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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who are ages…
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18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
8%
26%
29%
37%
260
Word of God; not everything taken literally
13%
31%
32%
23%
230
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
5%
5%
24%
36%
27%
3%
260
Word of God; not everything taken literally
10%
9%
25%
39%
16%
1%
230
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who are…
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Men
Women
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
42%
58%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
47%
53%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who identify as…
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Interpreting scripture
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
92%
3%
1%
2%
2%
263
Word of God; not everything taken literally
96%
1%
1%
2%
< 1%
233
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who are…
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Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
4%
4%
92%
261
Word of God; not everything taken literally
2%
7%
91%
233
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
30%
23%
28%
19%
217
Word of God; not everything taken literally
23%
22%
37%
19%
204
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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%
31%
20%
7%
263
Word of God; not everything taken literally
36%
37%
13%
14%
234
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who are…
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Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
62%
5%
9%
12%
13%
264
Word of God; not everything taken literally
58%
6%
8%
10%
18%
234
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who are…
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Interpreting scripture
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
22%
78%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
23%
77%
233
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
92%
7%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
79%
21%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who say religion is…
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Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
86%
10%
3%
< 1%
< 1%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
59%
38%
1%
< 1%
1%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who attend religious services…
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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
66%
27%
7%
< 1%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
37%
43%
20%
< 1%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
81%
13%
2%
4%
< 1%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
59%
27%
9%
3%
1%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
37%
20%
8%
34%
1%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
13%
10%
13%
63%
1%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
53%
4%
2%
38%
3%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
30%
7%
5%
57%
1%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
76%
9%
4%
10%
1%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
56%
23%
10%
9%
1%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
42%
19%
8%
29%
2%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
38%
18%
17%
25%
3%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
59%
8%
29%
1%
2%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
35%
4%
54%
5%
2%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who say…
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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%
45%
3%
< 1%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
39%
61%
< 1%
< 1%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
55%
16%
8%
21%
< 1%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
23%
18%
14%
44%
< 1%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
90%
2%
8%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
90%
5%
5%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
85%
7%
8%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
73%
19%
8%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who identify as…
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Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
66%
12%
22%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
57%
15%
28%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who are…
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Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
66%
22%
9%
3%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
47%
39%
11%
4%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who would rather have…
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Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
73%
22%
2%
3%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
68%
28%
2%
2%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who say government aid to the poor…
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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
64%
29%
4%
2%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
57%
39%
2%
2%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
35%
61%
4%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
49%
47%
4%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who say homosexuality…
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Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
38%
57%
3%
2%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
63%
29%
1%
7%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who …same-sex marriage
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Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally
31%
64%
4%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
50%
42%
9%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition 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
55%
38%
1%
6%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
42%
56%
1%
1%
235
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 lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition by interpretation of scripture
% of lutherans in the Evangelical Tradition who say humans…
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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
9%
22%
1%
64%
4%
265
Word of God; not everything taken literally
20%
40%
2%
37%
1%
235
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.