Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Newsletters Press Donate My Account Contacted By Us?

Religious Landscape Study

Religious Landscape Study

ReligionsGeographyTopics & QuestionsUser Guide

Religious composition of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

Christian 77%
Evangelical Protestant 21%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 6%
Southern Baptist Convention 3%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
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.) 4%
Nondenominational evangelical 2%
Nondenominational fundamentalist< 1%
Nondenominational charismatic< 1%
Nondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Community Church (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Lutheran Family (Evangelical Trad.) 3%
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 3%
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod< 1%
Other Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Church in America 1%
Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Assemblies of God< 1%
Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)< 1%
Foursquare Church< 1%
Pentecostal Church of God< 1%
Pentecostal Holiness Church< 1%
Calvary Chapel< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Church of God of the Apostolic Faith< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Churches of Christ< 1%
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Church of the Nazarene 1%
Wesleyan Church< 1%
Free Methodist Church 1%
Christian and Missionary Alliance< 1%
Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)< 1%
Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Christian Reformed Church< 1%
Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Adventist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Seventh-day Adventist< 1%
Other Adventist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pietist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other evangelical/fundamentalist family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Mainline Protestant 23%
Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
American Baptist Churches USA 1%
Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 7%
United Methodist Church 6%
Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Nondenominational Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Lutheran Family (Mainline Trad.) 4%
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 2%
Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Presbyterian Church (USA)< 1%
Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Episcopal Church 2%
Anglican Church< 1%
Other Episcopalian/Anglican (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Disciples of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
United Church of Christ< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Reformed Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Church in America< 1%
Other Reformed (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Friends Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Historically Black Protestant 4%
Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 3%
National Baptist Convention 1%
Progressive Baptist Convention< 1%
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 2%
Methodist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church< 1%
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church< 1%
Other Methodist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Church of God in Christ< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
United Pentecostal Church International< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.)< 1%
Catholic 27%
Mormon 1%
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1%
Other Mormon< 1%
Orthodox Christian 1%
Greek Orthodox< 1%
Russian Orthodox< 1%
Orthodox Church in America< 1%
Other Orthodox Christian< 1%
Jehovah's Witness< 1%
Other Christian< 1%
Metaphysical Family< 1%
Spiritualist< 1%
Unity Church< 1%
Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.)< 1%
Others in the "Other Christian" Tradition< 1%
Non-Christian Faiths 7%
Jewish 3%
Muslim 2%
Buddhist< 1%
Hindu 2%
Other World Religions< 1%
Other Faiths< 1%
Unitarians and other liberal faiths in the "Other Faiths" Tradition< 1%
Unitarian< 1%
Humanist< 1%
Deist< 1%
Spiritual but not religious< 1%
Eclectic, a bit of everything, "I have my own beliefs"< 1%
Other in the "Unitarian and other liberal faiths" family< 1%
New Age< 1%
Pagan or Wiccan< 1%
Other in the New Age family< 1%
Native American Religions< 1%
Unaffiliated (religious "nones") 16%
Atheist< 1%
Agnostic< 1%
Nothing in particular 16%
Nothing in particular (religion not important) 6%
Nothing in particular (religion important) 10%
Don't know < 1%

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who are ages…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201426%39%22%14%540
200724%42%22%11%533
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.

Compare: age group by frequency of prayerage group by interpretation of scripture

Generational cohort among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201417%18%29%26%9%< 1%540
2007< 1%19%33%32%13%2%533
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.

Compare: generational group by frequency of prayergenerational group by interpretation of scripture

Gender composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201458%42%544
200754%46%545
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.

Compare: gender by frequency of prayergender by interpretation of scripture

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who identify as…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201472%7%5%14%2%540
200778%5%3%12%2%541
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.

Compare: race/ethnicity by frequency of prayerrace/ethnicity by interpretation of scripture

Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201415%11%74%538
200711%12%77%540
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.

Compare: immigrant status by frequency of prayerimmigrant status by interpretation of scripture

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who have a household income of…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201429%16%29%25%485
200723%20%36%20%476
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.

Compare: household income by frequency of prayerhousehold income by interpretation of scripture

Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who have completed…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201445%32%14%9%541
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.

Compare: educational group by frequency of prayereducational group by interpretation of scripture

Marital status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201449%9%12%5%26%544
200753%8%11%6%21%544
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.

Compare: marital status by frequency of prayermarital status by interpretation of scripture

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201432%68%541
200735%65%544
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.

Compare: parental status by frequency of prayerparental status by interpretation of scripture

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who say they…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
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
201452%40%6%1%< 1%< 1%544
200767%28%2%1%< 1%1%545
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.

Compare: belief in God by frequency of prayerbelief in God by interpretation of scripture

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 pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who say religion is…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201422%60%15%3%< 1%544
200725%60%12%2%1%545
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.

Compare: importance of religion by frequency of prayerimportance of religion by interpretation of scripture

Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who attend religious services…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201410%63%26%< 1%544
200715%57%28%< 1%545
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.

Compare: religious attendance by frequency of prayerreligious attendance by interpretation of scripture

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 pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who attend prayer group…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20144%8%11%77%< 1%544
20072%7%9%83%< 1%545
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.

Compare: attendance at prayer groups by frequency of prayerattendance at prayer groups by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of meditation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who meditate…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201413%12%8%66%1%544
200712%9%5%73%1%545
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.

Compare: frequency of meditation by frequency of prayerfrequency of meditation by interpretation of scripture

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 pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201432%25%20%22%1%544
200725%22%24%27%2%545
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.

Compare: frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by frequency of prayerfrequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by interpretation of scripture

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 pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201427%19%20%33%1%544
200723%19%17%39%2%545
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.

Compare: frequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by frequency of prayerfrequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by interpretation of scripture

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 pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201415%12%64%7%1%544
200710%8%74%6%2%545
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.

Compare: sources of guidance on right and wrong by frequency of prayersources of guidance on right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

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 pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who say…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201429%70%< 1%< 1%544
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.

Compare: belief in existence of standards for right and wrong by frequency of prayerbelief in existence of standards for right and wrong by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who read scripture…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20145%12%17%66%< 1%544
20076%10%11%73%< 1%545
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.

Compare: frequency of reading scripture by frequency of prayerfrequency of reading scripture by interpretation of scripture

Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who …in heaven

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201490%6%3%544
200788%7%5%545
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.

Compare: belief in heaven by frequency of prayerbelief in heaven by interpretation of scripture

Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who …in hell

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201468%27%5%544
200763%27%10%545
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.

Compare: belief in hell by frequency of prayerbelief in hell by interpretation of scripture

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who identify as…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201444%18%38%544
200741%14%45%545
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.

Compare: political party by frequency of prayerpolitical party by interpretation of scripture

Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201430%46%20%5%544
200730%44%21%5%545
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.

Compare: political ideology by frequency of prayerpolitical ideology by interpretation of scripture

Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who would rather have…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201458%39%2%1%544
200745%49%3%3%545
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.

Compare: views about size of government by frequency of prayerviews about size of government by interpretation of scripture

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 pray monthly

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

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201454%41%3%2%544
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.

Compare: views about government aid to the poor by frequency of prayerviews about government aid to the poor by interpretation of scripture

Views about abortion among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who say abortion should be…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201457%40%2%544
200766%31%3%545
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.

Compare: views about abortion by frequency of prayerviews about abortion by interpretation of scripture

Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who say homosexuality…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201473%21%4%2%544
200763%28%5%5%545
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.

Compare: views about homosexuality by frequency of prayerviews about homosexuality by interpretation of scripture

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who …same-sex marriage

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201460%33%7%544
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.

Compare: views about same-sex marriage by frequency of prayerviews about same-sex marriage by interpretation of scripture

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who say…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
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
201439%58%1%1%544
200727%68%2%3%545
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.

Compare: views about environmental protection by frequency of prayerviews about environmental protection by interpretation of scripture

Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray monthly who say humans…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201431%35%3%29%2%544
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.

Compare: views about human evolution by frequency of prayerviews about human evolution by interpretation of scripture

Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center About Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Settings Reprints, Permissions & Use Policy Feedback Careers