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 reading scripture among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by religious group
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
6%
8%
7%
79%
< 1%
310
Jewish
3%
10%
10%
77%
< 1%
118
Mainline Protestant
6%
5%
8%
80%
< 1%
277
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
4%
4%
5%
86%
< 1%
850
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.
Age distribution among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Several times a year
47%
29%
14%
10%
124
Seldom/never
34%
34%
19%
13%
1,486
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 adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Several times a year
32%
20%
24%
17%
5%
2%
124
Seldom/never
22%
19%
27%
23%
8%
1%
1,486
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Men
Women
Sample size
Several times a year
65%
35%
127
Seldom/never
59%
41%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Several times a year
63%
6%
7%
19%
5%
127
Seldom/never
70%
4%
8%
15%
3%
1,488
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Several times a year
16%
20%
64%
123
Seldom/never
18%
15%
67%
1,494
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Several times a year
41%
13%
16%
29%
115
Seldom/never
30%
16%
28%
26%
1,365
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Several times a year
42%
20%
20%
18%
126
Seldom/never
35%
28%
21%
15%
1,499
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Several times a year
28%
7%
6%
8%
51%
126
Seldom/never
41%
11%
9%
4%
35%
1,504
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Several times a year
24%
76%
125
Seldom/never
25%
75%
1,501
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
17%
50%
28%
5%
< 1%
127
Seldom/never
4%
28%
43%
24%
1%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
9%
62%
29%
< 1%
127
Seldom/never
4%
34%
63%
< 1%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
20%
19%
20%
41%
< 1%
127
Seldom/never
11%
11%
11%
67%
< 1%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
5%
7%
19%
68%
1%
127
Seldom/never
1%
2%
3%
95%
< 1%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
33%
15%
17%
33%
2%
127
Seldom/never
19%
10%
6%
64%
< 1%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
24%
21%
21%
33%
1%
127
Seldom/never
29%
17%
15%
38%
1%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
62%
17%
8%
13%
< 1%
127
Seldom/never
41%
17%
17%
26%
< 1%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
< 1%
33%
46%
20%
1%
127
Seldom/never
4%
19%
58%
17%
1%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
12%
86%
2%
< 1%
127
Seldom/never
19%
79%
1%
1%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
8%
17%
< 1%
66%
10%
127
Seldom/never
3%
8%
< 1%
82%
6%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
47%
40%
13%
127
Seldom/never
36%
51%
13%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
31%
59%
11%
127
Seldom/never
25%
64%
11%
1,507
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.
Party affiliation among adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Several times a year
26%
17%
57%
127
Seldom/never
24%
17%
59%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
18%
46%
35%
2%
127
Seldom/never
16%
40%
38%
6%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
52%
41%
4%
2%
127
Seldom/never
47%
47%
3%
3%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
36%
61%
3%
< 1%
127
Seldom/never
36%
59%
3%
2%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
74%
18%
8%
127
Seldom/never
81%
18%
2%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
78%
14%
1%
7%
127
Seldom/never
85%
11%
2%
2%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
75%
16%
8%
127
Seldom/never
80%
15%
5%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
36%
59%
5%
1%
127
Seldom/never
27%
70%
2%
2%
1,507
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 believe in God and are not too or not at all certain by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who believe in God and are not too or not at all certain who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Frequency of reading scripture
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Several times a year
65%
11%
7%
14%
3%
127
Seldom/never
71%
11%
4%
12%
2%
1,507
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.