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
201423%30%2%37%8%11,653
200725%31%3%31%10%12,825
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 moderates by religious group

% of moderates 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
Catholic19%39%2%32%8%2,619
Evangelical Protestant42%37%4%11%5%2,236
Historically Black Protestant53%29%2%10%6%672
Jewish9%26%1%55%9%262
Mainline Protestant20%39%2%29%10%2,290
Mormon33%51%5%5%6%172
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")7%13%< 1%72%7%2,681
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally19%33%29%19%2,338
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%34%24%16%3,545
Word of God; other/don't know17%29%29%26%251
Not the word of God29%36%23%12%4,402
Other/don't know18%36%27%18%906
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally12%12%29%34%12%2%2,338
Word of God; not everything taken literally18%14%28%28%10%1%3,545
Word of God; other/don't know10%13%22%34%17%3%251
Not the word of God18%19%28%27%8%1%4,402
Other/don't know9%16%29%33%12%2%906
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%63%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%56%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know40%60%261
Not the word of God60%40%4,464
Other/don't know50%50%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally51%24%3%19%3%2,345
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%11%3%13%4%3,575
Word of God; other/don't know61%12%4%18%5%254
Not the word of God72%6%6%13%4%4,403
Other/don't know69%10%4%12%5%932
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally16%9%75%2,332
Word of God; not everything taken literally12%11%77%3,574
Word of God; other/don't know19%6%75%258
Not the word of God14%12%74%4,426
Other/don't know13%9%79%943
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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 literally50%23%19%9%2,084
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%22%29%19%3,211
Word of God; other/don't know37%22%28%14%208
Not the word of God24%19%30%27%4,028
Other/don't know34%20%28%19%768
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%32%9%5%2,359
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%31%19%13%3,596
Word of God; other/don't know36%36%17%11%260
Not the word of God29%33%23%15%4,453
Other/don't know30%40%18%13%948
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%6%16%11%21%2,359
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%6%11%6%28%3,594
Word of God; other/don't know51%2%15%12%20%259
Not the word of God45%9%11%4%31%4,453
Other/don't know48%10%13%9%21%947
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%69%2,361
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%69%3,592
Word of God; other/don't know28%72%259
Not the word of God27%73%4,447
Other/don't know28%72%948
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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 literally88%10%1%1%< 1%< 1%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%23%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know91%7%< 1%1%< 1%2%261
Not the word of God27%32%14%< 1%22%5%4,464
Other/don't know59%27%5%1%4%4%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%15%2%1%< 1%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%35%6%1%< 1%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know82%14%2%1%1%261
Not the word of God16%33%26%25%1%4,464
Other/don't know45%33%12%7%2%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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%32%13%< 1%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%42%19%< 1%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know50%29%19%1%261
Not the word of God9%37%53%< 1%4,464
Other/don't know24%45%30%1%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally77%14%3%5%< 1%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%23%7%10%< 1%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know82%12%3%1%3%261
Not the word of God24%15%9%52%1%4,464
Other/don't know50%20%8%19%3%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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 literally40%14%10%35%< 1%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally21%12%12%55%< 1%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know40%7%13%39%1%261
Not the word of God4%3%5%87%< 1%4,464
Other/don't know14%9%8%68%1%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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 literally49%8%3%37%2%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%9%5%49%1%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know53%8%3%33%4%261
Not the word of God28%10%6%55%1%4,464
Other/don't know40%9%5%45%1%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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 literally73%12%6%8%1%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%19%12%12%< 1%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know70%14%5%8%2%261
Not the word of God42%17%14%27%1%4,464
Other/don't know54%15%12%17%2%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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 literally40%16%13%29%2%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%19%15%24%< 1%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know45%12%12%26%4%261
Not the word of God45%17%16%21%1%4,464
Other/don't know49%15%13%21%2%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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 literally52%5%37%5%2%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%10%49%7%2%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know50%6%33%3%9%261
Not the word of God5%18%60%15%2%4,464
Other/don't know17%12%58%7%6%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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 literally35%63%1%1%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%69%1%< 1%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know33%62%3%1%261
Not the word of God20%78%1%< 1%4,464
Other/don't know24%71%3%2%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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 literally57%12%7%22%1%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%15%12%41%< 1%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know61%8%8%21%3%261
Not the word of God8%7%8%77%< 1%4,464
Other/don't know23%13%9%53%2%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally93%5%2%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%5%4%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know83%8%9%261
Not the word of God44%46%10%4,464
Other/don't know66%15%19%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%13%6%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%24%7%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know76%10%14%261
Not the word of God28%63%8%4,464
Other/don't know47%31%22%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%17%53%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%16%46%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know31%28%42%261
Not the word of God29%19%51%4,464
Other/don't know28%27%46%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%55%3%3%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%41%2%3%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know44%34%11%11%261
Not the word of God59%33%4%4%4,464
Other/don't know50%31%10%9%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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 literally40%54%3%2%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%53%3%1%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know37%46%13%4%261
Not the word of God40%55%4%1%4,464
Other/don't know34%51%11%4%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%55%4%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%41%2%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know34%54%12%261
Not the word of God79%18%3%4,464
Other/don't know64%27%9%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%44%4%4%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally73%21%4%3%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know44%36%12%7%261
Not the word of God88%8%2%1%4,464
Other/don't know70%16%7%7%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%56%8%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%31%7%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know36%45%20%261
Not the word of God82%13%5%4,464
Other/don't know64%24%13%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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%54%2%3%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%65%2%2%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know31%53%6%10%261
Not the word of God26%69%3%2%4,464
Other/don't know29%60%6%5%957
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 moderates by interpretation of scripture

% of moderates 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 literally14%26%3%54%4%2,367
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%41%3%31%2%3,604
Word of God; other/don't know14%25%7%42%12%261
Not the word of God65%19%4%11%1%4,464
Other/don't know31%31%12%16%9%957
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.