Adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month
Religious composition of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month
Christian91%
Evangelical Protestant35%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.)10%
Southern Baptist Convention6%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)3%
Missionary Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Baptist Association of America< 1%
Free Will Baptist< 1%
General Association of Regular Baptist Churches< 1%
Other Baptist (Evangelical Trad.)1%
Methodist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Evangelical Trad.)9%
Nondenominational evangelical4%
Nondenominational fundamentalist< 1%
Nondenominational charismatic1%
Nondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who are ages…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
32%
38%
19%
11%
1,005
2007
26%
40%
22%
12%
968
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
22%
17%
31%
22%
7%
< 1%
1,005
2007
< 1%
21%
30%
33%
13%
3%
968
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
45%
55%
1,028
2007
46%
54%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who identify as…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
62%
14%
3%
18%
4%
1,022
2007
70%
11%
3%
12%
4%
983
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
15%
10%
75%
1,012
2007
12%
9%
80%
983
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who have a household income of…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
27%
22%
30%
20%
940
2007
28%
20%
32%
20%
859
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
35%
33%
19%
14%
1,025
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
49%
5%
11%
4%
31%
1,027
2007
57%
5%
11%
5%
22%
984
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
37%
63%
1,022
2007
39%
61%
988
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 God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who say they…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
2014
81%
17%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
1,028
2007
86%
12%
1%
< 1%
1%
< 1%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who say religion is…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
2014
72%
25%
2%
< 1%
1%
1,028
2007
74%
24%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who attend religious services…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
54%
40%
5%
< 1%
1,028
2007
59%
37%
4%
< 1%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who pray…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
74%
19%
4%
3%
< 1%
1,028
2007
73%
21%
4%
2%
< 1%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who meditate…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
43%
13%
3%
40%
< 1%
1,028
2007
44%
10%
4%
41%
1%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
66%
21%
8%
4%
< 1%
1,028
2007
60%
18%
12%
8%
1%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
44%
22%
14%
19%
1%
1,028
2007
41%
20%
13%
24%
3%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
44%
11%
36%
6%
3%
1,028
2007
40%
9%
45%
5%
2%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
39%
59%
1%
< 1%
1,028
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who read scripture…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
49%
26%
10%
14%
< 1%
1,028
2007
50%
25%
7%
16%
1%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who …in heaven
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
91%
5%
4%
1,028
2007
90%
5%
6%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who …in hell
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
77%
18%
5%
1,028
2007
71%
19%
10%
989
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.
Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who identify as…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
2014
47%
10%
42%
1,028
2007
42%
11%
47%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
40%
40%
17%
4%
1,028
2007
39%
41%
16%
4%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who would rather have…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
55%
40%
2%
2%
1,028
2007
45%
48%
3%
4%
989
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
46%
50%
4%
< 1%
1,028
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who say abortion should be…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
45%
54%
1%
1,028
2007
49%
48%
3%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who say homosexuality…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
63%
30%
5%
2%
1,028
2007
49%
42%
6%
4%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
51%
41%
7%
1,028
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who say…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
39%
59%
1%
1%
1,028
2007
30%
65%
2%
2%
989
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 attend prayer group once or twice a month
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group once or twice a month who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
2014
17%
40%
3%
37%
3%
1,028
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.