Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201431%19%50%16,085
200730%19%51%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: Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.

Party affiliation among adults who seldom or never read scripture by religious group

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

Religious traditionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Buddhist21%19%60%147
Catholic37%18%45%3,807
Evangelical Protestant48%17%35%1,462
Hindu12%27%61%120
Historically Black Protestant11%9%80%308
Jewish19%8%74%580
Mainline Protestant43%15%41%2,641
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")24%21%55%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: Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who seldom or never read scripture by political party

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

Party affiliation18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Republican/lean Rep.21%33%27%19%5,090
No lean29%37%22%11%2,527
Democrat/lean Dem.27%33%24%16%8,203
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 political party

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

Party affiliationYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Republican/lean Rep.14%14%27%32%12%1%5,090
No lean18%21%29%27%6%1%2,527
Democrat/lean Dem.17%17%26%29%9%1%8,203
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 political party

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

Party affiliationMenWomenSample size
Republican/lean Rep.61%39%5,153
No lean57%43%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.48%52%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Republican/lean Rep.84%2%4%8%2%5,086
No lean65%5%6%19%5%2,560
Democrat/lean Dem.68%9%5%14%4%8,239
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.

Immigrant status among adults who seldom or never read scripture by political party

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

Party affiliationImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Republican/lean Rep.10%10%80%5,110
No lean20%10%70%2,550
Democrat/lean Dem.14%14%73%8,232
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 political party

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

Party affiliationLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Republican/lean Rep.21%21%30%28%4,519
No lean45%20%22%13%2,086
Democrat/lean Dem.30%19%28%23%7,522
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 political party

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

Party affiliationHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Republican/lean Rep.41%31%18%9%5,134
No lean52%30%12%6%2,595
Democrat/lean Dem.33%30%21%16%8,275
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 political party

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

Party affiliationMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Republican/lean Rep.54%8%10%5%23%5,136
No lean40%11%14%4%31%2,604
Democrat/lean Dem.42%10%12%5%31%8,283
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 political party

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

Party affiliationParentsNon-parentsSample size
Republican/lean Rep.27%73%5,133
No lean30%70%2,617
Democrat/lean Dem.25%75%8,285
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 political party

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

Party affiliationBelieve 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
Republican/lean Rep.48%30%7%1%11%3%5,153
No lean41%28%9%1%17%4%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.34%26%11%1%24%4%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.28%38%20%14%1%5,153
No lean25%34%18%22%1%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.22%30%21%26%1%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.13%40%46%< 1%5,153
No lean11%31%58%1%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.10%34%55%< 1%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.31%21%10%37%1%5,153
No lean27%16%9%47%1%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.26%16%8%49%1%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.4%3%4%88%< 1%5,153
No lean4%3%4%89%< 1%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.4%3%4%89%< 1%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.21%7%4%67%1%5,153
No lean26%7%4%61%2%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.26%9%6%58%1%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.39%18%14%29%1%5,153
No lean41%14%11%32%2%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.41%18%13%27%1%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.34%16%15%33%1%5,153
No lean38%12%14%34%1%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.42%17%15%25%1%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.16%11%63%9%2%5,153
No lean12%11%60%13%4%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.10%17%55%17%2%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.34%65%1%1%5,153
No lean22%74%2%2%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.17%81%1%1%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationWord 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
Republican/lean Rep.15%31%2%45%7%5,153
No lean15%19%2%51%12%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.11%18%1%65%6%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.68%24%8%5,153
No lean57%32%11%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.50%43%7%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.51%40%9%5,153
No lean42%47%11%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.35%58%7%8,302
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

Political ideology among adults who seldom or never read scripture by political party

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

Party affiliationConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.49%38%10%3%5,153
No lean19%37%23%21%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.12%36%49%3%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.77%20%1%2%5,153
No lean49%40%4%6%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.32%60%4%4%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.69%26%3%2%5,153
No lean43%46%6%4%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.24%72%3%1%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.58%39%4%5,153
No lean61%32%7%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.79%18%3%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.69%24%4%3%5,153
No lean75%15%5%5%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.86%10%2%1%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.57%35%8%5,153
No lean67%21%13%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.82%14%4%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationStricter 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
Republican/lean Rep.53%43%2%2%5,153
No lean33%57%4%6%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.19%78%1%2%8,302
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 political party

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

Party affiliationEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Republican/lean Rep.42%28%4%24%3%5,153
No lean44%21%7%21%6%2,630
Democrat/lean Dem.60%18%4%16%2%8,302
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.