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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who are ages…
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Interpreting scripture
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
8%
26%
26%
40%
185
Word of God; not everything taken literally
12%
33%
31%
23%
172
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
6%
4%
24%
34%
28%
3%
185
Word of God; not everything taken literally
10%
8%
27%
38%
15%
1%
172
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Men
Women
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
43%
57%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
44%
56%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who identify as…
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Interpreting scripture
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
94%
3%
< 1%
< 1%
3%
188
Word of God; not everything taken literally
96%
1%
1%
2%
< 1%
176
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
1%
5%
95%
188
Word of God; not everything taken literally
2%
7%
91%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who have a household income of…
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Interpreting scripture
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
28%
25%
29%
18%
158
Word of God; not everything taken literally
20%
18%
41%
21%
150
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who have completed…
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Interpreting scripture
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
41%
30%
23%
6%
189
Word of God; not everything taken literally
35%
38%
13%
14%
176
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
62%
3%
8%
13%
13%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
56%
6%
10%
11%
17%
176
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
22%
78%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
23%
77%
175
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who say they…
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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; should be taken literally
94%
6%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
77%
23%
< 1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who say religion is…
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Interpreting scripture
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
86%
13%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
58%
40%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who attend religious services…
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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; should be taken literally
69%
26%
5%
< 1%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
35%
45%
20%
< 1%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who pray…
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Interpreting scripture
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
79%
14%
3%
4%
< 1%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
60%
27%
11%
2%
< 1%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who attend prayer group…
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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; should be taken literally
38%
19%
7%
34%
2%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
13%
10%
13%
63%
1%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who meditate…
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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; should be taken literally
54%
3%
3%
38%
2%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
29%
6%
6%
57%
2%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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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; should be taken literally
77%
10%
3%
10%
1%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
54%
26%
9%
10%
1%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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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; should be taken literally
41%
19%
7%
31%
3%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
36%
20%
15%
26%
2%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Interpreting scripture
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
59%
8%
29%
1%
3%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
34%
4%
57%
4%
1%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who say…
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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; should be taken literally
51%
46%
2%
< 1%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
37%
62%
1%
< 1%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who read scripture…
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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; should be taken literally
54%
17%
9%
20%
< 1%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
23%
17%
13%
48%
< 1%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who …in heaven
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Interpreting scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
92%
1%
7%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
90%
6%
4%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who …in hell
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Interpreting scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
87%
6%
7%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
74%
19%
7%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who identify as…
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Interpreting scripture
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
65%
10%
25%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
58%
18%
24%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
66%
24%
8%
2%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
48%
41%
7%
4%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who would rather have…
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Interpreting scripture
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
76%
19%
1%
3%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
69%
26%
2%
3%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who say government aid to the poor…
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Interpreting scripture
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
69%
26%
2%
3%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
62%
36%
1%
< 1%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who say abortion should be…
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Interpreting scripture
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
36%
60%
4%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
50%
48%
3%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who say homosexuality…
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Interpreting scripture
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
39%
56%
3%
2%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
67%
28%
2%
4%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who …same-sex marriage
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Interpreting scripture
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
30%
65%
5%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
51%
42%
8%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who say…
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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; should be taken literally
53%
43%
2%
3%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
40%
59%
1%
< 1%
177
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 members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who say humans…
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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; should be taken literally
10%
24%
1%
61%
4%
190
Word of God; not everything taken literally
20%
41%
2%
37%
1%
177
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.