Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who are ages…
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Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
18%
36%
27%
20%
1,898
2007
21%
43%
21%
15%
1,658
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 who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who are…
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Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
11%
13%
31%
32%
13%
1%
1,898
2007
< 1%
16%
34%
31%
15%
4%
1,658
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 who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who are…
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Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
41%
59%
1,935
2007
44%
56%
1,699
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.
Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who identify as…
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Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
44%
7%
7%
38%
5%
1,913
2007
55%
6%
3%
31%
4%
1,675
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 who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who are…
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Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
32%
11%
57%
1,902
2007
25%
9%
67%
1,686
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 who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who have a household income of…
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Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
48%
22%
19%
11%
1,655
2007
41%
22%
24%
12%
1,396
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 who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who have completed…
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Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
52%
32%
11%
5%
1,924
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 who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who are…
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Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
53%
7%
14%
7%
19%
1,926
2007
56%
7%
13%
7%
16%
1,690
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Parent of children under 18 among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who are…
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Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
34%
66%
1,929
2007
44%
56%
1,697
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 who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who say they…
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Survey year
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
2014
84%
13%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
1,935
2007
87%
11%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
1%
1,699
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.
Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who say religion is…
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Survey year
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
2014
84%
13%
2%
1%
1%
1,935
2007
80%
16%
2%
1%
1%
1,699
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.
Attendance at religious services among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who attend religious services…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
59%
28%
12%
1%
1,935
2007
58%
26%
15%
1%
1,699
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.
Frequency of prayer among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who pray…
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Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
81%
11%
3%
5%
1%
1,935
2007
77%
12%
4%
6%
1%
1,699
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.
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 who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who attend prayer group…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
46%
15%
9%
30%
1%
1,935
2007
42%
11%
9%
38%
< 1%
1,699
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.
Frequency of meditation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who meditate…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
56%
7%
3%
31%
3%
1,935
2007
49%
7%
3%
37%
3%
1,699
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.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
75%
11%
6%
6%
1%
1,935
2007
68%
11%
10%
9%
2%
1,699
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.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
51%
14%
11%
21%
2%
1,935
2007
40%
12%
13%
31%
4%
1,699
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.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
60%
4%
28%
6%
2%
1,935
2007
48%
6%
37%
5%
4%
1,699
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.
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 who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who say…
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Survey year
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
2014
46%
50%
2%
2%
1,935
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 who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who read scripture…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
61%
12%
7%
20%
1%
1,935
2007
58%
11%
7%
24%
1%
1,699
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.
Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who …in heaven
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
89%
6%
5%
1,935
2007
86%
7%
6%
1,699
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.
Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who …in hell
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
78%
16%
6%
1,935
2007
77%
15%
8%
1,699
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.
Party affiliation among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who identify as…
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Survey year
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
2014
44%
23%
33%
1,935
2007
45%
22%
33%
1,699
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.
Political ideology among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who are…
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Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
51%
26%
16%
7%
1,935
2007
52%
26%
14%
8%
1,699
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.
Views about size of government among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who would rather have…
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Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
47%
48%
2%
2%
1,935
2007
40%
51%
3%
6%
1,699
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.
Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who say government aid to the poor…
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Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
50%
45%
3%
2%
1,935
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 who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who say abortion should be…
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Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
30%
66%
4%
1,935
2007
32%
63%
5%
1,699
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.
Views about homosexuality among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who say homosexuality…
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Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
41%
50%
4%
5%
1,935
2007
33%
56%
6%
5%
1,699
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.
Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who …same-sex marriage
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Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
31%
61%
8%
1,935
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 who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who say…
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Survey year
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
2014
46%
45%
3%
5%
1,935
2007
42%
47%
4%
7%
1,699
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.
Views about human evolution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West
% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are in the West who say humans…
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Survey year
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
2014
13%
23%
2%
57%
4%
1,935
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.