| Survey year | Word of God; should be taken literally | Word of God; not everything taken literally | Word of God; other/don't know | Not the word of God | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 26% | 36% | 3% | 28% | 8% | 7,202 |
| 2007 | 23% | 36% | 3% | 27% | 11% | 8,054 |
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.
Learn More: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who are ages…
| Interpreting scripture | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 14% | 37% | 28% | 21% | 1,510 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 18% | 31% | 29% | 21% | 2,722 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 10% | 26% | 30% | 34% | 198 |
| Not the word of God | 19% | 34% | 31% | 16% | 2,042 |
| Other/don't know | 16% | 31% | 29% | 24% | 589 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by age group
Generational cohort among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 8% | 11% | 32% | 33% | 14% | 2% | 1,510 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 13% | 9% | 27% | 35% | 14% | 1% | 2,722 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 4% | 7% | 25% | 35% | 27% | 3% | 198 |
| Not the word of God | 12% | 14% | 28% | 36% | 10% | 1% | 2,042 |
| Other/don't know | 9% | 11% | 27% | 35% | 16% | 2% | 589 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by generational group
Gender composition among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 44% | 56% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 44% | 56% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 32% | 68% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 54% | 46% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 45% | 55% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by gender
Racial and ethnic composition among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who identify as…
| Interpreting scripture | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 39% | 5% | 3% | 51% | 2% | 1,534 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 69% | 3% | 4% | 23% | 2% | 2,740 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 54% | 1% | 1% | 40% | 3% | 196 |
| Not the word of God | 64% | 2% | 3% | 30% | 1% | 2,048 |
| Other/don't know | 60% | 2% | 2% | 33% | 3% | 595 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by race/ethnicity
Immigrant status among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 44% | 14% | 41% | 1,517 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 19% | 15% | 66% | 2,751 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 35% | 14% | 51% | 200 |
| Not the word of God | 24% | 15% | 61% | 2,056 |
| Other/don't know | 25% | 14% | 61% | 603 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by immigrant status
Income distribution among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who have a household income of…
| 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 | 57% | 19% | 15% | 9% | 1,272 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 27% | 21% | 31% | 21% | 2,400 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 46% | 20% | 21% | 13% | 156 |
| Not the word of God | 29% | 18% | 29% | 25% | 1,842 |
| Other/don't know | 38% | 18% | 25% | 19% | 467 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by household income
Educational distribution among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who have completed…
| Interpreting scripture | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 65% | 24% | 7% | 4% | 1,529 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 40% | 29% | 20% | 12% | 2,764 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 60% | 22% | 13% | 5% | 203 |
| Not the word of God | 38% | 28% | 20% | 14% | 2,060 |
| Other/don't know | 41% | 31% | 17% | 11% | 601 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by educational group
Marital status among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 50% | 9% | 14% | 8% | 18% | 1,538 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 55% | 6% | 10% | 7% | 22% | 2,770 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 55% | 4% | 14% | 11% | 16% | 201 |
| Not the word of God | 48% | 10% | 11% | 6% | 25% | 2,064 |
| Other/don't know | 49% | 12% | 13% | 9% | 17% | 603 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by marital status
Parent of children under 18 among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 36% | 64% | 1,538 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 30% | 70% | 2,763 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 28% | 72% | 201 |
| Not the word of God | 28% | 72% | 2,064 |
| Other/don't know | 27% | 73% | 606 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by parental status
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who say they…
| 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 | 73% | 23% | 2% | 2% | < 1% | < 1% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 75% | 22% | 2% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 78% | 16% | 1% | 5% | < 1% | 1% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 42% | 39% | 12% | 1% | 5% | 2% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 62% | 27% | 6% | 2% | < 1% | 3% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by belief in God
Importance of religion in one's life among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who say religion is…
| 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 | 79% | 18% | 1% | 1% | < 1% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 63% | 32% | 4% | 1% | < 1% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 78% | 21% | 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 30% | 45% | 18% | 6% | 1% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 56% | 35% | 6% | 1% | 1% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by importance of religion
Attendance at religious services among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who attend religious services…
| 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 | 52% | 33% | 14% | < 1% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 45% | 40% | 14% | < 1% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 55% | 30% | 14% | 1% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 20% | 47% | 33% | < 1% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 36% | 41% | 21% | 2% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by religious attendance
Frequency of prayer among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who pray…
| Interpreting scripture | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 72% | 16% | 5% | 6% | 1% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 63% | 22% | 6% | 9% | < 1% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 73% | 12% | 5% | 6% | 3% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 39% | 24% | 11% | 25% | 1% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 56% | 21% | 6% | 14% | 3% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by frequency of prayer
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who attend prayer group…
| 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 | 27% | 14% | 12% | 47% | < 1% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 18% | 10% | 12% | 60% | 1% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 25% | 10% | 11% | 53% | 2% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 7% | 4% | 6% | 82% | < 1% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 14% | 10% | 8% | 66% | 2% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by attendance at prayer groups
Frequency of meditation among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who meditate…
| 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 | 52% | 10% | 4% | 32% | 2% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 38% | 8% | 5% | 48% | 1% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 50% | 4% | 4% | 38% | 4% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 31% | 9% | 5% | 53% | 1% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 39% | 12% | 4% | 42% | 2% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by frequency of meditation
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| 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 | 66% | 14% | 8% | 10% | 1% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 59% | 18% | 12% | 11% | 1% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 66% | 11% | 12% | 7% | 4% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 44% | 18% | 13% | 23% | 1% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 56% | 18% | 10% | 14% | 3% | 610 |
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| 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 | 44% | 14% | 15% | 26% | 2% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 40% | 16% | 16% | 28% | 1% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 41% | 9% | 13% | 32% | 6% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 43% | 16% | 15% | 26% | 1% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 46% | 13% | 11% | 27% | 4% | 610 |
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Interpreting scripture | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 44% | 8% | 36% | 10% | 2% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 34% | 9% | 48% | 7% | 2% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 38% | 4% | 43% | 5% | 11% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 12% | 13% | 58% | 14% | 2% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 24% | 10% | 54% | 7% | 5% | 610 |
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who say…
| 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 | 31% | 65% | 1% | 2% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 35% | 63% | 1% | < 1% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 30% | 59% | 5% | 7% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 23% | 75% | 1% | 1% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 26% | 68% | 4% | 2% | 610 |
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who read scripture…
| 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% | 13% | 10% | 35% | 1% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 25% | 13% | 12% | 50% | < 1% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 33% | 13% | 10% | 40% | 3% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 11% | 8% | 9% | 72% | < 1% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 21% | 12% | 11% | 54% | 2% | 610 |
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who …in heaven
| Interpreting scripture | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 94% | 3% | 3% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 94% | 4% | 2% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 87% | 7% | 6% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 68% | 24% | 8% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 75% | 8% | 16% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by belief in heaven
Belief in Hell among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who …in hell
| Interpreting scripture | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 76% | 17% | 7% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 72% | 22% | 6% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 69% | 16% | 15% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 44% | 48% | 8% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 50% | 31% | 19% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by belief in hell
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who identify as…
| Interpreting scripture | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 34% | 23% | 43% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 46% | 15% | 39% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 30% | 34% | 36% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 32% | 16% | 52% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 34% | 24% | 42% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by political party
Political ideology among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who are…
| Interpreting scripture | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 45% | 27% | 23% | 6% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 42% | 39% | 16% | 3% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 46% | 24% | 13% | 18% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 23% | 40% | 32% | 4% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 35% | 37% | 19% | 9% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by political ideology
Views about size of government among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who would rather have…
| Interpreting scripture | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 35% | 62% | 2% | 2% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 56% | 39% | 2% | 2% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 42% | 40% | 6% | 11% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 49% | 45% | 3% | 3% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 46% | 39% | 8% | 7% | 610 |
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who say government aid to the poor…
| 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 | 45% | 50% | 2% | 2% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 51% | 45% | 3% | 1% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 46% | 38% | 7% | 9% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 42% | 53% | 4% | 2% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 43% | 45% | 10% | 3% | 610 |
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who say abortion should be…
| Interpreting scripture | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 34% | 62% | 5% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 44% | 54% | 3% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 31% | 52% | 17% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 68% | 28% | 4% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 49% | 39% | 12% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by views about abortion
Views about homosexuality among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who say homosexuality…
| Interpreting scripture | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 57% | 35% | 3% | 4% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 69% | 23% | 4% | 4% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 56% | 26% | 7% | 11% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 83% | 12% | 3% | 2% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 69% | 17% | 7% | 7% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by views about homosexuality
Views about same-sex marriage among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who …same-sex marriage
| Interpreting scripture | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word of God; should be taken literally | 43% | 48% | 10% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 56% | 36% | 9% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 42% | 36% | 22% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 73% | 20% | 7% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 54% | 32% | 14% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by views about same-sex marriage
Views about environmental regulation among Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who say…
| 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 | 45% | 49% | 2% | 5% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 40% | 56% | 2% | 2% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 38% | 44% | 5% | 13% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 33% | 63% | 2% | 3% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 40% | 49% | 6% | 5% | 610 |
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 Catholics by interpretation of scripture
% of Catholics who say humans…
| 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 | 21% | 28% | 3% | 43% | 5% | 1,545 |
| Word of God; not everything taken literally | 24% | 40% | 4% | 29% | 3% | 2,774 |
| Word of God; other/don't know | 15% | 20% | 7% | 37% | 20% | 205 |
| Not the word of God | 50% | 25% | 4% | 17% | 4% | 2,068 |
| Other/don't know | 28% | 30% | 12% | 21% | 9% | 610 |
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.
Switch Display To: interpretation of scripture among Catholics by views about human evolution
