Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201459%23%3%9%6%1,916
200762%18%4%9%8%1,995
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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally14%36%32%18%1,074
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%35%21%10%453
Not the word of God26%38%29%7%173
Other/don't know19%42%26%13%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.

Generational cohort among members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally9%11%30%37%12%1%1,074
Word of God; not everything taken literally21%20%29%25%6%1%453
Not the word of God16%16%31%31%5%1%173
Other/don't know11%16%34%29%9%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.

Gender composition among members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%59%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%64%466
Not the word of God54%46%177
Other/don't know37%63%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally2%95%< 1%3%< 1%1,091
Word of God; not everything taken literally2%92%< 1%5%1%466
Not the word of God< 1%94%< 1%4%2%177
Other/don't know< 1%98%< 1%1%1%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally7%2%91%1,071
Word of God; not everything taken literally6%7%87%456
Not the word of God3%5%91%173
Other/don't know6%2%92%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.

Income distribution among members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who have a household income of…

Interpreting scriptureLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%21%13%6%974
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%22%26%11%423
Not the word of God46%20%21%12%163
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally60%28%8%4%1,087
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%40%11%11%464
Not the word of God42%41%10%7%177
Other/don't know44%37%14%5%116
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally32%5%20%10%33%1,090
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%7%18%4%44%464
Not the word of God36%8%15%7%34%176
Other/don't know28%6%11%10%45%115
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally28%72%1,090
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%67%464
Not the word of God39%61%176
Other/don't know29%71%117
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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who say they…

Interpreting scriptureBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally94%5%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally87%12%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%466
Not the word of God68%23%5%< 1%1%3%177
Other/don't know80%15%1%3%< 1%1%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally94%5%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally77%19%2%2%< 1%466
Not the word of God53%40%5%1%< 1%177
Other/don't know79%13%4%3%2%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who attend religious services…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally64%29%7%< 1%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%48%9%< 1%466
Not the word of God19%53%28%< 1%177
Other/don't know38%45%13%4%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally84%11%3%3%< 1%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%14%5%2%1%466
Not the word of God60%17%9%13%< 1%177
Other/don't know82%7%2%4%5%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who attend prayer group…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally54%14%9%22%1%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally33%16%11%39%< 1%466
Not the word of God15%9%11%65%< 1%177
Other/don't know29%10%10%48%3%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally62%7%3%26%2%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%13%5%36%< 1%466
Not the word of God42%7%6%45%< 1%177
Other/don't know34%13%1%46%6%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally77%10%5%7%1%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally69%15%9%7%< 1%466
Not the word of God53%14%16%14%2%177
Other/don't know74%13%1%11%1%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%15%10%30%2%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%19%13%31%1%466
Not the word of God41%15%16%28%1%177
Other/don't know45%10%11%29%5%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Interpreting scriptureReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally55%5%36%3%2%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%8%46%6%1%466
Not the word of God17%9%64%8%2%177
Other/don't know43%5%40%3%8%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who say…

Interpreting scriptureThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%67%1%1%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%72%< 1%< 1%466
Not the word of God22%76%1%< 1%177
Other/don't know29%63%4%3%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who read scripture…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally68%11%6%13%1%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally53%18%9%20%< 1%466
Not the word of God29%16%14%40%< 1%177
Other/don't know51%19%7%21%3%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally95%3%2%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally94%4%1%466
Not the word of God78%14%8%177
Other/don't know88%2%10%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally86%8%6%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally79%16%5%466
Not the word of God66%25%9%177
Other/don't know67%20%13%117
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally11%9%81%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally11%10%79%466
Not the word of God10%9%82%177
Other/don't know3%18%80%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%30%23%7%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%42%26%4%466
Not the word of God24%39%30%7%177
Other/don't know30%32%26%13%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally21%74%2%2%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally29%66%2%3%466
Not the word of God29%63%2%6%177
Other/don't know19%59%9%13%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who say government aid to the poor…

Interpreting scriptureDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally26%68%3%2%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally28%67%4%1%466
Not the word of God27%63%7%3%177
Other/don't know28%57%10%5%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%49%6%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%32%2%466
Not the word of God68%29%3%177
Other/don't know52%32%16%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally46%46%5%3%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally61%32%4%3%466
Not the word of God69%23%5%3%177
Other/don't know46%30%14%10%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally31%61%8%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%42%6%466
Not the word of God66%26%8%177
Other/don't know44%40%15%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who say…

Interpreting scriptureStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally38%55%2%5%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%63%< 1%2%466
Not the word of God39%59%1%1%177
Other/don't know21%65%6%8%117
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 Historically Black Protestant Tradition by interpretation of scripture

% of members of the Historically Black Protestant Tradition who say humans…

Interpreting scriptureEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%27%3%52%5%1,094
Word of God; not everything taken literally18%38%2%40%2%466
Not the word of God33%41%4%21%1%177
Other/don't know15%29%8%36%12%117
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.