Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201455%39%3%4%12,336
200743%45%5%7%12,777
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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

Views about size of government among adults who read scripture at least once a week by religious group

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who would rather have…

Religious traditionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Catholic45%48%3%4%1,810
Evangelical Protestant66%28%3%3%5,525
Historically Black Protestant23%71%3%3%1,189
Jehovah's Witness32%50%3%15%216
Jewish43%50%4%3%121
Mainline Protestant58%34%4%4%1,894
Mormon80%18%1%1%513
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")44%48%3%5%606
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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who read scripture at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are ages…

Views about size of government18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services14%33%30%23%7,157
Bigger government; more services21%34%27%17%4,029
Depends13%35%29%23%386
Don't know12%29%27%32%464
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 read scripture at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Views about size of governmentYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Smaller government; fewer services9%10%28%35%16%2%7,157
Bigger government; more services12%14%29%32%12%1%4,029
Depends7%13%29%34%15%2%386
Don't know6%10%25%33%22%4%464
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Views about size of governmentMenWomenSample size
Smaller government; fewer services47%53%7,326
Bigger government; more services35%65%4,125
Depends43%57%401
Don't know31%69%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who identify as…

Views about size of governmentWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services78%8%2%8%4%7,208
Bigger government; more services34%32%3%26%5%4,070
Depends51%17%1%21%9%392
Don't know64%16%1%12%6%457
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Views about size of governmentImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Smaller government; fewer services7%8%85%7,267
Bigger government; more services26%9%65%4,033
Depends19%8%73%395
Don't know14%4%82%471
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who have a household income of…

Views about size of governmentLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Smaller government; fewer services27%23%32%18%6,341
Bigger government; more services58%19%16%8%3,569
Depends40%26%23%11%310
Don't know47%23%22%8%353
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who have completed…

Views about size of governmentHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Smaller government; fewer services35%36%19%10%7,286
Bigger government; more services55%28%10%7%4,100
Depends40%36%14%10%398
Don't know50%32%11%7%478
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Views about size of governmentMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services62%3%11%8%15%7,290
Bigger government; more services39%7%18%9%27%4,106
Depends53%5%12%14%15%393
Don't know50%4%13%16%16%474
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Views about size of governmentParentsNon-parentsSample size
Smaller government; fewer services30%70%7,293
Bigger government; more services33%67%4,111
Depends28%72%397
Don't know26%74%478
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say they…

Views about size of governmentBelieve 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
Smaller government; fewer services93%6%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%7,326
Bigger government; more services84%13%1%1%1%< 1%4,125
Depends87%7%3%1%1%1%401
Don't know86%7%2%2%1%2%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say religion is…

Views about size of governmentVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services89%8%1%1%1%7,326
Bigger government; more services86%11%1%1%1%4,125
Depends87%8%2%3%1%401
Don't know86%9%1%2%2%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who attend religious services…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services74%18%7%< 1%7,326
Bigger government; more services66%25%9%1%4,125
Depends65%24%9%1%401
Don't know65%19%14%2%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who pray…

Views about size of governmentAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services91%7%1%1%< 1%7,326
Bigger government; more services86%10%1%2%1%4,125
Depends91%6%< 1%2%1%401
Don't know91%4%1%2%2%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who attend prayer group…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services58%13%8%20%< 1%7,326
Bigger government; more services55%15%7%22%1%4,125
Depends52%12%9%26%1%401
Don't know53%9%7%29%3%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who meditate…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services62%5%2%29%2%7,326
Bigger government; more services66%7%2%23%2%4,125
Depends70%7%2%17%4%401
Don't know71%4%1%19%6%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services85%8%3%3%1%7,326
Bigger government; more services80%10%3%5%1%4,125
Depends87%6%1%4%2%401
Don't know84%6%3%3%3%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services55%16%9%19%2%7,326
Bigger government; more services55%14%8%21%2%4,125
Depends55%8%7%21%8%401
Don't know58%12%6%18%6%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about size of governmentReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services67%5%23%2%2%7,326
Bigger government; more services56%7%31%5%2%4,125
Depends57%8%24%1%10%401
Don't know56%5%24%3%12%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say…

Views about size of governmentThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services59%38%2%1%7,326
Bigger government; more services30%67%1%1%4,125
Depends37%52%7%4%401
Don't know41%52%4%3%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say the holy scripture is…

Views about size of governmentWord 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
Smaller government; fewer services54%31%4%7%4%7,326
Bigger government; more services58%25%3%9%5%4,125
Depends40%22%12%12%14%401
Don't know43%23%12%10%13%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who …in heaven

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services86%7%7%7,326
Bigger government; more services89%7%5%4,125
Depends82%6%11%401
Don't know80%7%13%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who …in hell

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services78%15%7%7,326
Bigger government; more services75%18%7%4,125
Depends68%18%14%401
Don't know65%24%12%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who identify as…

Views about size of governmentRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services65%14%20%7,326
Bigger government; more services20%21%59%4,125
Depends24%31%45%401
Don't know21%39%39%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Views about size of governmentConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services65%23%8%4%7,326
Bigger government; more services34%33%25%8%4,125
Depends31%33%19%16%401
Don't know31%28%16%25%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say government aid to the poor…

Views about size of governmentDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services66%29%4%2%7,326
Bigger government; more services27%68%4%2%4,125
Depends30%45%22%4%401
Don't know29%49%11%11%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say abortion should be…

Views about size of governmentLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services25%72%3%7,326
Bigger government; more services42%53%5%4,125
Depends37%49%13%401
Don't know29%55%16%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say homosexuality…

Views about size of governmentShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services30%61%5%4%7,326
Bigger government; more services51%42%4%4%4,125
Depends40%40%12%7%401
Don't know31%45%10%14%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who …same-sex marriage

Views about size of governmentStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services22%71%6%7,326
Bigger government; more services40%52%8%4,125
Depends30%52%18%401
Don't know27%53%21%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say…

Views about size of governmentStricter 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
Smaller government; fewer services55%39%3%3%7,326
Bigger government; more services32%62%2%4%4,125
Depends19%60%11%10%401
Don't know24%52%8%15%484
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 at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say humans…

Views about size of governmentEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services8%24%2%60%5%7,326
Bigger government; more services17%28%3%47%5%4,125
Depends11%24%6%47%13%401
Don't know10%17%9%47%17%484
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.