A new Gallup poll shows that only 28 percent of Americans believe the Bible is the “actual Word of God” and should be “taken literally, word for word.”  The number continues the decline seen every year since 1979 (with the exception of holding firm in 2012.)

The poll showed that almost 50 percent of Americans said the Bible was the “inspired Word of God” and that the content should not be taken literally.  The 47 percent who said they believe that way is 5 percent below the high point for that question in the 2003 survey.

The number of people who say the Bible is just a book of fables reached a record high of 21 percent.

Gallup claims the study shows “two ongoing debates” in Christian theological circles.

“One is about whether the words of the Bible came directly from God — essentially using the writers as scribes — or if they are the words of men, but guided by divine inspiration,” Gallup said in the report. “The other debate involves the meaning of the words: whether they should be taken literally, or be viewed partly — or merely — as metaphors and allegories that allow for interpretation.”