Religious denomination among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Survey yearAfrican Methodist Episcopal ChurchAfrican Methodist Episcopal Zion ChurchAmerican Baptist Churches USAAnglican ChurchApostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)Apostolic Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Assemblies of GodCalvary ChapelChristian and Missionary AllianceChristian Churches and Churches of ChristChristian Methodist Episcopal ChurchChristian Reformed ChurchChurch of God (Anderson, Indiana)Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)Church of God in ChristChurch of God of the Apostolic FaithChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsChurch of the NazareneChurches of ChristCommunity Church (Evangelical Trad.)Conservative Baptist Association of AmericaConservative Congregational Christian ConferenceDeistDisciples of ChristEclectic, a bit of everything, "I have my own beliefs"Episcopal ChurchEvangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)Foursquare ChurchFree Methodist ChurchFree Will BaptistGeneral Association of Regular Baptist ChurchesGreek OrthodoxHumanistIndependent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.)Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.)Lutheran Church-Missouri SynodMissionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)National Baptist ConventionNondenominational charismaticNondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)Nondenominational evangelicalNondenominational fundamentalistNondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)Nothing in particular (religion important)Nothing in particular (religion not important)Orthodox Church in AmericaOther Adventist (Evangelical Trad.)Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.)Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.)Other Congregationalist (Mainline Trad.)Other Episcopalian/Anglican (Mainline Trad.)Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.)Other in the "Unitarian and other liberal faiths" familyOther in the New Age familyOther Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.)Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.)Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.)Other Methodist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.)Other MormonOther Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.)Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.)Other Orthodox ChristianOther Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.)Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.)Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.)Other Reformed (Mainline Trad.)Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.)Other Restorationist (Mainline Trad.)Others in "Other Christian" TraditionPagan or WiccanPentecostal Church of GodPentecostal Holiness ChurchPresbyterian Church (USA)Presbyterian Church in AmericaProgressive Baptist ConventionReformed Church in AmericaRussian OrthodoxSeventh-day AdventistSouthern Baptist ConventionSpiritual but not religiousSpiritualistUnitarianUnited Church of ChristUnited Methodist ChurchUnited Pentecostal Church InternationalUnity ChurchWesleyan ChurchWisconsin Evangelical Lutheran SynodSample size
2014< 1%< 1%3%1%< 1%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%5%1%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%4%< 1%1%1%3%< 1%< 1%2%1%< 1%4%1%< 1%10%4%< 1%< 1%2%2%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%3%2%< 1%2%1%1%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%8%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%9%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%5,806
20071%< 1%2%1%< 1%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%5%< 1%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%2%6%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%4%< 1%1%1%3%< 1%< 1%2%1%< 1%2%< 1%< 1%9%3%< 1%< 1%2%2%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%1%1%< 1%1%< 1%1%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%3%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%10%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%13%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%5,775
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: American Baptist Churches USA, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Churches of Christ, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.), Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, National Baptist Convention, Nondenominational evangelical, Nothing in particular (religion important), Nothing in particular (religion not important), Presbyterian Church (USA), Southern Baptist Convention, United Methodist Church

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are ages…

Religious denomination18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
American Baptist Churches USA32%32%25%11%131
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints27%39%20%14%350
Churches of Christ26%35%24%15%161
Episcopal Church13%24%30%33%157
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)13%30%29%28%279
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)21%43%24%13%212
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod12%33%31%23%172
Nondenominational evangelical32%39%21%8%234
Nothing in particular (religion important)33%35%26%6%458
Nothing in particular (religion not important)36%40%15%9%208
Presbyterian Church (USA)13%27%22%38%167
Southern Baptist Convention20%30%28%21%426
United Methodist Church11%30%28%31%682
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Religious denominationYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
American Baptist Churches USA20%18%26%30%5%1%131
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints17%18%31%25%8%1%350
Churches of Christ21%12%28%29%9%1%161
Episcopal Church10%5%22%40%21%2%157
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)12%3%27%37%19%2%279
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)17%12%35%27%10%< 1%212
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod10%8%27%38%15%1%172
Nondenominational evangelical23%21%26%25%5%< 1%234
Nothing in particular (religion important)21%20%28%28%4%< 1%458
Nothing in particular (religion not important)24%19%33%18%6%< 1%208
Presbyterian Church (USA)11%6%24%32%26%2%167
Southern Baptist Convention12%13%26%33%16%< 1%426
United Methodist Church8%6%27%35%22%2%682
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Religious denominationMenWomenSample size
American Baptist Churches USA38%62%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints48%52%354
Churches of Christ44%56%162
Episcopal Church47%53%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)47%53%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)46%54%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod44%56%177
National Baptist Convention36%64%101
Nondenominational evangelical47%53%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)52%48%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)56%44%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)41%59%172
Southern Baptist Convention51%49%430
United Methodist Church42%58%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…

Religious denominationWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
American Baptist Churches USA74%11%1%10%3%131
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints91%< 1%1%6%2%349
Churches of Christ73%12%< 1%9%5%161
Episcopal Church95%2%1%1%1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)98%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%277
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)83%< 1%3%8%5%213
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod96%1%1%2%< 1%176
National Baptist Convention< 1%100%< 1%< 1%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical76%8%2%9%5%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)59%13%2%19%6%459
Nothing in particular (religion not important)69%11%2%13%5%210
Presbyterian Church (USA)91%5%2%3%1%172
Southern Baptist Convention83%6%< 1%5%6%428
United Methodist Church94%1%2%2%2%683
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Religious denominationImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
American Baptist Churches USA8%6%86%131
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints3%8%89%353
Churches of Christ5%7%88%159
Episcopal Church6%10%84%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)3%7%90%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)5%7%88%212
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod2%7%91%177
Nondenominational evangelical9%7%83%235
Nothing in particular (religion important)13%9%78%458
Nothing in particular (religion not important)11%10%79%204
Presbyterian Church (USA)6%4%89%172
Southern Baptist Convention4%3%94%427
United Methodist Church5%5%90%684
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have a household income of…

Religious denominationLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
American Baptist Churches USA41%21%26%12%117
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints23%20%35%21%323
Churches of Christ34%18%30%18%155
Episcopal Church15%15%31%39%144
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)18%21%34%27%241
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)36%21%30%13%194
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod20%18%41%21%150
Nondenominational evangelical20%23%32%25%220
Nothing in particular (religion important)44%20%23%13%421
Nothing in particular (religion not important)47%21%23%9%186
Presbyterian Church (USA)16%17%29%38%148
Southern Baptist Convention29%24%29%18%401
United Methodist Church18%22%33%27%595
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have completed…

Religious denominationHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
American Baptist Churches USA45%35%11%8%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints20%42%27%12%353
Churches of Christ41%38%11%10%162
Episcopal Church14%37%28%21%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)29%36%21%14%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)43%41%12%4%214
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod35%38%13%14%176
National Baptist Convention38%30%20%12%100
Nondenominational evangelical28%32%25%16%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)58%32%7%3%467
Nothing in particular (religion not important)56%29%9%6%209
Presbyterian Church (USA)19%28%27%27%171
Southern Baptist Convention41%35%16%8%428
United Methodist Church29%33%23%15%684
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Religious denominationMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
American Baptist Churches USA47%5%15%5%29%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints68%2%7%3%20%353
Churches of Christ45%4%13%6%31%162
Episcopal Church55%5%10%9%21%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)62%4%9%9%16%279
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)48%11%14%9%19%213
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod56%6%10%11%17%176
National Baptist Convention38%4%25%6%27%101
Nondenominational evangelical57%4%10%3%26%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)41%9%12%4%34%466
Nothing in particular (religion not important)34%9%13%4%40%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)66%1%5%12%16%172
Southern Baptist Convention54%4%16%7%19%430
United Methodist Church62%4%11%10%13%684
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Religious denominationParentsNon-parentsSample size
American Baptist Churches USA39%61%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints43%57%352
Churches of Christ29%71%162
Episcopal Church21%79%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)25%75%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)34%66%214
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod23%77%175
Nondenominational evangelical40%60%233
Nothing in particular (religion important)33%67%467
Nothing in particular (religion not important)27%73%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)27%73%172
Southern Baptist Convention30%70%427
United Methodist Church26%74%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they…

Religious denominationBelieve 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
American Baptist Churches USA80%18%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints90%9%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%354
Churches of Christ81%16%2%< 1%< 1%1%162
Episcopal Church74%20%2%2%1%< 1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)75%22%2%< 1%< 1%1%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)83%16%1%1%< 1%< 1%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod77%23%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%177
National Baptist Convention88%8%3%1%< 1%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical87%12%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)65%29%5%< 1%< 1%1%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)39%38%14%< 1%8%1%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)72%27%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%172
Southern Baptist Convention85%14%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%430
United Methodist Church77%22%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is…

Religious denominationVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA68%29%2%< 1%< 1%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints85%14%2%< 1%< 1%354
Churches of Christ67%30%1%1%1%162
Episcopal Church60%33%6%1%< 1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)66%30%3%1%< 1%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)56%40%2%1%< 1%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod58%40%1%< 1%< 1%177
National Baptist Convention83%15%2%< 1%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical74%21%2%2%< 1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)42%58%< 1%< 1%< 1%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)< 1%< 1%69%29%2%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)69%29%2%< 1%< 1%172
Southern Baptist Convention71%28%1%< 1%< 1%430
United Methodist Church60%36%3%< 1%1%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend religious services…

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA39%44%17%< 1%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints81%12%8%< 1%354
Churches of Christ54%36%9%1%162
Episcopal Church36%51%13%< 1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)39%50%12%< 1%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)29%48%23%< 1%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod35%45%20%< 1%177
National Baptist Convention50%46%4%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical60%28%12%< 1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)9%47%43%1%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)2%23%74%1%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)51%39%9%< 1%172
Southern Baptist Convention43%43%13%< 1%430
United Methodist Church42%42%16%< 1%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray…

Religious denominationAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA65%24%4%7%< 1%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints88%7%2%2%< 1%354
Churches of Christ73%19%2%6%1%162
Episcopal Church60%20%11%8%< 1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)57%29%6%7%1%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)61%24%3%12%< 1%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod60%27%11%2%< 1%177
National Baptist Convention84%12%3%< 1%1%101
Nondenominational evangelical74%17%4%5%< 1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)47%25%10%17%< 1%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)16%18%13%53%< 1%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)69%23%2%5%< 1%172
Southern Baptist Convention74%17%4%4%1%430
United Methodist Church62%23%6%8%< 1%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group…

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA27%19%8%46%< 1%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints76%6%3%15%< 1%354
Churches of Christ33%17%7%43%< 1%162
Episcopal Church11%12%12%65%< 1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)16%7%17%60%1%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)24%14%8%53%< 1%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod13%10%13%63%1%177
National Baptist Convention45%13%10%31%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical37%16%15%31%< 1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)9%7%8%75%< 1%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)2%4%6%88%< 1%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)25%16%13%47%< 1%172
Southern Baptist Convention30%14%12%44%< 1%430
United Methodist Church20%12%13%55%< 1%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate…

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA32%10%4%55%< 1%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints60%11%2%27%1%354
Churches of Christ41%8%2%48%1%162
Episcopal Church34%8%7%50%1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)28%10%4%56%1%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)29%11%2%56%1%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod29%6%6%57%2%177
National Baptist Convention67%7%6%21%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical39%9%5%47%< 1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)33%6%4%57%< 1%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)15%5%4%73%2%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)39%12%6%42%1%172
Southern Baptist Convention38%6%3%51%2%430
United Methodist Church35%9%4%50%2%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA59%20%11%9%1%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints80%10%4%4%1%354
Churches of Christ71%14%5%10%< 1%162
Episcopal Church54%24%11%10%1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)57%24%9%10%< 1%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)58%18%13%11%< 1%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod54%26%9%10%1%177
National Baptist Convention76%10%9%5%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical68%16%7%9%< 1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)45%17%13%24%1%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)31%16%10%43%< 1%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)64%16%13%7%< 1%172
Southern Baptist Convention67%17%7%9%< 1%430
United Methodist Church61%19%12%8%< 1%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA42%15%14%29%< 1%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints46%27%13%13%< 1%354
Churches of Christ45%16%15%25%< 1%162
Episcopal Church41%23%13%23%< 1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)45%23%11%21%1%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)37%23%12%28%1%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod36%20%15%26%2%177
National Baptist Convention33%26%13%27%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical52%17%10%20%< 1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)41%16%9%34%< 1%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)32%9%12%47%< 1%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)52%13%13%21%< 1%172
Southern Baptist Convention41%20%15%23%1%430
United Methodist Church39%16%18%27%1%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious denominationReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA42%6%47%4%1%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints66%3%28%1%2%354
Churches of Christ45%10%39%4%2%162
Episcopal Church28%13%49%7%3%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)36%3%55%4%3%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)38%7%52%1%2%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod34%4%57%4%1%177
National Baptist Convention42%7%47%4%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical64%6%27%2%1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)18%8%63%9%3%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)8%17%62%11%2%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)42%12%40%3%3%172
Southern Baptist Convention49%6%40%3%2%430
United Methodist Church37%7%50%5%1%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…

Religious denominationThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA27%72%< 1%< 1%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints58%40%2%< 1%354
Churches of Christ40%59%1%< 1%162
Episcopal Church39%60%1%< 1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)31%67%2%< 1%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)34%65%1%< 1%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod37%62%1%< 1%177
National Baptist Convention18%81%1%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical56%43%1%< 1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)29%68%1%2%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)28%71%1%1%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)29%70%< 1%1%172
Southern Baptist Convention41%56%2%1%430
United Methodist Church34%64%1%1%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture…

Religious denominationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA46%12%11%30%1%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints79%7%5%8%1%354
Churches of Christ51%11%14%23%1%162
Episcopal Church25%15%17%42%< 1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)24%16%19%40%< 1%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)38%14%12%36%< 1%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod23%17%13%48%< 1%177
National Baptist Convention59%22%5%14%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical56%18%11%14%< 1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)22%16%9%53%< 1%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)8%8%5%78%< 1%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)40%20%10%29%< 1%172
Southern Baptist Convention51%14%11%24%< 1%430
United Methodist Church35%14%13%38%< 1%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in heaven

Religious denominationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA93%5%2%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints97%2%1%354
Churches of Christ93%2%5%162
Episcopal Church87%9%4%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)88%4%8%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)93%5%2%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod90%6%4%177
National Baptist Convention98%2%1%101
Nondenominational evangelical91%6%3%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)82%12%6%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)72%18%10%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)91%6%4%172
Southern Baptist Convention90%5%6%430
United Methodist Church90%5%5%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in hell

Religious denominationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA84%14%3%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints62%33%6%354
Churches of Christ89%7%4%162
Episcopal Church57%34%10%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)67%23%10%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)85%13%2%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod74%19%7%177
National Baptist Convention85%10%5%101
Nondenominational evangelical84%10%6%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)69%27%4%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)50%39%10%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)55%31%14%172
Southern Baptist Convention84%11%6%430
United Methodist Church69%21%10%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…

Religious denominationRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
American Baptist Churches USA45%13%42%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints78%8%14%354
Churches of Christ56%8%36%162
Episcopal Church45%12%43%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)50%9%42%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)52%17%32%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod58%18%24%177
National Baptist Convention9%8%83%101
Nondenominational evangelical71%10%20%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)31%27%42%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)30%27%43%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)44%10%46%172
Southern Baptist Convention61%10%29%430
United Methodist Church56%9%35%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Religious denominationConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA35%42%17%6%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints66%26%6%3%354
Churches of Christ45%35%14%5%162
Episcopal Church32%37%26%4%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)36%41%21%2%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)41%42%15%2%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod48%41%7%4%177
National Baptist Convention23%47%28%2%101
Nondenominational evangelical57%31%11%1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)25%41%24%10%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)23%42%24%11%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)36%39%24%1%172
Southern Baptist Convention59%27%11%3%430
United Methodist Church41%42%15%2%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who would rather have…

Religious denominationSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA48%43%2%6%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints83%15%< 1%2%354
Churches of Christ65%30%1%4%162
Episcopal Church65%32%2%< 1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)66%28%4%2%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)57%39%3%2%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod69%26%2%3%177
National Baptist Convention28%66%3%3%101
Nondenominational evangelical80%17%1%1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)51%44%2%2%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)55%44%< 1%2%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)60%36%1%3%172
Southern Baptist Convention65%33%1%2%430
United Methodist Church68%27%1%3%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…

Religious denominationDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA48%46%3%3%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints66%30%3%1%354
Churches of Christ46%53%1%< 1%162
Episcopal Church44%52%4%< 1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)51%41%7%2%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)55%39%5%1%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod62%36%1%< 1%177
National Baptist Convention30%69%1%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical63%33%3%1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)49%48%2%1%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)44%53%2%1%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)41%55%4%< 1%172
Southern Baptist Convention60%39%< 1%1%430
United Methodist Church58%38%2%1%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say abortion should be…

Religious denominationLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA53%44%3%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints23%76%1%354
Churches of Christ39%58%3%162
Episcopal Church78%22%1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)62%36%2%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)49%49%2%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod50%48%3%177
National Baptist Convention73%26%1%101
Nondenominational evangelical30%69%< 1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)51%44%5%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)62%36%2%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)65%34%2%172
Southern Baptist Convention38%60%3%430
United Methodist Church59%38%3%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say homosexuality…

Religious denominationShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA71%25%1%3%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints34%60%4%2%354
Churches of Christ47%46%4%3%162
Episcopal Church80%14%5%1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)79%18%2%1%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)56%34%7%3%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod67%28%2%4%177
National Baptist Convention63%30%6%< 1%101
Nondenominational evangelical49%47%3%2%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)73%21%4%2%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)76%18%4%2%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)71%19%5%5%172
Southern Baptist Convention45%49%4%2%430
United Methodist Church67%27%4%2%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …same-sex marriage

Religious denominationStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA55%39%6%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints21%74%5%354
Churches of Christ39%57%4%162
Episcopal Church73%20%7%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)69%24%7%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)46%46%8%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod51%42%8%177
National Baptist Convention47%45%8%101
Nondenominational evangelical37%60%4%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)63%30%7%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)71%24%6%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)61%32%7%172
Southern Baptist Convention34%60%6%430
United Methodist Church53%39%8%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…

Religious denominationStricter 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
American Baptist Churches USA31%66%3%< 1%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints55%43%1%2%354
Churches of Christ44%52%1%3%162
Episcopal Church37%60%1%1%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)33%64%2%1%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)46%53%1%< 1%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod40%59%1%< 1%177
National Baptist Convention27%72%1%1%101
Nondenominational evangelical47%51%2%< 1%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)38%57%3%3%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)36%63%< 1%1%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)40%56%3%1%172
Southern Baptist Convention44%53%1%1%430
United Methodist Church41%56%2%1%686
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious denomination

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say humans…

Religious denominationEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
American Baptist Churches USA20%36%2%35%7%132
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints7%36%2%48%7%354
Churches of Christ22%38%1%38%2%162
Episcopal Church25%53%6%13%3%159
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)14%49%4%29%4%280
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)18%36%1%43%2%215
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod20%41%2%37%1%177
National Baptist Convention21%37%2%37%3%101
Nondenominational evangelical4%39%2%54%2%236
Nothing in particular (religion important)27%35%4%31%3%468
Nothing in particular (religion not important)37%31%3%28%2%212
Presbyterian Church (USA)19%48%3%29%2%172
Southern Baptist Convention19%33%1%44%3%430
United Methodist Church18%41%4%32%5%686
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.