In its latest poll, Gallup has found that three in ten Americans interpret the Bible literally, believing it is the actual word of God. 49% of Americans say the Bible is the inspired word of God but that it should not be taken literally, while a further 17% consider the Bible an ancient book of stories written down by people with no divine assistance at all.
In terms of subgroups, a majority, 54%, of those who worship on a weekly basis believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible, which is twice that of those who attend church less often.
Gallup also found that belief in a literal interpretation of the Bible declines as educational attainment increases, with 46% of those with a high school education or less taking the Bible literally, compared to 22% of those with some form of tertiary education.
There was also a difference in economic levels, with 50% of lower-income respondents believing the Bible is the actual word of God, compared to 27% of middle-income and 15% of high-income respondents.
Two-thirds of Protestants who attend church weekly believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible.
Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted May 5-8, 2011, with a random sample of 1,018 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.