| Survey year | Believe in God; absolutely certain | Believe in God; fairly certain | Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | Believe in God; don't know | Do not believe in God | Other/don't know if they believe in God | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 40% | 28% | 10% | 1% | 18% | 4% | 16,085 |
| 2007 | 54% | 26% | 6% | 1% | 9% | 4% | 15,857 |
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: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God
Belief in God among adults who seldom or never read scripture by religious group
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say they…
| Religious tradition | Believe in God; absolutely certain | Believe in God; fairly certain | Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | Believe in God; don't know | Do not believe in God | Other/don't know if they believe in God | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buddhist | 19% | 33% | 13% | 2% | 29% | 4% | 147 |
| Catholic | 55% | 33% | 7% | 1% | 3% | 1% | 3,807 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 70% | 24% | 4% | < 1% | 1% | 1% | 1,462 |
| Hindu | 28% | 36% | 21% | < 1% | 13% | 1% | 120 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 78% | 17% | 2% | 1% | < 1% | 1% | 308 |
| Jewish | 23% | 30% | 17% | 1% | 24% | 5% | 580 |
| Mainline Protestant | 49% | 37% | 8% | 1% | 3% | 2% | 2,641 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 19% | 23% | 12% | 1% | 39% | 6% | 6,116 |
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: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among adults who seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are ages…
| Belief in God | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 19% | 33% | 29% | 19% | 6,146 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 24% | 36% | 26% | 14% | 4,368 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 34% | 34% | 19% | 13% | 1,486 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 17% | 15% | 34% | 35% | 122 |
| Do not believe in God | 38% | 34% | 17% | 12% | 3,043 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 29% | 34% | 21% | 16% | 655 |
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.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults who seldom or never read scripture by age group
Generational cohort among adults who seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…
| Belief in God | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 11% | 14% | 27% | 36% | 12% | 1% | 6,146 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 15% | 17% | 29% | 30% | 8% | 1% | 4,368 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 22% | 19% | 27% | 23% | 8% | 1% | 1,486 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 8% | 10% | 13% | 36% | 29% | 3% | 122 |
| Do not believe in God | 26% | 20% | 25% | 21% | 7% | 1% | 3,043 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 17% | 20% | 27% | 26% | 9% | 1% | 655 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…
| Belief in God | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 47% | 53% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 52% | 48% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 59% | 41% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 53% | 47% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 64% | 36% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 63% | 37% | 682 |
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.
Switch Display To: belief in God among adults who seldom or never read scripture by gender
Racial and ethnic composition among adults who seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who identify as…
| Belief in God | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 69% | 10% | 3% | 14% | 4% | 6,157 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 74% | 5% | 4% | 14% | 3% | 4,406 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 70% | 4% | 8% | 15% | 3% | 1,488 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 74% | 2% | 5% | 13% | 6% | 121 |
| Do not believe in God | 78% | 2% | 7% | 9% | 3% | 3,048 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 82% | 5% | 3% | 5% | 4% | 665 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…
| Belief in God | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 13% | 10% | 76% | 6,167 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 14% | 11% | 75% | 4,400 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 18% | 15% | 67% | 1,494 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 21% | 9% | 70% | 121 |
| Do not believe in God | 13% | 15% | 72% | 3,044 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 9% | 11% | 80% | 666 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who have a household income of…
| Belief in God | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 35% | 21% | 25% | 19% | 5,383 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 28% | 20% | 29% | 23% | 3,921 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 30% | 16% | 28% | 26% | 1,365 |
| Do not believe in God | 23% | 19% | 30% | 28% | 2,811 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 24% | 17% | 30% | 29% | 567 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who have completed…
| Belief in God | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 46% | 31% | 15% | 8% | 6,207 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 39% | 30% | 19% | 13% | 4,427 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 35% | 28% | 21% | 15% | 1,499 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 47% | 30% | 13% | 10% | 125 |
| Do not believe in God | 28% | 30% | 24% | 17% | 3,070 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 26% | 34% | 23% | 17% | 676 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…
| Belief in God | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 48% | 8% | 14% | 7% | 23% | 6,229 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 48% | 11% | 11% | 4% | 26% | 4,426 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 41% | 11% | 9% | 4% | 35% | 1,504 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 42% | 8% | 21% | 11% | 17% | 124 |
| Do not believe in God | 39% | 11% | 9% | 2% | 39% | 3,069 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 44% | 8% | 13% | 4% | 31% | 671 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…
| Belief in God | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 28% | 72% | 6,234 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 30% | 70% | 4,428 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 25% | 75% | 1,501 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 23% | 77% | 125 |
| Do not believe in God | 22% | 78% | 3,069 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 24% | 76% | 678 |
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.
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Importance of religion in one's life among adults who seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say religion is…
| Belief in God | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 48% | 38% | 8% | 6% | 1% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 15% | 49% | 26% | 9% | 1% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 4% | 28% | 43% | 24% | 1% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 31% | 31% | 15% | 16% | 7% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 2% | 7% | 23% | 68% | < 1% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 3% | 17% | 38% | 41% | 1% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who attend religious services…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 20% | 42% | 37% | < 1% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 9% | 41% | 49% | < 1% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 4% | 34% | 63% | < 1% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 14% | 27% | 58% | 1% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 1% | 16% | 83% | < 1% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 2% | 25% | 72% | 1% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who pray…
| Belief in God | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 50% | 25% | 8% | 17% | 1% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 23% | 23% | 14% | 39% | < 1% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 11% | 11% | 11% | 67% | < 1% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 29% | 6% | 9% | 48% | 9% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 1% | 1% | 3% | 95% | < 1% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 5% | 6% | 6% | 81% | 2% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who attend prayer group…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 7% | 4% | 6% | 83% | < 1% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 3% | 3% | 4% | 90% | < 1% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 1% | 2% | 3% | 95% | < 1% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 7% | 3% | 5% | 80% | 5% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | < 1% | 1% | 1% | 98% | < 1% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 1% | 1% | 2% | 96% | < 1% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who meditate…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 31% | 7% | 4% | 57% | 1% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 22% | 11% | 5% | 61% | 1% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 19% | 10% | 6% | 64% | < 1% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 36% | 7% | 2% | 47% | 8% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 16% | 8% | 5% | 70% | 1% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 20% | 8% | 6% | 65% | 2% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 52% | 17% | 12% | 17% | 1% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 35% | 20% | 16% | 28% | 1% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 29% | 17% | 15% | 38% | 1% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 46% | 8% | 11% | 25% | 10% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 28% | 15% | 10% | 46% | 2% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 31% | 14% | 10% | 39% | 6% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Belief in God | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 38% | 14% | 13% | 34% | 1% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 36% | 17% | 18% | 28% | 1% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 41% | 17% | 17% | 26% | < 1% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 41% | 8% | 9% | 36% | 6% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 44% | 18% | 14% | 24% | 1% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 46% | 17% | 15% | 20% | 1% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Belief in God | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 23% | 10% | 57% | 7% | 2% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 8% | 14% | 64% | 12% | 2% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 4% | 19% | 58% | 17% | 1% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 14% | 13% | 50% | 10% | 12% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 1% | 18% | 52% | 27% | 1% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 1% | 19% | 60% | 16% | 4% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say…
| Belief in God | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 29% | 69% | 1% | 1% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 23% | 75% | 1% | 1% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 19% | 79% | 1% | 1% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 29% | 63% | 2% | 6% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 16% | 83% | 1% | < 1% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 15% | 81% | 3% | 1% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say the holy scripture is…
| Belief in God | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 25% | 35% | 2% | 30% | 8% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 9% | 25% | 1% | 57% | 9% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 3% | 8% | < 1% | 82% | 6% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 19% | 11% | 9% | 34% | 27% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | < 1% | 1% | < 1% | 95% | 3% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 1% | 3% | < 1% | 79% | 17% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …in heaven
| Belief in God | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 83% | 11% | 6% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 66% | 24% | 9% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 36% | 51% | 13% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 59% | 27% | 13% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 5% | 91% | 3% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 15% | 50% | 35% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …in hell
| Belief in God | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 62% | 30% | 8% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 45% | 45% | 10% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 25% | 64% | 11% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 43% | 36% | 20% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 4% | 93% | 3% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 11% | 63% | 26% | 682 |
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.
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation among adults who seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who identify as…
| Belief in God | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 38% | 19% | 43% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 33% | 19% | 47% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 24% | 17% | 59% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 27% | 34% | 39% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 19% | 17% | 64% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 25% | 23% | 52% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…
| Belief in God | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 34% | 36% | 23% | 7% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 24% | 40% | 30% | 5% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 16% | 40% | 38% | 6% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 31% | 24% | 25% | 20% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 13% | 31% | 50% | 6% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 17% | 37% | 36% | 10% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who would rather have…
| Belief in God | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 52% | 41% | 3% | 4% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 52% | 42% | 3% | 3% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 47% | 47% | 3% | 3% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 47% | 36% | 9% | 9% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 43% | 51% | 3% | 3% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 50% | 34% | 7% | 9% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say government aid to the poor…
| Belief in God | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 47% | 46% | 4% | 2% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 44% | 51% | 3% | 2% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 36% | 59% | 3% | 2% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 36% | 41% | 10% | 13% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 30% | 66% | 3% | 1% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 37% | 53% | 7% | 3% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say abortion should be…
| Belief in God | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 58% | 38% | 5% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 69% | 27% | 4% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 81% | 18% | 2% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 45% | 32% | 23% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 87% | 11% | 3% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 80% | 15% | 6% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say homosexuality…
| Belief in God | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 69% | 23% | 4% | 4% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 82% | 13% | 3% | 2% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 85% | 11% | 2% | 2% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 65% | 12% | 12% | 10% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 91% | 6% | 2% | 1% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 82% | 10% | 4% | 4% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …same-sex marriage
| Belief in God | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 59% | 32% | 9% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 74% | 20% | 6% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 80% | 15% | 5% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 57% | 24% | 18% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 89% | 8% | 4% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 80% | 13% | 7% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say…
| Belief in God | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 39% | 56% | 2% | 3% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 33% | 63% | 2% | 2% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 27% | 70% | 2% | 2% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 40% | 43% | 5% | 13% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 20% | 77% | 1% | 2% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 26% | 65% | 4% | 5% | 682 |
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 seldom or never read scripture by belief in God
% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say humans…
| Belief in God | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe in God; absolutely certain | 27% | 33% | 5% | 30% | 5% | 6,251 |
| Believe in God; fairly certain | 53% | 23% | 5% | 16% | 3% | 4,440 |
| Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | 71% | 11% | 4% | 12% | 2% | 1,507 |
| Believe in God; don't know | 40% | 16% | 13% | 18% | 13% | 126 |
| Do not believe in God | 88% | 4% | 1% | 6% | 1% | 3,079 |
| Other/don't know if they believe in God | 75% | 5% | 11% | 5% | 4% | 682 |
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.
