Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201445%12%9%33%1%25,048
200741%11%9%38%1%28,279
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who are ages…

Frequency of reading scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week15%33%30%23%10,998
Once or twice a month23%34%26%17%2,839
Several times a year19%36%28%17%2,185
Seldom/never18%32%30%20%8,322
Don't know8%21%22%49%176
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least once a week9%11%28%35%15%2%10,998
Once or twice a month15%13%28%31%11%1%2,839
Several times a year12%13%30%32%11%1%2,185
Seldom/never12%12%26%36%13%1%8,322
Don't know6%5%18%32%34%5%176
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMenWomenSample size
At least once a week40%60%11,262
Once or twice a month46%54%2,896
Several times a year48%52%2,225
Seldom/never50%50%8,462
Don't know44%56%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least once a week61%17%1%16%4%11,091
Once or twice a month62%15%2%18%3%2,869
Several times a year68%11%2%16%3%2,196
Seldom/never73%7%2%16%3%8,385
Don't know63%14%< 1%20%4%196
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week14%7%79%11,125
Once or twice a month16%9%75%2,857
Several times a year14%9%77%2,201
Seldom/never14%11%76%8,371
Don't know19%7%74%195
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who have a household income of…

Frequency of reading scriptureLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
At least once a week39%21%26%14%9,650
Once or twice a month37%21%26%17%2,556
Several times a year32%20%29%20%1,971
Seldom/never31%20%27%21%7,324
Don't know51%19%23%7%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who have completed…

Frequency of reading scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week43%33%15%9%11,196
Once or twice a month43%33%15%9%2,888
Several times a year40%33%16%11%2,210
Seldom/never44%29%17%10%8,411
Don't know60%25%10%5%193
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week54%4%14%9%18%11,202
Once or twice a month48%7%14%7%25%2,888
Several times a year51%7%13%6%23%2,217
Seldom/never51%8%12%7%22%8,436
Don't know50%4%16%18%12%195
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week31%69%11,209
Once or twice a month32%68%2,885
Several times a year30%70%2,222
Seldom/never28%72%8,436
Don't know13%87%199
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who say they…

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
At least once a week90%8%1%1%< 1%< 1%11,262
Once or twice a month79%18%2%1%< 1%1%2,896
Several times a year73%23%2%1%1%1%2,225
Seldom/never57%32%7%1%2%1%8,462
Don't know76%14%< 1%6%< 1%4%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who say religion is…

Frequency of reading scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week90%8%1%1%< 1%11,262
Once or twice a month71%26%2%1%< 1%2,896
Several times a year57%38%3%1%1%2,225
Seldom/never39%43%13%3%< 1%8,462
Don't know72%15%1%2%10%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who attend religious services…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week74%20%6%1%11,262
Once or twice a month40%49%11%< 1%2,896
Several times a year27%57%15%< 1%2,225
Seldom/never19%47%33%< 1%8,462
Don't know46%24%13%18%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who pray…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week90%8%1%1%< 1%11,262
Once or twice a month69%23%4%3%1%2,896
Several times a year56%28%9%6%1%2,225
Seldom/never41%25%11%23%1%8,462
Don't know65%11%1%2%21%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who attend prayer group…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week59%14%8%19%1%11,262
Once or twice a month19%23%15%43%< 1%2,896
Several times a year8%9%25%56%1%2,225
Seldom/never6%4%5%85%< 1%8,462
Don't know33%8%8%32%19%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who meditate…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week64%6%2%26%2%11,262
Once or twice a month38%15%4%41%2%2,896
Several times a year29%12%12%46%1%2,225
Seldom/never25%8%4%62%1%8,462
Don't know35%2%2%28%33%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week85%9%3%3%1%11,262
Once or twice a month61%22%9%6%1%2,896
Several times a year54%20%17%8%1%2,225
Seldom/never44%18%14%22%1%8,462
Don't know62%4%3%6%25%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week55%15%9%20%2%11,262
Once or twice a month42%20%14%22%1%2,896
Several times a year39%17%21%23%1%2,225
Seldom/never34%15%16%34%1%8,462
Don't know40%7%6%20%26%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of reading scriptureReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
At least once a week65%5%24%3%3%11,262
Once or twice a month40%9%42%6%3%2,896
Several times a year29%10%51%8%2%2,225
Seldom/never20%10%59%9%2%8,462
Don't know40%4%35%6%15%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who say…

Frequency of reading scriptureThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week49%48%2%1%11,262
Once or twice a month35%63%1%1%2,896
Several times a year32%66%1%1%2,225
Seldom/never28%70%1%1%8,462
Don't know33%58%3%6%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who say the holy scripture is…

Frequency of reading scriptureWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week57%28%4%6%5%11,262
Once or twice a month36%39%3%15%8%2,896
Several times a year27%41%3%22%8%2,225
Seldom/never20%34%2%36%8%8,462
Don't know46%17%11%5%21%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who …in heaven

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week88%6%6%11,262
Once or twice a month89%6%5%2,896
Several times a year87%8%5%2,225
Seldom/never80%13%7%8,462
Don't know74%6%20%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who …in hell

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week78%15%7%11,262
Once or twice a month73%19%8%2,896
Several times a year71%22%7%2,225
Seldom/never59%32%9%8,462
Don't know59%23%18%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week47%17%35%11,262
Once or twice a month43%15%43%2,896
Several times a year40%15%44%2,225
Seldom/never39%17%44%8,462
Don't know29%30%41%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least once a week53%27%14%6%11,262
Once or twice a month42%35%18%5%2,896
Several times a year38%37%20%5%2,225
Seldom/never33%37%23%6%8,462
Don't know38%28%8%25%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who would rather have…

Frequency of reading scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week56%38%3%4%11,262
Once or twice a month52%42%3%3%2,896
Several times a year53%41%3%3%2,225
Seldom/never53%41%3%4%8,462
Don't know42%38%6%13%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who say government aid to the poor…

Frequency of reading scriptureDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week50%44%4%2%11,262
Once or twice a month46%49%4%1%2,896
Several times a year48%48%3%1%2,225
Seldom/never48%46%3%2%8,462
Don't know44%41%5%10%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who say abortion should be…

Frequency of reading scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week31%65%4%11,262
Once or twice a month48%49%3%2,896
Several times a year54%41%5%2,225
Seldom/never60%35%4%8,462
Don't know32%47%21%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who say homosexuality…

Frequency of reading scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week36%54%5%4%11,262
Once or twice a month61%31%4%4%2,896
Several times a year65%28%4%4%2,225
Seldom/never72%21%4%3%8,462
Don't know33%47%7%12%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of reading scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week27%65%8%11,262
Once or twice a month48%42%9%2,896
Several times a year54%38%8%2,225
Seldom/never61%31%8%8,462
Don't know28%51%20%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who say…

Frequency of reading scriptureStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week45%48%3%4%11,262
Once or twice a month42%53%2%3%2,896
Several times a year40%55%2%2%2,225
Seldom/never39%57%2%3%8,462
Don't know40%35%7%18%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among Christians by frequency of reading scripture

% of Christians who say humans…

Frequency of reading scriptureEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
At least once a week10%25%2%56%6%11,262
Once or twice a month19%34%4%38%4%2,896
Several times a year24%36%4%32%3%2,225
Seldom/never35%30%5%26%4%8,462
Don't know11%21%11%41%16%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.