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.
Interpreting scripture among adults in the Boston metro area by religious group
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
17%
29%
4%
40%
9%
154
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
6%
7%
< 1%
81%
6%
153
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
24%
15%
39%
21%
108
Not the word of God
29%
41%
17%
12%
265
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
16%
11%
12%
45%
13%
3%
108
Not the word of God
16%
21%
33%
21%
7%
2%
265
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Men
Women
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
46%
54%
111
Not the word of God
49%
51%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
75%
11%
< 1%
4%
9%
107
Not the word of God
85%
1%
5%
4%
5%
262
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
14%
16%
70%
108
Not the word of God
11%
16%
73%
269
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
28%
22%
22%
28%
100
Not the word of God
19%
15%
28%
38%
237
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
28%
35%
21%
15%
111
Not the word of God
23%
26%
28%
23%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
43%
8%
10%
7%
31%
109
Not the word of God
41%
15%
7%
6%
31%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
17%
83%
110
Not the word of God
29%
71%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
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
Word of God; not everything taken literally
71%
25%
2%
< 1%
3%
< 1%
111
Not the word of God
16%
29%
18%
1%
31%
5%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
53%
37%
8%
3%
< 1%
111
Not the word of God
12%
27%
23%
38%
1%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
35%
42%
23%
< 1%
111
Not the word of God
9%
24%
67%
< 1%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
56%
25%
9%
11%
< 1%
111
Not the word of God
16%
11%
7%
66%
< 1%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
14%
7%
10%
70%
< 1%
111
Not the word of God
4%
4%
4%
88%
< 1%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
30%
6%
6%
57%
1%
111
Not the word of God
24%
12%
6%
58%
< 1%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
49%
25%
8%
19%
< 1%
111
Not the word of God
41%
14%
15%
27%
3%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
35%
13%
17%
34%
1%
111
Not the word of God
50%
17%
11%
22%
< 1%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
29%
4%
56%
8%
3%
111
Not the word of God
3%
15%
55%
25%
3%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
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
Word of God; not everything taken literally
26%
70%
2%
2%
111
Not the word of God
20%
79%
< 1%
1%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
19%
13%
11%
57%
< 1%
111
Not the word of God
3%
4%
8%
85%
< 1%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
78%
14%
7%
111
Not the word of God
25%
60%
14%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
52%
38%
9%
111
Not the word of God
15%
73%
12%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
39%
9%
52%
111
Not the word of God
23%
13%
63%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
27%
40%
28%
5%
111
Not the word of God
12%
31%
53%
4%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
49%
41%
6%
4%
111
Not the word of God
46%
50%
1%
3%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
48%
46%
3%
2%
111
Not the word of God
32%
66%
2%
1%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
65%
30%
5%
111
Not the word of God
87%
12%
1%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
78%
17%
3%
2%
111
Not the word of God
92%
5%
1%
3%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
65%
27%
8%
111
Not the word of God
89%
10%
2%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
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
Word of God; not everything taken literally
32%
63%
2%
2%
111
Not the word of God
26%
71%
1%
2%
270
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 in the Boston metro area by interpretation of scripture
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Interpreting scripture
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
Word of God; not everything taken literally
21%
41%
2%
33%
3%
111
Not the word of God
75%
10%
5%
6%
3%
270
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.