6%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%36%4%6%850
Word of God; other/don't know33%48%8%10%138
Not the word of God75%17%6%2%693
Other/don't know54%27%10%10%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally18%71%11%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%45%12%850
Word of God; other/don't know21%53%25%138
Not the word of God63%28%9%693
Other/don't know42%36%22%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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 literally42%44%3%10%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%52%2%4%850
Word of God; other/don't know38%35%9%18%138
Not the word of God32%62%3%3%693
Other/don't know32%44%8%17%303
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 widowed adults by interpretation of scripture

% of widowed adults 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%15%4%60%11%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally18%32%4%40%6%850
Word of God; other/don't know4%18%5%46%27%138
Not the word of God48%19%5%22%6%693
Other/don't know25%24%11%22%17%303
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.