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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; should be taken literally

Christian 96%
Evangelical Protestant 50%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 22%
Southern Baptist Convention 15%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 5%
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.) 2%
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.) 8%
Assemblies of God 4%
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.) 2%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 3%
Churches of Christ 3%
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.) 2%
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 15%
Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.) 3%
American Baptist Churches USA 3%
Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 5%
United Methodist Church 5%
Other Methodist (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Family (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Interdenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Lutheran Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 2%
Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 2%
Presbyterian Church (USA) 1%
Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
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.) 1%
Historically Black Protestant 11%
Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 7%
National Baptist Convention 4%
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.) 2%
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 17%
Mormon 2%
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2%
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 1%
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") 3%
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

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Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
2014< 1%< 1%< 1%24%68%8%2,934
2007< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%74%26%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

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Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201439%61%2,934
200736%64%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who identify as…

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Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201474%14%1%9%2%2,902
200779%14%< 1%5%2%2,898
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

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Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20149%8%83%2,897
20074%10%86%2,903
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who have a household income of…

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Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201453%23%17%6%2,365
200763%21%11%4%2,160
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who have completed…

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Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201464%24%8%5%2,923
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

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Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201451%2%12%31%4%2,919
200746%1%9%41%2%2,903
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

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Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
20143%97%2,932
20074%96%2,921
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say they…

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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
201491%6%1%2%< 1%< 1%2,934
200795%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say religion is…

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Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201490%8%1%1%< 1%2,934
200790%8%1%< 1%1%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who attend religious services…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201468%20%11%1%2,934
200770%17%12%1%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who pray…

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Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201486%9%2%3%1%2,934
200786%8%2%2%1%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who attend prayer group…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201451%11%8%29%2%2,934
200745%10%7%37%1%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who meditate…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201469%6%3%19%3%2,934
200769%7%3%18%4%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201481%8%3%6%2%2,934
200774%10%7%6%4%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201449%10%9%27%4%2,934
200741%12%10%28%9%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

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Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201462%3%29%3%2%2,934
200751%2%41%2%3%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say…

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Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201447%48%2%3%2,934
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who read scripture…

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Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201468%9%5%16%2%2,934
200765%8%5%20%1%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …in heaven

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Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201493%3%4%2,934
200791%3%6%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …in hell

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Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201481%11%8%2,934
200782%9%9%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who identify as…

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Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201448%13%38%2,934
200741%12%47%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

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Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201459%23%12%7%2,934
200755%25%10%10%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who would rather have…

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Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201459%34%2%5%2,934
200747%36%5%12%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…

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Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201451%41%4%4%2,934
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say abortion should be…

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Table
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Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201429%65%6%2,934
200727%63%10%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say homosexuality…

Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201425%67%4%4%2,934
200719%71%4%7%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …same-sex marriage

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Table
Share
Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201415%77%8%2,934
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say…

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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
201449%38%3%9%2,934
200737%44%5%14%2,922
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; should be taken literally

% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say humans…

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Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
20149%16%3%60%11%2,934
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

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