Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who have completed…

Religious traditionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Catholic65%24%7%4%1,529
Evangelical Protestant49%33%13%5%4,722
Historically Black Protestant60%28%8%4%1,087
Jehovah's Witness71%18%8%4%104
Mainline Protestant56%29%11%5%1,263
Mormon35%39%17%9%209
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")74%18%6%2%544
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

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

Educational distribution18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
High school or less15%31%30%24%4,385
Some college17%35%30%18%2,780
College12%40%32%16%1,638
Post-graduate degree8%46%25%20%758
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Educational distributionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
High school or less9%10%26%35%17%2%4,385
Some college11%12%29%35%12%1%2,780
College4%14%34%37%10%1%1,638
Post-graduate degree1%13%40%31%14%1%758
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Educational distributionMenWomenSample size
High school or less45%55%4,434
Some college38%62%2,836
College42%58%1,685
Post-graduate degree46%54%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who identify as…

Educational distributionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
High school or less52%20%1%24%3%4,394
Some college61%19%2%13%4%2,799
College65%16%7%8%4%1,655
Post-graduate degree61%16%10%9%4%781
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Educational distributionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
High school or less22%7%72%4,343
Some college10%9%81%2,805
College16%7%78%1,672
Post-graduate degree19%7%75%776
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

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

Educational distributionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
High school or less60%21%14%5%3,706
Some college38%26%26%10%2,448
College19%18%38%25%1,468
Post-graduate degree13%15%38%35%685
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Educational distributionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
High school or less46%6%16%11%21%4,414
Some college53%5%15%7%19%2,827
College65%3%13%5%14%1,679
Post-graduate degree72%2%9%5%13%784
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Educational distributionParentsNon-parentsSample size
High school or less28%72%4,427
Some college33%67%2,831
College37%63%1,677
Post-graduate degree36%64%779
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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they…

Educational distributionBelieve 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
High school or less84%13%2%1%< 1%< 1%4,434
Some college93%6%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%2,836
College94%5%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,685
Post-graduate degree94%6%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is…

Educational distributionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
High school or less82%14%2%1%1%4,434
Some college87%11%2%1%< 1%2,836
College90%8%1%< 1%< 1%1,685
Post-graduate degree91%7%1%1%1%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

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

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less54%30%16%1%4,434
Some college63%26%10%< 1%2,836
College75%20%5%< 1%1,685
Post-graduate degree77%17%5%< 1%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who pray…

Educational distributionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less76%14%3%6%1%4,434
Some college84%10%2%3%< 1%2,836
College88%8%2%2%1%1,685
Post-graduate degree89%7%3%1%< 1%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

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

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less43%13%9%35%1%4,434
Some college47%14%10%29%1%2,836
College57%13%9%20%1%1,685
Post-graduate degree57%14%10%18%< 1%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who meditate…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less51%7%3%35%3%4,434
Some college54%7%3%35%2%2,836
College55%6%2%35%3%1,685
Post-graduate degree61%5%3%28%3%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

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

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less71%11%6%9%1%4,434
Some college80%10%5%5%1%2,836
College80%10%5%4%1%1,685
Post-graduate degree87%8%2%3%1%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

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

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less45%13%10%29%3%4,434
Some college45%16%12%26%1%2,836
College49%15%11%23%2%1,685
Post-graduate degree53%17%12%16%2%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

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

Educational distributionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
High school or less54%5%34%5%2%4,434
Some college65%4%26%3%2%2,836
College70%4%21%3%2%1,685
Post-graduate degree72%5%16%5%1%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say…

Educational distributionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less37%59%1%2%4,434
Some college51%47%1%1%2,836
College61%37%1%< 1%1,685
Post-graduate degree61%38%1%< 1%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less57%11%7%23%1%4,434
Some college67%12%6%15%1%2,836
College74%10%5%10%1%1,685
Post-graduate degree75%10%6%9%< 1%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who …in heaven

Educational distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less92%4%4%4,434
Some college91%5%4%2,836
College87%5%8%1,685
Post-graduate degree88%6%6%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who …in hell

Educational distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less81%13%6%4,434
Some college85%11%5%2,836
College83%10%8%1,685
Post-graduate degree81%12%7%786
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who identify as…

Educational distributionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
High school or less37%21%42%4,434
Some college48%17%35%2,836
College62%12%25%1,685
Post-graduate degree58%13%29%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Educational distributionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
High school or less49%24%18%9%4,434
Some college54%28%12%6%2,836
College66%22%8%4%1,685
Post-graduate degree62%27%8%4%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

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

Educational distributionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
High school or less40%55%2%3%4,434
Some college57%38%2%3%2,836
College69%28%2%2%1,685
Post-graduate degree66%32%1%2%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

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

Educational distributionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less45%49%3%3%4,434
Some college53%41%4%2%2,836
College62%33%3%2%1,685
Post-graduate degree55%38%5%2%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say abortion should be…

Educational distributionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
High school or less32%63%5%4,434
Some college33%63%4%2,836
College27%69%3%1,685
Post-graduate degree29%68%3%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say homosexuality…

Educational distributionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less39%53%4%4%4,434
Some college36%55%5%4%2,836
College29%63%5%4%1,685
Post-graduate degree30%62%4%5%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

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

Educational distributionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
High school or less27%63%9%4,434
Some college26%68%6%2,836
College21%72%6%1,685
Post-graduate degree24%70%6%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say…

Educational distributionStricter 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
High school or less49%44%2%5%4,434
Some college48%47%3%2%2,836
College50%44%2%3%1,685
Post-graduate degree46%49%2%3%786
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by educational group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say humans…

Educational distributionEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
High school or less14%21%3%55%7%4,434
Some college9%25%1%61%3%2,836
College8%21%2%66%4%1,685
Post-graduate degree6%26%1%63%4%786
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.