Are Dems, Libs Really Less Likely to Believe in the Christian Bible?

On Friday, some fascinating research emerged that focuses on Biblical Christianity in America. Among the findings, a plurality of Americans believe the Bible is the "inspired word of God," and conservatives and Republicans are more likely to take the Bible literally.

Gallup concludes its research by writing that this most recent research reaffirms that fact that the "United States is a predominantly Christian nation and that Americans overwhelmingly believe in God."

Overall, it was found that three in 10 Americans do, indeed, interpret the Bible literally. These individuals believe that the holy book's words come from God directly. A plurality of Americans, though -- 49 percent to be precise -- claim that the Bible is the inspired word of God, but that it shouldn't be taken literally. An additional 17 percent see the Bible as an ancient book of stories recorded by human beings.

The polling firm's political findings are equally interesting. It's no secret that religious affiliation often impacts political decisions among members of the American electorate. According to Gallup:

Given the strong link between religion and politics in the U.S., it is not surprising that views of the Bible vary by party identification and ideology. The poll finds 42% of Republicans, compared with 23% of independents and 27% of Democrats, saying the Bible is literally true.

Conservatives are much more likely than moderates and liberals to believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible. In fact, conservatives are as likely to believe the Bible is the actual word of God as to believe it is the inspired word of God.

Conservatives are the least likely to believe that the Bible is simply a book of fables (7 percent). Moderates (20 percent) and liberals (31 percent), though, are much more likely to accept this notion. However, 48 percent of liberals and 55 percent of Moderates believe that the Bible is the "inspired word of God). Still, when it comes to the belief that the words actually come from God, Republicans (46 percent) trump both groups.

Find the rest of Gallup's research on Americans' take on the Bible here.

(h/t CNS News)