Baptist News Global
Sections
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Opinion
  • Curated
  • Storytelling
    • Faith & Justice >
      • Charleston: Metanoia with Bill Stanfield
      • Charlotte: QC Family Tree with Greg and Helms Jarrell
      • Little Rock: Judge Wendell Griffen
      • North Carolina: Conetoe
    • Welcoming the Stranger >
      • Lost Boys of Sudan: St. John’s Baptist Charlotte
      • Awakening to Immigrant Justice: Myers Park Baptist Church
      • Hospitality on the corner: Gaston Christian Center
    • Signature Ministries >
      • Jake Hall: Gospel Gothic, Music and Radio
    • Singing Our Faith >
      • Hymns for a Lifetime: Ken Wilson and Knollwood Baptist Church
      • Norfolk Street Choir
    • Resilient Rural America >
      • Alabama: Perry County
      • Texas: Hidalgo County
      • Arkansas Delta
      • Southeast Kentucky
  • More
    • Contact
    • About
    • Donate
    • Planned Giving
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Advertising
    • Ministry Jobs and More
    • Transitions
    • Subscribe
    • Submissions and Permissions
Support independent, faith-based journalism. Donate
Search Search this site

Biblical skeptics outpoll literalists for first time, survey shows

NewsJeff Brumley  |  May 16, 2017

Americans who see the Bible as fable now outnumber those who believe it to be the literal word of God.

Gallup announced the shift in a survey it released Tuesday titled “Record Few Americans Believe Bible is Literal Word of God.”

“This is the first time in Gallup’s four-decade trend that biblical literalism has not surpassed biblical skepticism,” the organization said online.

The survey found that 24 percent of adult Americans hold a literalist view of the Bible, while 26 percent see Scripture as “a book of fables, legends, history and moral precepts recorded by man.”

However, 71 percent of Americans believe the Bible to be a sacred document that is “God-inspired if not God’s own’s words,” Gallup said.

Many who believe Scripture to be inspired by God say it need not be taken literally, Gallup reported in its Values and Beliefs poll, which was conducted May 3-7.

But there are groups in which these statistics do not hold true. Among non-white adults 50 and older and with no college education, the Bible is viewed as the true word of God.

However, among white adults aged 18 to 49, and who are college educated, tend to be more skeptical about Scripture.

“Still, in all of these age groups, the largest segment takes the middle position, believing the Bible reflects the inspired word of God,” according to the Gallup report. “

In its summary of the poll, Gallup noted that its findings reflect the downward trend in the number of Christians in the U.S. since the 1970s and 1980s. During that period, nearly 40 percent of Americans believed the Bible to be the literal word of God.

Tags:Gallup PollBibleinerrancyGallupValues and Beliefs poll
Jeff Brumley
More by
Jeff Brumley
  • Get BNG headlines in your inbox

  • Featured

    • Amid the hypocrisy of critiquing ‘unity,’ maybe we need a different goal: Cooperation

      Opinion

    • What would happen if immigration policies were based on majority opinion in the U.S.?

      Analysis

    • Truth Decay: How lies prepare the way for evil

      Opinion

    • How Dave Ramsey responded to a story about being a bully by bullying the reporter who wrote it

      News


    Curated

    • In Sunday sermon, Warnock, now senator and pastor, said he heard ‘echoes of the spirit’ in swearings-in

      In Sunday sermon, Warnock, now senator and pastor, said he heard ‘echoes of the spirit’ in swearings-in

      January 27, 2021
    • Local pastor confirms attendance at Jan. 6 Trump rally, says he wasn’t part of violent mob

      Local pastor confirms attendance at Jan. 6 Trump rally, says he wasn’t part of violent mob

      January 26, 2021
    • A group of Catholic bishops issues statement condemning bullying of LGBTQ youth

      A group of Catholic bishops issues statement condemning bullying of LGBTQ youth

      January 26, 2021
    • When Pragmatic Politics Goes Bad: An Apology to the Never-Trumpers

      When Pragmatic Politics Goes Bad: An Apology to the Never-Trumpers

      January 26, 2021
    Read Next:

    America needs a ‘third Reconstruction,’ Barber tells new administration

    NewsMark Wingfield

    More Articles

    • All
    • News
    • Opinion
    • Curated
    • Lifeway will sell its new headquarters and downsize again

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • The death penalty is dying a slow death; it’s time we pull the plug

      AnalysisStephen Reeves

    • ‘This Land Is Your Land’ sounds different as an adult today

      OpinionGrace Ji-Sun Kim

    • United Methodists learning more about Christmas Covenant through videos

      NewsCynthia Astle

    • What does Pelagius have to do with Josh Hawley and white nationalism?

      AnalysisMatt Dodrill

    • Amid the hypocrisy of critiquing ‘unity,’ maybe we need a different goal: Cooperation

      OpinionMark Wingfield

    • Half of pastors say their congregants are spreading conspiracy theories

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • The ongoing epidemic of pornography in the church

      AnalysisMichael Chancellor

    • United States still excels at religious freedom, but the rest of the world suffers, international expert says in BNG webinar

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Think you understand what it’s like to live on minimum wage? Here’s my story

      OpinionRick Pidcock

    • ‘God bless white America’: Why we need to overturn white racial mythologies

      OpinionGreg Garrett, Senior Columnist

    • America needs a ‘third Reconstruction,’ Barber tells new administration

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Truth Decay: How lies prepare the way for evil

      OpinionDavid Gushee, Senior Columnist

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • Voices of freedom continue to speak from Colonial Williamsburg church

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Despite COVID, ‘worst-case scenario’ did not emerge for church finances

      NewsJeff Hampton

    • How Dave Ramsey responded to a story about being a bully by bullying the reporter who wrote it

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Finding resilience in the midst of COVID fatigue

      OpinionBill Wilson

    • SBC pastor calls Vice President Kamala Harris a ‘Jezebel’ two days after inauguration

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Can you really be ‘evangelical’ if you don’t bring good news to the poor?

      OpinionMichael P. L. Friday

    • In memoriam: BNG columnist Doyle Sager

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • What would happen if immigration policies were based on majority opinion in the U.S.?

      AnalysisMark Wingfield

    • Today, I’ve got nothing to say

      OpinionRuss Dean

    • Two words, two virtues, to help America move forward

      OpinionH. Stephen Shoemaker

    • Effort to end death penalty in Virginia gaining momentum; prayer vigils planned

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Lifeway will sell its new headquarters and downsize again

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • United Methodists learning more about Christmas Covenant through videos

      NewsCynthia Astle

    • Half of pastors say their congregants are spreading conspiracy theories

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • United States still excels at religious freedom, but the rest of the world suffers, international expert says in BNG webinar

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • America needs a ‘third Reconstruction,’ Barber tells new administration

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • Voices of freedom continue to speak from Colonial Williamsburg church

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Despite COVID, ‘worst-case scenario’ did not emerge for church finances

      NewsJeff Hampton

    • How Dave Ramsey responded to a story about being a bully by bullying the reporter who wrote it

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • SBC pastor calls Vice President Kamala Harris a ‘Jezebel’ two days after inauguration

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • In memoriam: BNG columnist Doyle Sager

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Effort to end death penalty in Virginia gaining momentum; prayer vigils planned

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Religious liberty groups praise Biden’s repeal of Muslim travel ban

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • These churches will resume in-person gatherings only when it’s safe for all

      NewsHelen Jerman

    • This church was online before online was essential, and they’ve got some lessons to share

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • How the Ebola experience helped the African continent’s fight against COVID-19

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • Transitions for the week of 1-22-21

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • D.C.-area churches seek to offer calm amid a tumultuous January

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Anticipating a new day in immigration policy, a pastor, pilot and bricklayer keep an eye on Biden’s next move

      NewsRay Mwareya and Nyasha Bhobo

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • Denver is sweeping away homeless encampments; two churches help open their own

      NewsLiam Adams

    • Fellowship Southwest becomes independent, ecumenical ministry

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • In New York City, serving the homeless offered a clue for how to serve trauma victims during the pandemic

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • At Central Seminary, Durso inauguration moves to virtual platform

      NewsBNG staff

    • Kentucky seminary receives Baugh Foundation grant to start Institute for Black Church Studies

      NewsPat Cole

    • ‘This Land Is Your Land’ sounds different as an adult today

      OpinionGrace Ji-Sun Kim

    • Amid the hypocrisy of critiquing ‘unity,’ maybe we need a different goal: Cooperation

      OpinionMark Wingfield

    • Think you understand what it’s like to live on minimum wage? Here’s my story

      OpinionRick Pidcock

    • ‘God bless white America’: Why we need to overturn white racial mythologies

      OpinionGreg Garrett, Senior Columnist

    • Truth Decay: How lies prepare the way for evil

      OpinionDavid Gushee, Senior Columnist

    • Finding resilience in the midst of COVID fatigue

      OpinionBill Wilson

    • Can you really be ‘evangelical’ if you don’t bring good news to the poor?

      OpinionMichael P. L. Friday

    • Today, I’ve got nothing to say

      OpinionRuss Dean

    • Two words, two virtues, to help America move forward

      OpinionH. Stephen Shoemaker

    • Trying to make sense of January 6: Jesus wept

      OpinionAlan Bean

    • A wish list for the common good in a new era

      OpinionMarv Knox

    • The end of Trump’s presidency does not end America’s root problem

      OpinionWendell Griffen

    • ‘How can I talk to my parent who has been consumed by Trumpism and QAnon?’

      OpinionMark Wingfield

    • Insurrection postscript: The church’s one foundation isn’t the USA

      OpinionBill Leonard, Senior Columnist

    • Three signposts for American Christians in a changing world

      OpinionChris Conley

    • It’s hard to quit Herod, but we must worship another

      OpinionJohn Inscore Essick

    • Truth Decay: When truth stumbles in the public square

      OpinionDavid Gushee, Senior Columnist

    • Unification will happen only after repentance

      OpinionEarl Chappell

    • Inspiration from voices of American diversity

      OpinionPhawnda Moore

    • Some hard questions for reflection on this MLK Day

      OpinionSid Smith III

    • Let’s move beyond the easy answers and MLK quotes today

      OpinionCraig Nash

    • The blasphemy of Franklin Graham

      OpinionRobert P. Sellers

    • 10 prayers for 2021 (if we survive January)

      OpinionErich Bridges

    • Why ‘moderate’ churches fear telling it like it is

      OpinionEric Minton

    • 4 things you can do to counter the millions of Americans who are fully radicalized

      OpinionCorey Fields

    • In Sunday sermon, Warnock, now senator and pastor, said he heard ‘echoes of the spirit’ in swearings-in

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Local pastor confirms attendance at Jan. 6 Trump rally, says he wasn’t part of violent mob

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • A group of Catholic bishops issues statement condemning bullying of LGBTQ youth

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • When Pragmatic Politics Goes Bad: An Apology to the Never-Trumpers

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Protesters and supporters denounce explosion at anti-LGBTQ First Works Baptist Church

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Lawsuit: NRA’s rhetoric spurred deadly synagogue shooting

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • SBC president JD Greear’s church launches inquiry into past actions of Bryan Loritts

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Accreditation Body Schedules Visit to Investigate Complaint Against SBU

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • UN approves global conference on protecting religious sites

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Jen Hatmaker apologizes for line in inaugural prayer critiqued as erasing Native Americans

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • UN approves global conference on protecting religious sites

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Sen. Ossoff was sworn in on pioneering Atlanta rabbi’s Bible – a nod to historic role of American Jews in civil rights struggle

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • US Catholic bishops divided over Biden presidency

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Baptist World Alliance Announces Racial Justice Action Group

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • 3rd Candidate Joins Race for SBC President

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • From Biden’s giant Bible to Christian flags waved by rioters, ‘religion’ means different things to different people and different eras

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • In Biden’s Cabinet, Catholics and Jews dominate

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Biden Invokes Augustine in Call for American Unity

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • St. Matthew’s Cathedral, where Biden attended pre-inauguration Mass, has long been a place where politics and faith meet

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • North Dakota lawmaker sorry for mass email of QAnon video

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Mohler Faces SBC Presidential Challenge from the Right

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Biden’s Big Bible Is Heavy with History, Symbolism

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • How the Ebenezer Baptist Church has been a seat of Black power for generations in Atlanta

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Annual March for Life goes virtual amid COVID-19, unrest at US Capitol

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • The Capitol siege recalls past acts of Christian nationalist violence

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    Conversations that Matter.

    © 2021 Baptist News Global. All rights reserved.

    Want to share a story? We hope you will! Read our republishing, terms of use and privacy policies here.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • RSS