Frequency of reading scripture among whites

% of whites who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201432%9%8%50%1%24,900
200731%10%8%50%1%27,309
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

Frequency of reading scripture among whites by religious group

% of whites who read scripture…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Buddhist20%15%6%57%1%141
Catholic21%9%11%59%1%4,827
Evangelical Protestant61%12%7%19%1%6,633
Jewish13%8%10%68%1%782
Mainline Protestant28%13%12%46%1%5,322
Mormon76%8%3%12%1%575
Orthodox Christian24%11%14%51%1%153
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")5%4%5%85%< 1%5,490
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who are ages…

Frequency of reading scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week14%29%30%27%7,806
Once or twice a month21%32%27%20%2,256
Several times a year16%35%30%19%2,006
Seldom/never22%32%27%19%12,247
Don't know8%24%20%48%155
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least once a week8%10%25%36%19%2%7,806
Once or twice a month14%12%27%33%12%1%2,256
Several times a year9%12%28%35%13%1%2,006
Seldom/never13%14%26%33%12%1%12,247
Don't know6%8%19%29%33%5%155
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMenWomenSample size
At least once a week42%58%7,962
Once or twice a month49%51%2,302
Several times a year50%50%2,037
Seldom/never53%47%12,420
Don't know43%57%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week3%6%91%7,903
Once or twice a month4%7%89%2,286
Several times a year5%7%88%2,018
Seldom/never5%8%87%12,315
Don't know6%6%89%173
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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 week31%21%31%17%6,868
Once or twice a month30%20%30%20%2,033
Several times a year26%19%32%24%1,821
Seldom/never25%19%30%26%10,962
Don't know44%16%30%10%103
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who have completed…

Frequency of reading scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week39%34%17%10%7,931
Once or twice a month37%33%18%12%2,297
Several times a year33%34%19%15%2,025
Seldom/never36%31%20%13%12,380
Don't know49%28%15%8%170
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week61%3%12%10%14%7,924
Once or twice a month52%6%13%7%21%2,296
Several times a year54%7%13%7%19%2,032
Seldom/never50%9%12%6%24%12,380
Don't know50%4%19%18%10%172
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week28%72%7,934
Once or twice a month27%73%2,295
Several times a year27%73%2,034
Seldom/never25%75%12,393
Don't know16%84%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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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 week92%6%1%< 1%1%1%7,962
Once or twice a month74%18%3%< 1%3%1%2,302
Several times a year65%23%4%1%5%2%2,037
Seldom/never38%28%9%1%20%4%12,420
Don't know74%9%2%6%1%8%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who say religion is…

Frequency of reading scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week89%8%1%1%1%7,962
Once or twice a month63%29%5%3%< 1%2,302
Several times a year47%40%8%5%< 1%2,037
Seldom/never21%33%21%23%1%12,420
Don't know65%16%1%4%13%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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 week72%19%8%1%7,962
Once or twice a month36%47%17%< 1%2,302
Several times a year23%54%23%< 1%2,037
Seldom/never10%34%55%< 1%12,420
Don't know39%27%14%20%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who pray…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week91%7%< 1%1%< 1%7,962
Once or twice a month64%24%4%7%1%2,302
Several times a year49%27%8%14%1%2,037
Seldom/never25%18%9%47%1%12,420
Don't know57%10%1%4%28%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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 week56%13%9%22%1%7,962
Once or twice a month17%19%15%48%< 1%2,302
Several times a year7%8%23%63%< 1%2,037
Seldom/never3%2%3%91%< 1%12,420
Don't know25%9%6%37%24%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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 week60%6%2%30%2%7,962
Once or twice a month36%13%4%45%2%2,302
Several times a year32%11%10%46%1%2,037
Seldom/never22%8%5%64%1%12,420
Don't know33%4%3%29%30%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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%7,962
Once or twice a month61%21%9%8%1%2,302
Several times a year53%20%15%11%1%2,037
Seldom/never38%18%13%29%2%12,420
Don't know61%6%2%8%23%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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 week54%16%9%20%2%7,962
Once or twice a month45%19%12%22%1%2,302
Several times a year43%18%19%19%1%2,037
Seldom/never39%17%15%29%1%12,420
Don't know41%8%8%19%24%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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 week66%5%24%3%3%7,962
Once or twice a month36%12%43%6%3%2,302
Several times a year24%13%53%7%2%2,037
Seldom/never11%14%61%13%2%12,420
Don't know35%7%39%4%15%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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 week55%43%2%1%7,962
Once or twice a month37%61%1%1%2,302
Several times a year32%66%1%1%2,037
Seldom/never25%73%1%1%12,420
Don't know38%54%4%4%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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 week52%31%5%7%5%7,962
Once or twice a month29%38%3%21%8%2,302
Several times a year19%38%2%32%8%2,037
Seldom/never10%23%1%58%7%12,420
Don't know37%17%6%13%27%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who …in heaven

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week86%7%7%7,962
Once or twice a month83%12%5%2,302
Several times a year76%16%7%2,037
Seldom/never56%36%8%12,420
Don't know68%11%21%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who …in hell

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week77%16%8%7,962
Once or twice a month66%26%8%2,302
Several times a year60%32%8%2,037
Seldom/never39%52%8%12,420
Don't know56%27%18%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week62%15%22%7,962
Once or twice a month51%13%36%2,302
Several times a year46%13%41%2,037
Seldom/never36%17%47%12,420
Don't know35%32%33%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least once a week59%25%11%5%7,962
Once or twice a month44%35%17%4%2,302
Several times a year37%38%22%4%2,037
Seldom/never26%37%31%6%12,420
Don't know36%25%14%25%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who would rather have…

Frequency of reading scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week71%22%3%4%7,962
Once or twice a month64%29%3%4%2,302
Several times a year62%32%3%2%2,037
Seldom/never56%37%3%4%12,420
Don't know50%26%8%16%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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 week58%36%4%2%7,962
Once or twice a month49%46%3%1%2,302
Several times a year48%48%3%1%2,037
Seldom/never44%51%3%2%12,420
Don't know44%43%5%8%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who say abortion should be…

Frequency of reading scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week28%68%4%7,962
Once or twice a month50%47%3%2,302
Several times a year59%36%4%2,037
Seldom/never71%25%4%12,420
Don't know42%40%19%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who say homosexuality…

Frequency of reading scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week34%58%4%4%7,962
Once or twice a month61%31%4%3%2,302
Several times a year68%25%4%3%2,037
Seldom/never79%15%3%2%12,420
Don't know35%44%9%11%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of reading scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week26%67%7%7,962
Once or twice a month52%40%8%2,302
Several times a year58%34%8%2,037
Seldom/never72%21%7%12,420
Don't know35%49%16%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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 week49%44%3%3%7,962
Once or twice a month44%52%3%2%2,302
Several times a year38%59%2%2%2,037
Seldom/never32%63%2%2%12,420
Don't know37%38%8%16%179
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 whites by frequency of reading scripture

% of whites 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 week9%25%3%58%6%7,962
Once or twice a month23%33%5%35%4%2,302
Several times a year32%32%5%27%3%2,037
Seldom/never54%21%4%17%3%12,420
Don't know17%22%12%35%14%179
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.