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
201424%35%3%28%9%6,083
200722%35%4%28%11%7,470
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally12%27%32%28%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%30%25%25%2,133
Word of God; other/don't know7%21%32%40%162
Not the word of God16%32%28%23%1,810
Other/don't know9%25%32%34%607
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally8%8%23%38%19%3%1,234
Word of God; not everything taken literally14%11%25%32%16%2%2,133
Word of God; other/don't know5%7%16%38%28%6%162
Not the word of God10%12%27%36%14%1%1,810
Other/don't know4%9%21%41%21%4%607
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%60%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%57%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know39%61%177
Not the word of God51%49%1,841
Other/don't know46%54%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%5%2%8%3%1,244
Word of God; not everything taken literally87%3%1%5%3%2,142
Word of God; other/don't know81%2%1%9%6%170
Not the word of God90%2%1%4%3%1,818
Other/don't know88%3%1%3%5%621
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally9%5%86%1,251
Word of God; not everything taken literally6%7%87%2,145
Word of God; other/don't know9%3%88%174
Not the word of God6%8%86%1,824
Other/don't know7%7%87%625
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants 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 literally44%22%23%10%1,060
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%21%29%26%1,867
Word of God; other/don't know30%24%23%22%122
Not the word of God21%16%31%31%1,641
Other/don't know28%17%30%25%518
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%29%11%5%1,263
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%34%20%13%2,154
Word of God; other/don't know41%34%15%10%172
Not the word of God27%26%27%20%1,826
Other/don't know32%32%18%18%630
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%5%15%13%16%1,258
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%5%10%8%21%2,151
Word of God; other/don't know55%1%8%26%10%176
Not the word of God57%7%13%6%17%1,832
Other/don't know57%6%13%12%12%631
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally24%76%1,261
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%72%2,156
Word of God; other/don't know20%80%177
Not the word of God27%73%1,835
Other/don't know21%79%633
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who say they…

Interpreting scriptureBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally89%8%< 1%1%< 1%1%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally74%24%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know76%18%1%4%< 1%1%177
Not the word of God37%43%12%1%5%3%1,841
Other/don't know64%26%3%3%1%3%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally80%18%2%1%< 1%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%37%5%1%< 1%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know82%13%1%1%2%177
Not the word of God24%46%24%6%1%1,841
Other/don't know50%37%9%2%2%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants 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 literally51%34%15%1%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%45%19%< 1%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know45%33%21%1%177
Not the word of God15%47%38%< 1%1,841
Other/don't know28%44%26%2%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally73%17%3%6%1%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%26%7%9%1%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know76%14%1%3%6%177
Not the word of God32%25%11%31%1%1,841
Other/don't know55%20%5%14%6%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants 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 literally37%14%10%38%1%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally18%12%12%59%< 1%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know30%9%9%51%2%177
Not the word of God6%4%6%83%< 1%1,841
Other/don't know15%8%9%65%3%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants 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 literally46%7%4%42%2%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%9%6%52%1%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know51%7%1%33%7%177
Not the word of God30%12%5%52%1%1,841
Other/don't know41%9%5%42%4%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants 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 literally71%13%7%8%1%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%22%12%11%1%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know67%12%8%11%2%177
Not the word of God45%19%13%22%1%1,841
Other/don't know54%15%12%13%5%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants 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 literally41%15%12%29%3%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%17%15%25%1%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know41%8%10%36%5%177
Not the word of God45%18%16%20%1%1,841
Other/don't know45%15%15%22%4%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants 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%4%38%4%2%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%9%52%5%2%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know48%5%38%2%6%177
Not the word of God9%18%62%10%2%1,841
Other/don't know18%10%56%8%7%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants 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 literally41%57%1%1%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%65%1%1%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know35%55%4%5%177
Not the word of God24%74%2%1%1,841
Other/don't know28%66%4%2%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants 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 literally53%14%7%24%1%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%15%14%39%< 1%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know45%18%10%24%3%177
Not the word of God10%9%13%68%< 1%1,841
Other/don't know25%14%12%45%3%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally93%4%3%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally89%5%5%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know80%6%13%177
Not the word of God61%28%11%1,841
Other/don't know69%11%20%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%11%7%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%23%9%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know66%17%18%177
Not the word of God37%54%9%1,841
Other/don't know43%30%27%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%16%35%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%13%35%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know48%34%18%177
Not the word of God33%15%52%1,841
Other/don't know35%23%42%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%31%10%7%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%42%16%4%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know47%29%9%16%177
Not the word of God24%39%33%4%1,841
Other/don't know29%39%22%10%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally55%39%3%3%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally64%31%2%3%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know62%20%7%12%177
Not the word of God57%37%4%2%1,841
Other/don't know53%28%9%11%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants 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 literally53%42%4%2%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%42%3%2%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know51%32%10%7%177
Not the word of God40%55%3%1%1,841
Other/don't know38%49%7%6%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%55%5%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%40%2%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know39%45%16%177
Not the word of God81%16%3%1,841
Other/don't know65%23%12%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%50%6%3%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%23%4%3%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know38%39%12%11%177
Not the word of God85%10%3%2%1,841
Other/don't know67%19%8%6%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally30%61%9%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%33%7%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know26%55%19%177
Not the word of God78%16%6%1,841
Other/don't know60%25%15%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants 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 literally49%45%3%3%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%56%2%2%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know46%38%6%10%177
Not the word of God29%67%1%2%1,841
Other/don't know29%58%7%7%641
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 Mainline Protestants by interpretation of scripture

% of Mainline Protestants 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 literally13%25%3%55%5%1,266
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%41%4%31%5%2,158
Word of God; other/don't know6%27%5%46%17%177
Not the word of God55%27%6%10%2%1,841
Other/don't know29%28%14%18%12%641
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.