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
201427%31%2%31%10%653
200726%28%3%33%11%578
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

Interpreting scripture among adults in Arizona by religious group

% of adults in Arizona who say the holy scripture is…

Religious traditionWord 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
Catholic24%39%1%29%8%127
Evangelical Protestant53%34%3%7%3%171
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")6%18%1%61%15%164
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally18%24%38%20%169
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%44%19%19%181
Not the word of God31%33%18%18%222
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%6%23%42%15%< 1%169
Word of God; not everything taken literally11%16%35%24%12%1%181
Not the word of God21%18%26%23%12%< 1%222
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%61%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%56%183
Not the word of God64%36%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%6%1%32%5%167
Word of God; not everything taken literally67%5%4%17%7%180
Not the word of God65%1%3%26%4%217
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who are…

Interpreting scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally13%12%74%170
Word of God; not everything taken literally13%8%78%183
Not the word of God15%17%69%222
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally43%21%27%9%147
Word of God; not everything taken literally25%23%35%17%166
Not the word of God41%17%25%18%201
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally42%40%11%7%171
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%34%18%11%183
Not the word of God34%38%16%11%222
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%4%21%7%20%170
Word of God; not everything taken literally51%9%12%4%24%183
Not the word of God41%14%14%2%29%222
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally24%76%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally36%64%182
Not the word of God26%74%221
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally90%9%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally75%20%4%< 1%1%< 1%183
Not the word of God25%28%11%< 1%29%6%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally86%12%1%1%1%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally60%27%10%2%1%183
Not the word of God13%33%26%28%< 1%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally62%23%14%2%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%36%22%< 1%183
Not the word of God9%35%56%< 1%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally83%9%3%5%< 1%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally68%21%3%9%< 1%183
Not the word of God22%23%4%51%< 1%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally47%17%5%30%1%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally30%8%11%52%< 1%183
Not the word of God7%4%6%83%< 1%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally56%5%2%33%3%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%9%8%38%< 1%183
Not the word of God31%7%2%57%3%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally84%10%2%4%< 1%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%20%8%15%< 1%183
Not the word of God38%12%13%33%3%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally61%12%7%18%2%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally47%15%12%26%< 1%183
Not the word of God52%15%12%18%2%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally60%4%29%6%1%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%9%39%7%3%183
Not the word of God4%16%60%18%3%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally50%42%3%6%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%51%2%2%183
Not the word of God22%72%3%3%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally66%14%3%17%< 1%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally42%7%12%40%< 1%183
Not the word of God8%7%7%75%3%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally88%4%8%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally91%8%1%183
Not the word of God42%48%10%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally78%13%9%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%28%6%183
Not the word of God27%65%8%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%23%25%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%17%34%183
Not the word of God24%19%57%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally57%29%10%4%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally49%30%16%5%183
Not the word of God21%34%36%8%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally63%32%2%3%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally63%36%< 1%1%183
Not the word of God55%40%3%2%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally56%38%3%2%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%39%2%2%183
Not the word of God39%54%5%2%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally23%73%4%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally46%52%2%183
Not the word of God76%22%2%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally43%46%5%6%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally55%32%6%7%183
Not the word of God88%7%2%3%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally34%61%5%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally48%41%11%183
Not the word of God85%10%5%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally57%38%2%3%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally39%57%1%2%183
Not the word of God27%68%2%2%223
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 adults in Arizona by interpretation of scripture

% of adults in Arizona 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 literally10%25%1%62%2%172
Word of God; not everything taken literally19%34%3%39%5%183
Not the word of God69%14%4%10%3%223
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.