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
201431%23%4%32%11%5,658
200731%23%5%26%14%5,770
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by religious group

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
Catholic32%29%5%24%10%1,158
Evangelical Protestant54%25%5%9%7%1,230
Historically Black Protestant52%24%5%8%11%184
Jehovah's Witness44%40%8%2%5%188
Mainline Protestant25%29%6%26%14%822
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")13%13%2%60%11%1,474
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally18%41%25%16%1,546
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%38%23%14%1,259
Word of God; other/don't know15%32%32%21%230
Not the word of God34%38%20%9%1,738
Other/don't know24%39%23%15%611
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally10%16%33%29%10%1%1,546
Word of God; not everything taken literally16%17%30%28%8%1%1,259
Word of God; other/don't know9%11%28%36%16%1%230
Not the word of God20%22%30%23%5%< 1%1,738
Other/don't know13%19%30%28%9%1%611
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%61%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%55%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know37%63%251
Not the word of God60%40%1,798
Other/don't know55%45%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%12%4%33%5%1,580
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%8%3%20%6%1,295
Word of God; other/don't know55%11%3%25%6%231
Not the word of God65%5%7%19%5%1,736
Other/don't know60%9%7%18%6%627
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%6%60%1,557
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%11%70%1,284
Word of God; other/don't know26%5%69%237
Not the word of God19%11%70%1,752
Other/don't know20%9%71%639
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 literally60%20%14%6%1,178
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%24%23%11%1,045
Word of God; other/don't know49%19%23%8%171
Not the word of God42%18%24%16%1,486
Other/don't know52%17%19%12%461
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally63%26%7%4%1,587
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%30%13%7%1,297
Word of God; other/don't know54%29%11%6%243
Not the word of God44%33%15%9%1,776
Other/don't know43%36%13%8%657
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%8%16%8%18%1,604
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%7%14%5%26%1,303
Word of God; other/don't know52%2%15%10%22%241
Not the word of God37%12%14%4%33%1,778
Other/don't know41%10%15%6%27%650
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%63%1,606
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%67%1,302
Word of God; other/don't know31%69%243
Not the word of God30%70%1,793
Other/don't know29%71%663
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 literally83%14%1%1%< 1%1%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally72%22%3%< 1%1%1%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know82%10%1%4%1%2%251
Not the word of God32%27%11%1%24%5%1,798
Other/don't know58%19%5%3%5%9%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%14%2%2%1%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%33%6%3%1%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know78%18%1%2%1%251
Not the word of God18%29%22%30%1%1,798
Other/don't know42%32%13%9%4%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who attend religious services…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally55%28%15%1%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%36%25%1%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know47%30%20%3%251
Not the word of God10%28%61%1%1,798
Other/don't know20%37%38%5%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally76%13%3%6%1%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%18%7%13%1%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know75%8%5%7%5%251
Not the word of God26%13%8%52%1%1,798
Other/don't know46%14%8%26%6%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 literally45%12%8%34%2%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%8%10%54%1%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know39%7%11%40%4%251
Not the word of God6%5%5%84%< 1%1,798
Other/don't know13%8%8%66%5%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 literally53%6%3%35%4%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%8%3%47%2%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know57%4%2%30%6%251
Not the word of God32%9%5%54%2%1,798
Other/don't know41%8%5%40%6%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 literally74%10%5%9%3%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%16%9%15%2%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know67%10%10%7%6%251
Not the word of God44%13%11%30%2%1,798
Other/don't know53%12%7%20%8%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 literally49%11%10%26%4%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%14%13%28%1%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know42%8%8%31%11%251
Not the word of God48%14%12%26%1%1,798
Other/don't know46%12%11%26%5%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 literally57%5%30%5%3%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%7%46%6%4%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know44%5%36%2%13%251
Not the word of God7%15%60%15%3%1,798
Other/don't know18%12%53%8%9%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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%3%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%64%2%< 1%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know39%50%5%6%251
Not the word of God21%76%2%1%1,798
Other/don't know22%70%5%3%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 literally60%10%6%23%2%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%11%9%39%1%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know56%9%5%27%3%251
Not the word of God10%7%7%76%1%1,798
Other/don't know24%10%8%53%5%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally88%6%6%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally83%11%7%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know76%8%16%251
Not the word of God41%46%12%1,798
Other/don't know59%17%24%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally73%19%8%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%30%8%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know60%21%19%251
Not the word of God28%61%10%1,798
Other/don't know45%30%25%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%23%17%24%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%38%18%19%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know26%24%15%35%251
Not the word of God16%40%25%18%1,798
Other/don't know18%34%19%30%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%55%4%5%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%42%4%6%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know38%38%7%17%251
Not the word of God56%33%5%5%1,798
Other/don't know42%33%10%16%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 literally41%49%6%4%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%49%4%3%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know36%42%11%11%251
Not the word of God41%50%6%3%1,798
Other/don't know39%39%12%10%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%63%7%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%50%5%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know31%53%16%251
Not the word of God68%26%6%1,798
Other/don't know51%30%19%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%47%6%7%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%28%6%5%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know40%35%11%14%251
Not the word of God79%13%5%4%1,798
Other/don't know59%19%11%11%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally28%58%14%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%36%12%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know27%42%31%251
Not the word of God74%16%10%1,798
Other/don't know52%26%23%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 literally41%48%3%8%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%59%3%3%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know35%37%6%21%251
Not the word of God31%61%4%4%1,798
Other/don't know31%48%9%12%676
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by interpretation of scripture

% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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 literally15%22%3%52%8%1,619
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%32%4%38%6%1,314
Word of God; other/don't know8%18%8%49%16%251
Not the word of God56%18%7%15%4%1,798
Other/don't know24%23%15%23%16%676
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.