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 Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who are ages…
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Interpreting scripture
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
13%
27%
22%
38%
167
Not the word of God
7%
32%
27%
35%
110
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 Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
11%
6%
24%
32%
26%
2%
167
Not the word of God
4%
5%
29%
36%
25%
1%
110
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 Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Men
Women
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
41%
59%
172
Not the word of God
55%
45%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Racial and ethnic composition among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who identify as…
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Interpreting scripture
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
91%
5%
2%
3%
1%
172
Not the word of God
95%
1%
1%
3%
< 1%
112
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 Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
6%
4%
89%
172
Not the word of God
3%
4%
93%
112
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 Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
16%
17%
29%
38%
148
Not the word of God
17%
11%
34%
39%
106
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 Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who have completed…
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Interpreting scripture
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
19%
28%
27%
27%
171
Not the word of God
16%
24%
28%
32%
111
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 Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
66%
1%
5%
12%
16%
172
Not the word of God
70%
2%
19%
6%
4%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Parent of children under 18 among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
27%
73%
172
Not the word of God
22%
78%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in God among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
72%
27%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
172
Not the word of God
34%
52%
8%
< 1%
4%
2%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Importance of religion in one's life among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
69%
29%
2%
< 1%
< 1%
172
Not the word of God
27%
46%
21%
2%
3%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Attendance at religious services among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
51%
39%
9%
< 1%
172
Not the word of God
29%
50%
21%
< 1%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of prayer among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who pray…
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Interpreting scripture
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
69%
23%
2%
5%
< 1%
172
Not the word of God
39%
26%
12%
21%
1%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
25%
16%
13%
47%
< 1%
172
Not the word of God
13%
6%
11%
70%
< 1%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of meditation among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
39%
12%
6%
42%
1%
172
Not the word of God
33%
9%
2%
55%
< 1%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
64%
16%
13%
7%
< 1%
172
Not the word of God
49%
16%
15%
19%
1%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
52%
13%
13%
21%
< 1%
172
Not the word of God
49%
12%
23%
16%
1%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
42%
12%
40%
3%
3%
172
Not the word of God
11%
20%
53%
12%
3%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
29%
70%
< 1%
1%
172
Not the word of God
35%
61%
3%
< 1%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of reading scripture among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
40%
20%
10%
29%
< 1%
172
Not the word of God
13%
11%
14%
62%
< 1%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Heaven among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who …in heaven
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Interpreting scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
91%
6%
4%
172
Not the word of God
63%
25%
12%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who …in hell
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Interpreting scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
55%
31%
14%
172
Not the word of God
29%
61%
9%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Party affiliation among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who identify as…
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Interpreting scripture
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
44%
10%
46%
172
Not the word of God
33%
8%
59%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Political ideology among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who are…
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Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
36%
39%
24%
1%
172
Not the word of God
30%
41%
29%
< 1%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about size of government among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
60%
36%
1%
3%
172
Not the word of God
52%
43%
4%
2%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
41%
55%
4%
< 1%
172
Not the word of God
35%
60%
1%
4%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about abortion among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
65%
34%
2%
172
Not the word of God
81%
13%
5%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about homosexuality among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
71%
19%
5%
5%
172
Not the word of God
80%
16%
3%
1%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about same-sex marriage among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA who …same-sex marriage
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Interpreting scripture
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; not everything taken literally
61%
32%
7%
172
Not the word of God
77%
21%
2%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about environmental regulation among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
40%
56%
3%
1%
172
Not the word of God
28%
72%
< 1%
1%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about human evolution among members of the Presbyterian Church USA by interpretation of scripture
% of members of the Presbyterian Church USA 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; not everything taken literally
19%
48%
3%
29%
2%
172
Not the word of God
65%
26%
1%
4%
5%
113
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.