Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201423%27%3%39%9%563
200727%33%3%31%7%789
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 Minnesota by religious group

% of adults in Minnesota who say the holy scripture is…

Religious traditionWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic19%36%3%34%8%128
Evangelical Protestant58%22%6%9%5%110
Mainline Protestant14%39%1%36%10%172
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")4%7%< 1%75%14%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.

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 adults in Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally9%38%27%26%121
Word of God; not everything taken literally18%32%28%21%160
Not the word of God34%34%23%9%210
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally5%11%31%35%18%1%121
Word of God; not everything taken literally11%13%26%34%16%< 1%160
Not the word of God24%20%25%25%7%< 1%210
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%59%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%51%161
Not the word of God56%44%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally81%11%1%5%2%120
Word of God; not everything taken literally86%3%< 1%2%9%159
Not the word of God88%1%3%4%4%209
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally10%6%84%125
Word of God; not everything taken literally5%3%92%161
Not the word of God6%7%87%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota 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 literally34%21%31%14%101
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%20%32%24%149
Not the word of God24%18%26%32%195
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%30%16%7%125
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%32%24%9%161
Not the word of God26%36%25%13%210
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally58%2%10%9%20%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%3%7%9%21%161
Not the word of God42%11%8%2%38%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally35%65%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally24%76%161
Not the word of God26%74%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota 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 literally90%7%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%25%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%161
Not the word of God25%34%11%< 1%23%8%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally86%11%< 1%2%1%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally56%38%2%3%< 1%161
Not the word of God15%29%25%29%2%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota 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 literally69%24%7%< 1%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%46%14%< 1%161
Not the word of God9%39%52%< 1%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally85%9%2%3%< 1%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%34%9%9%< 1%161
Not the word of God22%11%6%60%< 1%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota 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%18%10%36%< 1%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally21%8%11%59%< 1%161
Not the word of God4%2%4%90%< 1%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota 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 literally51%5%2%40%1%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%8%4%61%1%161
Not the word of God26%12%5%56%< 1%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota 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 literally72%10%5%12%1%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%26%8%8%< 1%161
Not the word of God45%20%13%21%2%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota 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%12%13%32%2%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%20%14%28%< 1%161
Not the word of God47%22%10%21%< 1%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota 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 literally60%< 1%37%3%< 1%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%9%51%5%2%161
Not the word of God3%20%60%14%2%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota 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 literally53%47%< 1%< 1%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%58%1%2%161
Not the word of God15%85%< 1%< 1%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who read scripture…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%10%11%19%< 1%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%9%18%43%< 1%161
Not the word of God5%6%7%82%< 1%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally87%6%7%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally92%4%4%161
Not the word of God50%44%7%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally80%12%8%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%22%9%161
Not the word of God29%63%9%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally50%14%36%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%11%37%161
Not the word of God24%17%59%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%21%12%10%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%36%13%2%161
Not the word of God12%36%44%8%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally62%33%< 1%4%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%24%3%2%161
Not the word of God48%47%3%2%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota 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 literally58%39%3%1%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%45%7%1%161
Not the word of God30%66%2%2%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally21%77%2%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%53%4%161
Not the word of God76%21%3%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally23%73%2%2%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%32%4%1%161
Not the word of God86%12%1%< 1%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%76%6%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally58%40%3%161
Not the word of God83%15%3%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota 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 literally48%46%1%6%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%57%3%1%161
Not the word of God25%71%2%2%211
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 Minnesota by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Minnesota 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 literally11%10%1%72%7%126
Word of God; not everything taken literally15%36%9%38%2%161
Not the word of God63%20%5%12%< 1%211
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.