Religious composition of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201427%33%24%16%4,145
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201418%14%27%29%10%1%4,145
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201440%60%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201462%15%3%16%4%4,193
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201414%12%74%4,174
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201438%21%25%16%3,755
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201439%33%16%12%4,207
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201444%6%14%6%29%4,214
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201430%70%4,208
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201475%21%2%< 1%1%< 1%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201461%31%6%2%< 1%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201440%41%19%< 1%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201465%20%6%9%< 1%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201424%13%11%52%< 1%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201441%9%4%45%1%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201459%18%11%12%1%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201443%18%14%25%1%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201436%11%45%7%2%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

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

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201428%70%1%1%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%15%11%36%< 1%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201488%7%4%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201467%26%7%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201426%17%57%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201425%44%25%5%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201438%57%2%3%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201456%41%3%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201470%24%3%2%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201462%32%6%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

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

Survey yearStricter 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
201427%70%1%2%4,224
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201422%39%3%33%3%4,224
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.