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Religious Landscape Study

Religious Landscape Study

ReligionsGeographyTopics & QuestionsUser Guide

Religious composition of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

Christian 85%
Evangelical Protestant 32%
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 14%
Southern Baptist Convention 9%
Independent Baptist (Evangelical Trad.) 4%
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 1%
Nondenominational fundamentalist< 1%
Nondenominational charismatic< 1%
Nondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Community Church (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Lutheran Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 1%
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod< 1%
Other Lutheran (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Church in America 1%
Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pentecostal Family (Evangelical Trad.) 5%
Assemblies of God 2%
Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) 1%
Foursquare Church< 1%
Pentecostal Church of God< 1%
Pentecostal Holiness Church< 1%
Calvary Chapel< 1%
Apostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Church of God of the Apostolic Faith< 1%
Other Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Restorationist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Churches of Christ 2%
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ< 1%
Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Congregationalist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference< 1%
Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Holiness Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Church of the Nazarene< 1%
Wesleyan Church< 1%
Free Methodist Church< 1%
Christian and Missionary Alliance< 1%
Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)< 1%
Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Reformed Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Christian Reformed Church< 1%
Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Adventist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Seventh-day Adventist 1%
Other Adventist (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Anabaptist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Pietist Family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Other evangelical/fundamentalist family (Evangelical Trad.)< 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
Mainline Protestant 15%
Baptist Family (Mainline Trad.) 4%
American Baptist Churches USA 4%
Other Baptist (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Mainline Trad.) 4%
United Methodist Church 4%
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) 1%
Other Lutheran (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Mainline Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Church (USA) 1%
Other Presbyterian (Mainline Trad.)< 1%
Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Mainline Trad.) 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.) 2%
Historically Black Protestant 15%
Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 10%
National Baptist Convention 3%
Progressive Baptist Convention 1%
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 4%
Methodist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 2%
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 21%
Mormon 1%
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1%
Other Mormon< 1%
Orthodox Christian 1%
Greek Orthodox< 1%
Russian Orthodox< 1%
Orthodox Church in America< 1%
Other Orthodox Christian< 1%
Jehovah's Witness 1%
Other Christian< 1%
Metaphysical Family< 1%
Spiritualist< 1%
Unity Church< 1%
Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.)< 1%
Others in the "Other Christian" Tradition< 1%
Non-Christian Faiths 3%
Jewish 1%
Muslim 2%
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") 11%
Atheist< 1%
Agnostic< 1%
Nothing in particular 11%
Nothing in particular (religion not important) 3%
Nothing in particular (religion important) 8%
Don't know < 1%

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are ages…

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Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201416%34%29%21%2,673
200718%38%24%20%4,034
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Compare: age group by interpretation of scriptureage group by sources of guidance on right and wrong

Generational cohort among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201410%11%29%34%14%2%2,673
2007< 1%13%29%33%19%6%4,034
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Gender composition among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

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Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201445%55%2,716
200745%55%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Racial and ethnic composition among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who identify as…

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Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201453%24%3%17%3%2,689
200761%20%1%14%4%4,087
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Immigrant status among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201416%8%76%2,664
200711%6%83%4,079
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Income distribution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201451%22%18%9%2,303
200746%24%21%9%3,390
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Educational distribution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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%26%7%3%2,699
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Marital status among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201445%8%16%9%22%2,703
200749%7%14%11%18%4,097
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Parent of children under 18 among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

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Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201430%70%2,713
200736%64%4,113
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.

Compare: parental status by interpretation of scriptureparental status by sources of guidance on right and wrong

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201484%12%2%1%< 1%< 1%2,716
200788%9%1%< 1%< 1%1%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's life among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201472%23%3%2%< 1%2,716
200772%24%3%1%1%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Attendance at religious services among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201442%38%20%1%2,716
200745%36%19%1%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of prayer among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201470%17%5%8%1%2,716
200769%17%5%8%1%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201431%13%11%44%1%2,716
200728%11%10%50%< 1%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of meditation among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201444%8%4%43%2%2,716
200742%7%4%46%2%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201465%15%8%11%1%2,716
200757%13%12%15%3%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201439%15%12%32%2%2,716
200733%13%13%37%5%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201431%66%1%2%2,716
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of reading scripture among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201445%13%10%31%1%2,716
200744%13%8%34%1%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Belief in Heaven among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201494%4%3%2,716
200793%4%3%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Belief in Hell among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201479%15%7%2,716
200781%12%7%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201434%19%47%2,716
200734%17%49%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Political ideology among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…

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Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201441%31%19%9%2,716
200745%32%15%8%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Views about size of government among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201442%53%2%3%2,716
200734%58%3%5%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Views about government aid to the poor among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201447%48%3%2%2,716
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Views about abortion among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say abortion should be…

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Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201444%51%5%2,716
200742%51%7%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Views about homosexuality among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say homosexuality…

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Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201449%43%4%4%2,716
200738%52%5%6%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Views about same-sex marriage among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …same-sex marriage

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Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201437%53%10%2,716
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Views about environmental regulation among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say…

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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
201447%46%2%4%2,716
200741%51%3%5%4,120
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

Views about human evolution among who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201417%26%2%49%6%2,716
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 sources of guidance on right and wrong

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