Gender composition among adults who seldom or never read scripture by religious group

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Religious traditionMenWomenSample size
Buddhist63%37%147
Catholic50%50%3,807
Evangelical Protestant52%48%1,462
Hindu66%34%120
Historically Black Protestant48%52%308
Jewish50%50%580
Mainline Protestant50%50%2,641
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")57%43%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: Men, Women

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who seldom or never read scripture by gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are ages…

Gender composition18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Men25%34%25%15%8,721
Women26%34%24%16%7,099
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 seldom or never read scripture by gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Gender compositionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Men16%17%27%31%9%1%8,721
Women16%16%27%29%10%1%7,099
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 seldom or never read scripture by gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who identify as…

Gender compositionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Men72%6%5%14%3%8,720
Women74%6%4%12%3%7,165
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Gender compositionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Men14%11%75%8,750
Women13%12%75%7,142
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who have a household income of…

Gender compositionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Men27%20%29%25%7,904
Women34%19%26%21%6,223
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who have completed…

Gender compositionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Men41%30%18%11%8,803
Women36%31%19%13%7,201
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Gender compositionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Men46%9%11%3%31%8,818
Women45%10%12%7%25%7,205
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Gender compositionParentsNon-parentsSample size
Men24%76%8,809
Women30%70%7,226
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 seldom or never read scripture by gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say they…

Gender compositionBelieve 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
Men35%27%10%1%22%4%8,846
Women45%28%8%1%14%3%7,239
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 seldom or never read scripture by gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say religion is…

Gender compositionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Men21%32%21%25%1%8,846
Women28%35%19%17%1%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who attend religious services…

Gender compositionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men10%34%56%< 1%8,846
Women13%37%49%< 1%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who pray…

Gender compositionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men21%16%9%53%1%8,846
Women36%20%8%35%1%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who attend prayer group…

Gender compositionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men3%2%4%90%< 1%8,846
Women5%3%4%88%< 1%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who meditate…

Gender compositionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men22%7%5%64%1%8,846
Women27%10%5%59%1%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Gender compositionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men35%17%13%34%1%8,846
Women46%18%13%22%1%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Gender compositionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Men40%16%15%29%1%8,846
Women38%16%15%30%1%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Gender compositionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Men10%14%58%15%2%8,846
Women14%13%59%12%2%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say…

Gender compositionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Men26%72%2%1%8,846
Women21%78%1%1%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say the holy scripture is…

Gender compositionWord 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
Men12%20%1%59%8%8,846
Women14%24%2%52%8%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …in heaven

Gender compositionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Men52%39%8%8,846
Women62%30%8%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …in hell

Gender compositionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Men40%51%8%8,846
Women42%49%9%7,239
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 seldom or never read scripture by gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who identify as…

Gender compositionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Men35%20%45%8,846
Women27%18%56%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are…

Gender compositionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Men28%38%27%7%8,846
Women21%35%37%7%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who would rather have…

Gender compositionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Men56%37%3%3%8,846
Women42%51%3%4%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say government aid to the poor…

Gender compositionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Men45%49%4%2%8,846
Women37%57%3%2%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say abortion should be…

Gender compositionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Men67%29%5%8,846
Women72%25%3%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say homosexuality…

Gender compositionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Men73%20%4%3%8,846
Women86%10%2%2%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who …same-sex marriage

Gender compositionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Men66%27%8%8,846
Women78%16%6%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say…

Gender compositionStricter 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
Men36%59%2%2%8,846
Women28%67%2%3%7,239
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 gender

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who say humans…

Gender compositionEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Men54%21%5%17%3%8,846
Women49%22%4%21%4%7,239
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.