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 say religion is not too important

Christian 56%
Evangelical Protestant 12%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 3%
Southern Baptist Convention 1%
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.) 3%
Nondenominational evangelical 1%
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.)< 1%
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod< 1%
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.) 1%
Mainline Protestant 17%
Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
American Baptist Churches USA 1%
Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 4%
United Methodist Church 3%
Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Nondenominational Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Lutheran Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 1%
Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Church (USA)< 1%
Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Episcopal Church 1%
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.) 3%
Historically Black Protestant 2%
Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
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.) 1%
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 24%
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 5%
Jewish 1%
Muslim 1%
Buddhist 1%
Hindu 1%
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") 38%
Atheist< 1%
Agnostic 2%
Nothing in particular 35%
Nothing in particular (religion not important) 35%
Nothing in particular (religion important)< 1%
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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201429%38%20%12%441
200726%43%22%9%426
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 importance of religionage 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201420%16%32%25%8%< 1%441
2007< 1%20%35%34%9%1%426
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 importance of religiongenerational 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201452%48%444
200757%43%435
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 importance of religiongender 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201477%6%5%9%4%439
200783%4%2%8%3%433
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 importance of religionrace/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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201410%12%78%437
20079%6%85%432
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 importance of religionimmigrant 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 say religion is not too important

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is not too important 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
201436%20%28%16%395
200726%20%34%20%379
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 importance of religionhousehold 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201447%31%14%9%443
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 importance of religioneducational 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201444%7%14%3%31%443
200749%10%12%3%27%434
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 importance of religionmarital 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201427%73%443
200727%73%434
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 importance of religionparental 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 say religion is not too important

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is not too important 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
201436%48%9%1%5%1%444
200751%38%6%< 1%2%2%435
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 importance of religionbelief in God 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 say religion is not too important

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is not too important 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
20144%40%56%< 1%444
20074%37%59%< 1%435
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 importance of religionreligious attendance by interpretation of scripture

Frequency of prayer among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201421%18%17%45%< 1%444
200717%26%14%42%< 1%435
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 prayer by importance of religionfrequency of prayer 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 say religion is not too important

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is not too important 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
20142%3%7%88%< 1%444
20072%2%3%92%< 1%435
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 importance of religionattendance 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201415%9%6%70%< 1%444
200714%7%3%75%< 1%435
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 importance of religionfrequency 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 say religion is not too important

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is not too important 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
201431%18%15%36%< 1%444
200721%12%17%48%2%435
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 importance of religionfrequency 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 say religion is not too important

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is not too important 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
201431%14%15%40%1%444
200724%14%17%43%1%435
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 importance of religionfrequency 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20146%13%67%13%1%444
20073%9%79%7%2%435
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 importance of religionsources 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 say religion is not too important

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is not too important 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
201428%71%1%< 1%444
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 importance of religionbelief 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20149%9%6%76%< 1%444
20078%3%6%83%< 1%435
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 importance of religionfrequency 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201480%14%6%444
200779%14%8%435
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 importance of religionbelief 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201461%32%7%444
200758%33%9%435
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 importance of religionbelief 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201443%17%40%444
200735%17%48%435
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 importance of religionpolitical 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201430%42%23%5%444
200729%44%21%7%435
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 importance of religionpolitical 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201460%38%1%1%444
200746%48%3%4%435
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 importance of religionviews 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 say religion is not too important

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is not too important 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
201450%48%2%1%444
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 importance of religionviews 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201468%31%1%444
200768%28%4%435
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 importance of religionviews 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201476%20%3%1%444
200767%26%3%4%435
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 importance of religionviews 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 say religion is not too important

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

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201469%25%6%444
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 importance of religionviews 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 say religion is not too important

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is not too important 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
201440%58%1%1%444
200733%63%2%2%435
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 importance of religionviews 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 say religion is not too important

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is not too important 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
201445%28%3%23%1%444
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 importance of religionviews 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