Generational cohort among adults who read scripture several times a year by religious group

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

Religious traditionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Catholic14%11%29%31%13%1%742
Evangelical Protestant9%16%32%33%9%< 1%555
Historically Black Protestant22%14%32%27%6%< 1%146
Mainline Protestant11%11%29%34%13%1%684
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")22%23%27%23%5%< 1%437
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: Younger Millennial, Older Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohort18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Younger Millennial100%< 1%< 1%< 1%272
Older Millennial54%46%< 1%< 1%350
Generation X< 1%100%< 1%< 1%658
Baby Boomer< 1%< 1%86%14%1,073
Silent< 1%< 1%< 1%100%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortMenWomenSample size
Younger Millennial49%51%272
Older Millennial51%49%350
Generation X51%49%658
Baby Boomer52%48%1,073
Silent49%51%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Younger Millennial44%16%5%27%8%268
Older Millennial56%11%4%23%6%347
Generation X61%10%7%18%3%650
Baby Boomer76%9%3%8%3%1,060
Silent83%5%2%7%2%445
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Younger Millennial13%22%64%268
Older Millennial18%12%69%341
Generation X22%7%71%649
Baby Boomer12%5%83%1,066
Silent14%12%74%446
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Younger Millennial37%25%19%19%239
Older Millennial40%20%29%11%325
Generation X22%19%32%26%618
Baby Boomer31%18%30%21%968
Silent39%26%22%12%378
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Younger Millennial54%37%8%1%271
Older Millennial29%36%23%11%348
Generation X31%32%21%16%657
Baby Boomer41%29%16%14%1,070
Silent47%26%13%14%448
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Younger Millennial5%8%1%< 1%86%272
Older Millennial40%14%8%1%38%349
Generation X60%8%15%1%16%657
Baby Boomer60%4%19%7%10%1,068
Silent57%4%9%26%3%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortParentsNon-parentsSample size
Younger Millennial11%89%272
Older Millennial40%60%349
Generation X59%41%657
Baby Boomer15%85%1,073
Silent2%98%449
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortBelieve 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
Younger Millennial56%22%9%1%9%2%272
Older Millennial56%26%6%1%9%1%350
Generation X68%23%3%1%4%1%658
Baby Boomer70%23%2%< 1%2%2%1,073
Silent64%27%2%2%4%1%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial38%43%11%7%1%272
Older Millennial41%40%12%6%< 1%350
Generation X51%37%6%5%1%658
Baby Boomer54%38%6%2%1%1,073
Silent55%36%5%3%1%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial21%61%17%1%272
Older Millennial15%57%28%< 1%350
Generation X21%60%19%1%658
Baby Boomer23%53%24%< 1%1,073
Silent36%43%19%1%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial34%31%9%25%1%272
Older Millennial40%28%11%20%1%350
Generation X52%23%11%12%1%658
Baby Boomer54%27%8%10%1%1,073
Silent56%25%9%9%1%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial7%13%26%53%1%272
Older Millennial5%8%25%62%1%350
Generation X9%11%26%54%1%658
Baby Boomer7%6%22%65%< 1%1,073
Silent9%5%26%59%1%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial20%13%13%54%1%272
Older Millennial26%14%11%49%1%350
Generation X28%13%13%45%2%658
Baby Boomer35%11%11%41%1%1,073
Silent44%13%10%30%2%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial44%26%16%13%1%272
Older Millennial49%19%19%12%< 1%350
Generation X51%19%19%9%2%658
Baby Boomer56%18%15%10%1%1,073
Silent55%18%15%9%2%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial48%24%13%14%2%272
Older Millennial50%14%18%17%1%350
Generation X39%17%21%23%< 1%658
Baby Boomer42%18%19%20%1%1,073
Silent41%10%24%24%1%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial19%17%51%11%2%272
Older Millennial18%15%54%10%3%350
Generation X25%13%48%12%2%658
Baby Boomer28%11%51%8%2%1,073
Silent26%8%54%7%5%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial15%84%1%1%272
Older Millennial25%75%< 1%1%350
Generation X31%67%1%1%658
Baby Boomer35%63%2%< 1%1,073
Silent33%65%1%1%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortWord 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
Younger Millennial25%40%1%32%3%272
Older Millennial17%33%1%41%8%350
Generation X24%36%2%30%8%658
Baby Boomer24%34%3%30%9%1,073
Silent27%33%5%26%9%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial74%20%5%272
Older Millennial70%23%7%350
Generation X79%17%4%658
Baby Boomer80%12%7%1,073
Silent75%16%9%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial63%33%4%272
Older Millennial60%33%7%350
Generation X64%28%8%658
Baby Boomer61%30%9%1,073
Silent56%34%10%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Younger Millennial30%17%53%272
Older Millennial29%24%47%350
Generation X38%19%43%658
Baby Boomer38%13%49%1,073
Silent42%7%52%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial24%38%33%5%272
Older Millennial24%38%31%8%350
Generation X34%37%23%5%658
Baby Boomer40%37%21%2%1,073
Silent41%33%22%4%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial44%54%1%1%272
Older Millennial43%53%3%1%350
Generation X54%41%3%3%658
Baby Boomer56%36%4%4%1,073
Silent57%36%2%5%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial36%61%2%1%272
Older Millennial43%54%2%1%350
Generation X44%53%3%1%658
Baby Boomer46%48%4%2%1,073
Silent50%45%4%1%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial62%36%3%272
Older Millennial56%42%2%350
Generation X61%35%4%658
Baby Boomer59%35%6%1,073
Silent55%39%7%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial77%18%1%3%272
Older Millennial76%18%4%1%350
Generation X69%23%4%3%658
Baby Boomer63%29%4%4%1,073
Silent57%35%4%4%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial74%22%3%272
Older Millennial68%25%6%350
Generation X61%30%9%658
Baby Boomer51%40%9%1,073
Silent43%47%11%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortStricter 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
Younger Millennial31%66%1%2%272
Older Millennial35%62%2%1%350
Generation X35%60%2%2%658
Baby Boomer37%58%3%2%1,073
Silent48%47%2%3%450
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 adults who read scripture several times a year by generational group

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

Generational cohortEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial42%34%2%21%1%272
Older Millennial41%31%5%23%< 1%350
Generation X33%29%4%30%4%658
Baby Boomer25%34%6%31%3%1,073
Silent26%32%5%30%6%450
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.