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 ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

Christian 94%
Evangelical Protestant 22%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 9%
Southern Baptist Convention 6%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
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.) 2%
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.) 3%
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 2%
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod< 1%
Other Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
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.) 2%
Churches of Christ 2%
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 28%
Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
American Baptist Churches USA 1%
Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 11%
United Methodist Church 10%
Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Nondenominational Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Lutheran Family (Mainline Trad.) 5%
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 4%
Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 4%
Presbyterian Church (USA) 3%
Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
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.) 1%
Historically Black Protestant 3%
Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 2%
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 35%
Mormon 3%
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3%
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 3%
Jewish 2%
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") 4%
Atheist< 1%
Agnostic< 1%
Nothing in particular 3%
Nothing in particular (religion not important) 1%
Nothing in particular (religion important) 2%
Don't know < 1%

DemographicInformation

Generational cohort among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
2014< 1%< 1%< 1%29%66%5%2,539
2007< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%75%25%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturegenerational group by age group

Gender composition among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201442%58%2,539
200744%56%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturegender by age group

Racial and ethnic composition among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who identify as…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201487%5%1%4%2%2,520
200788%6%1%4%1%2,166
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 interpretation of scripturerace/ethnicity by age group

Immigrant status among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20147%10%83%2,522
20076%15%80%2,167
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 interpretation of scriptureimmigrant status by age group

Income distribution among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201435%25%27%13%2,108
200744%26%20%9%1,703
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 interpretation of scripturehousehold income by age group

Educational distribution among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who have completed…

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201445%28%16%12%2,535
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 interpretation of scriptureeducational group by age group

Marital status among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201458%2%12%24%4%2,535
200751%2%10%35%3%2,168
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 interpretation of scripturemarital status by age group

Parent of children under 18 among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
20143%97%2,536
20072%98%2,177
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 interpretation of scriptureparental status by age group

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201479%18%2%1%< 1%< 1%2,539
200783%14%1%< 1%< 1%1%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturebelief in God by age group

Importance of religion in one's life among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say religion is…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201467%27%4%1%1%2,539
200772%24%3%1%< 1%2,177
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 interpretation of scriptureimportance of religion by age group

Attendance at religious services among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201453%29%18%1%2,539
200757%28%14%< 1%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturereligious attendance by age group

Frequency of prayer among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who pray…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201468%19%5%8%1%2,539
200771%16%4%7%1%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturefrequency of prayer by age group

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201426%7%11%55%1%2,539
200725%8%10%56%1%2,177
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 interpretation of scriptureattendance at prayer groups by age group

Frequency of meditation among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who meditate…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201451%8%5%33%3%2,539
200754%8%5%29%4%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturefrequency of meditation by age group

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201466%14%8%11%1%2,539
200760%13%11%12%4%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturefrequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by age group

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201444%14%14%26%2%2,539
200740%13%14%27%6%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturefrequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by age group

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201441%6%45%4%3%2,539
200731%5%56%3%4%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturesources of guidance on right and wrong by age group

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201438%60%1%1%2,539
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 interpretation of scripturebelief in existence of standards for right and wrong by age group

Frequency of reading scripture among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who read scripture…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%11%9%41%1%2,539
200739%11%9%40%1%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturefrequency of reading scripture by age group

Belief in Heaven among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …in heaven

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201487%7%7%2,539
200784%6%10%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturebelief in heaven by age group

Belief in Hell among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …in hell

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201460%29%11%2,539
200757%27%16%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturebelief in hell by age group

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who identify as…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201449%12%39%2,539
200740%15%45%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturepolitical party by age group

Political ideology among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who are…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201447%36%14%4%2,539
200746%37%11%6%2,177
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 interpretation of scripturepolitical ideology by age group

Views about size of government among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who would rather have…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201467%26%2%4%2,539
200762%26%5%7%2,177
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 interpretation of scriptureviews about size of government by age group

Views about government aid to the poor among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201452%42%3%2%2,539
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 interpretation of scriptureviews about government aid to the poor by age group

Views about abortion among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say abortion should be…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201448%47%5%2,539
200748%45%7%2,177
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 interpretation of scriptureviews about abortion by age group

Views about homosexuality among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who say homosexuality…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201456%37%3%4%2,539
200740%48%5%6%2,177
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 interpretation of scriptureviews about homosexuality by age group

Views about same-sex marriage among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally who …same-sex marriage

Chart
Table
Share
Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201441%49%9%2,539
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 interpretation of scriptureviews about same-sex marriage by age group

Views about environmental regulation among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201446%49%2%3%2,539
200732%56%4%8%2,177
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 interpretation of scriptureviews about environmental protection by age group

Views about human evolution among adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; not everything taken literally 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
201417%36%4%37%6%2,539
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 interpretation of scriptureviews about human evolution by age group

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