Parent of children under 18 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 are…
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Religious tradition
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Catholic
36%
64%
1,538
Evangelical Protestant
30%
70%
4,743
Historically Black Protestant
28%
72%
1,090
Jehovah's Witness
27%
73%
106
Mainline Protestant
24%
76%
1,261
Mormon
41%
59%
209
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
33%
67%
545
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages…
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Parent of children under 18
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Parents
16%
66%
15%
2%
2,393
Non-parents
14%
19%
37%
30%
7,187
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…
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Parent of children under 18
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Parents
6%
22%
55%
16%
2%
< 1%
2,393
Non-parents
10%
6%
17%
44%
20%
2%
7,187
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…
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Parent of children under 18
Men
Women
Sample size
Parents
38%
62%
2,424
Non-parents
45%
55%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who identify as…
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Parent of children under 18
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Parents
48%
19%
3%
27%
3%
2,410
Non-parents
60%
20%
2%
15%
3%
7,250
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…
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Parent of children under 18
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Parents
27%
7%
66%
2,385
Non-parents
13%
8%
79%
7,228
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who have a household income of…
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Parent of children under 18
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Parents
44%
21%
23%
12%
2,201
Non-parents
48%
22%
21%
10%
6,113
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.
Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who have completed…
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Parent of children under 18
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Parents
50%
31%
13%
6%
2,413
Non-parents
58%
28%
9%
4%
7,301
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…
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Parent of children under 18
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Parents
63%
9%
13%
2%
13%
2,423
Non-parents
46%
4%
16%
12%
22%
7,316
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 God among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they…
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Parent of children under 18
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Parents
86%
12%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
2,424
Non-parents
89%
9%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is…
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Parent of children under 18
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
86%
12%
1%
1%
1%
2,424
Non-parents
84%
12%
2%
1%
< 1%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who attend religious services…
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Parent of children under 18
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
61%
29%
10%
< 1%
2,424
Non-parents
60%
26%
14%
1%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who pray…
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Parent of children under 18
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
81%
13%
3%
4%
< 1%
2,424
Non-parents
80%
12%
3%
5%
1%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who attend prayer group…
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Parent of children under 18
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
47%
16%
9%
28%
< 1%
2,424
Non-parents
46%
12%
9%
32%
1%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who meditate…
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Parent of children under 18
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
49%
7%
3%
40%
2%
2,424
Non-parents
55%
7%
3%
33%
3%
7,352
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 parental status
% 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…
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Parent of children under 18
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
74%
12%
6%
7%
1%
2,424
Non-parents
76%
10%
5%
7%
1%
7,352
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 parental status
% 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…
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Parent of children under 18
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
45%
15%
12%
27%
1%
2,424
Non-parents
47%
14%
10%
27%
3%
7,352
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 parental status
% 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
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Parent of children under 18
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
60%
4%
29%
5%
2%
2,424
Non-parents
59%
4%
30%
4%
2%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say…
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Parent of children under 18
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
46%
53%
1%
1%
2,424
Non-parents
45%
52%
1%
2%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture…
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Parent of children under 18
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
62%
12%
6%
19%
< 1%
2,424
Non-parents
63%
11%
6%
19%
1%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who …in heaven
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Parent of children under 18
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Parents
90%
4%
5%
2,424
Non-parents
91%
5%
4%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who …in hell
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Parent of children under 18
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Parents
83%
11%
6%
2,424
Non-parents
82%
12%
6%
7,352
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.
Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who identify as…
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Parent of children under 18
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Parents
42%
22%
36%
2,424
Non-parents
45%
17%
39%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…
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Parent of children under 18
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
51%
25%
16%
7%
2,424
Non-parents
53%
25%
14%
7%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have…
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Parent of children under 18
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
45%
50%
2%
3%
2,424
Non-parents
51%
44%
2%
3%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…
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Parent of children under 18
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
49%
45%
4%
2%
2,424
Non-parents
50%
44%
3%
2%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say abortion should be…
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Parent of children under 18
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
31%
66%
3%
2,424
Non-parents
32%
63%
5%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say homosexuality…
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Parent of children under 18
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
40%
52%
4%
4%
2,424
Non-parents
35%
57%
4%
4%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who …same-sex marriage
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Parent of children under 18
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
29%
62%
9%
2,424
Non-parents
25%
68%
8%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say…
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Parent of children under 18
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
47%
48%
2%
3%
2,424
Non-parents
49%
44%
3%
5%
7,352
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 parental status
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say humans…
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Parent of children under 18
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Parents
13%
24%
1%
58%
4%
2,424
Non-parents
11%
22%
3%
59%
6%
7,352
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.