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
201444%27%2%21%5%465
200751%23%3%16%7%528
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 adults in Louisiana by religious group

% of adults in Louisiana 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
Catholic33%36%2%22%7%130
Evangelical Protestant55%32%4%5%4%120
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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally21%27%32%19%185
Word of God; not everything taken literally22%44%18%17%129
Not the word of God33%36%23%8%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally12%15%22%36%14%1%185
Word of God; not everything taken literally13%19%33%24%11%< 1%129
Not the word of God21%19%29%27%3%< 1%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally38%62%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%49%129
Not the word of God60%40%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%46%< 1%3%3%182
Word of God; not everything taken literally70%22%1%6%2%129
Not the word of God80%10%1%5%4%103
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally2%3%95%183
Word of God; not everything taken literally4%2%95%129
Not the word of God7%9%84%101
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana 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 literally52%16%20%11%161
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%17%31%17%117
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally59%30%8%3%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%26%20%7%129
Not the word of God41%26%24%8%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%5%17%8%22%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%4%15%5%30%129
Not the word of God27%17%18%3%35%103
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally36%64%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%65%129
Not the word of God26%74%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana 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 literally94%4%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally83%14%2%1%< 1%< 1%129
Not the word of God28%34%7%< 1%28%4%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally90%9%< 1%< 1%< 1%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally80%19%1%< 1%< 1%129
Not the word of God25%35%14%26%< 1%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana 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 literally63%29%9%< 1%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%41%13%< 1%129
Not the word of God14%31%55%< 1%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%10%2%4%< 1%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%20%3%9%< 1%129
Not the word of God29%20%2%48%1%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana 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 literally51%16%10%22%< 1%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%17%8%44%< 1%129
Not the word of God5%4%3%87%1%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana 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 literally56%3%2%38%1%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%10%5%45%1%129
Not the word of God25%11%8%55%1%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally80%10%3%6%1%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%16%8%8%< 1%129
Not the word of God29%17%10%40%4%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana 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 literally39%13%13%33%2%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%18%18%19%4%129
Not the word of God52%10%11%26%1%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana 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 literally56%6%36%1%< 1%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%7%38%4%3%129
Not the word of God10%18%53%17%2%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana 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 literally44%55%< 1%1%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%57%< 1%< 1%129
Not the word of God18%76%3%3%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana 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 literally70%10%5%13%1%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%15%9%32%< 1%129
Not the word of God13%10%7%68%1%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally92%4%4%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%7%4%129
Not the word of God44%42%13%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally82%12%6%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally78%14%8%129
Not the word of God33%58%9%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%12%48%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%17%36%129
Not the word of God34%23%43%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%28%11%6%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%31%11%4%129
Not the word of God32%36%27%5%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%54%2%3%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%34%3%2%129
Not the word of God60%35%1%4%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana 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 literally50%43%2%5%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%48%1%4%129
Not the word of God45%48%7%1%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally27%67%6%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%65%2%129
Not the word of God75%22%2%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally38%50%6%6%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%26%6%8%129
Not the word of God81%15%4%< 1%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%66%7%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%48%9%129
Not the word of God79%17%4%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana 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 literally52%42%1%4%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%52%1%2%129
Not the word of God28%71%< 1%2%104
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 in Louisiana by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Louisiana 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 literally12%22%2%57%7%186
Word of God; not everything taken literally20%44%2%31%4%129
Not the word of God59%24%3%13%1%104
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.