Quarter of Americans say Bible is literally true (Charlotte Observer | 06/24/2006 )

Al hoe minder Amerikaners glo dat die Bybel die letterlike Woord van God is, volgens hierdie berig wat Saterdag verskyn het.

About 25 percent of Americans believe the Bible is the literal word of God -- down 10 percentage points since 1976.

According to a Gallup survey, 28 percent of Americans believe the Bible is literally true, compared to 38 percent 30 years ago. The survey included 1,002 adults 18 or older.

Nearly half, 49 percent, said the Bible was the "inspired word of God," while 19 percent called it an "ancient book of fables." Three percent had no opinion.

The survey asked respondents if they believed the Bible was the actual word of God and should be taken word-for-word; whether it was inspired by God, but should not be taken literally; whether it is a book of fables and legends; or whether the person has no opinion of the Bible.