Religious composition of adults who read scripture several times a year

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201422%37%26%15%2,843
200722%40%24%14%2,843
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: age distribution, 18-29, 30-49, 50-64, 65+

Generational cohort among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201414%14%30%30%10%1%2,843
2007< 1%16%32%35%14%3%2,843
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: generational cohort, Younger Millennial, Older Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent

Gender composition among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201451%49%2,894
200751%49%2,904
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: gender composition, Men, Women

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201465%10%5%16%4%2,851
200773%8%3%13%3%2,872
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: racial and ethnic composition, White, Black, Asian, Latino, Other/Mixed

Immigrant status among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201416%10%74%2,849
200714%9%78%2,880
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: immigrant status, Immigrants, Second generation, Third generation or higher

Income distribution among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201431%20%28%20%2,577
200727%21%33%19%2,467
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: income distribution, Less than $30,000, $30,000-$49,999, $50,000-$99,999, $100,000 or more

Educational distribution among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201439%32%17%12%2,875
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: educational distribution, High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree

Marital status among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201449%7%13%6%25%2,882
200757%7%11%6%19%2,893
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: marital status, Married, Living with a partner, Divorced/separated, Widowed, Never married

Parent of children under 18 among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201430%70%2,886
200736%64%2,894
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: parent of children under 18, Parents, Non-parents

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201464%24%4%1%5%1%2,894
200774%19%3%< 1%2%2%2,904
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: belief in God, Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201449%38%8%4%1%2,894
200753%37%6%3%1%2,904
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: importance of religion in one's life, Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Attendance at religious services among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201422%56%21%< 1%2,894
200727%52%20%< 1%2,904
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: attendance at religious services, At least once a week, Once or twice a month/a few times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of prayer among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201449%26%10%14%1%2,894
200756%26%7%10%1%2,904
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: frequency of prayer, At least daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20147%9%25%59%1%2,894
20077%7%22%63%< 1%2,904
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: frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of meditation among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201430%12%12%44%2%2,894
200732%10%12%45%2%2,904
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: frequency of meditation, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201452%20%17%11%1%2,894
200743%19%23%12%3%2,904
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: frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201443%17%19%20%1%2,894
200737%14%24%23%3%2,904
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: frequency of feeling wonder about the universe, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201424%13%51%10%3%2,894
200722%12%57%5%4%2,904
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: sources of guidance on right and wrong, Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201429%69%1%1%2,894
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: belief in absolute standards for right and wrong, There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

Interpreting scripture among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord 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
201423%35%2%32%8%2,894
200726%34%3%27%10%2,904
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: interpreting scripture, Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

Belief in Heaven among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201477%17%6%2,894
200778%14%7%2,904
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: belief in Heaven, Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Hell among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201461%31%8%2,894
200759%30%11%2,904
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: belief in Hell, Believe, Don't believe

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201436%17%48%2,894
200736%14%50%2,904
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: party affiliation, Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.

Political ideology among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201433%37%25%5%2,894
200733%42%21%5%2,904
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: political ideology, Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

Views about size of government among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201452%42%3%3%2,894
200743%46%5%6%2,904
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: views about size of government, Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201444%52%3%1%2,894
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: views about government aid to the poor, Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about abortion among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201459%37%5%2,894
200754%40%6%2,904
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: views about abortion, Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases

Views about homosexuality among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201468%25%4%3%2,894
200756%34%6%5%2,904
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: views about homosexuality, Should be accepted, Should be discouraged

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201459%33%8%2,894
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: views about same-sex marriage, Strongly favor/favor, Oppose/strongly oppose

Views about environmental regulation among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201437%59%2%2%2,894
200728%64%3%4%2,904
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: views about environmental regulation, Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost

Views about human evolution among adults who read scripture several times a year

% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201432%32%5%28%3%2,894
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: views about human evolution, Evolved; due to natural processes, Evolved; due to God's design, Always existed in present form