Importance of religion in one's life among adults who read scripture at least once a week

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

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201488%9%1%1%1%12,336
200788%9%1%1%1%12,777
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who read scripture at least once a week by religious group

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

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic84%14%1%< 1%< 1%1,810
Evangelical Protestant92%6%1%1%1%5,525
Historically Black Protestant94%5%< 1%1%< 1%1,189
Jehovah's Witness96%4%< 1%< 1%1%216
Jewish86%14%< 1%< 1%< 1%121
Mainline Protestant87%11%1%1%1%1,894
Mormon94%5%< 1%< 1%< 1%513
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")57%21%9%11%2%606
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important16%33%29%22%10,664
Somewhat important26%39%24%12%999
Not too important24%43%21%13%142
Not at all important30%35%23%12%153
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important9%11%28%35%15%2%10,664
Somewhat important17%16%32%27%7%1%999
Not too important13%20%34%26%8%< 1%142
Not at all important22%14%29%27%7%1%153
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important40%60%10,938
Somewhat important49%51%1,012
Not too important60%40%144
Not at all important60%40%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important60%18%2%15%4%10,764
Somewhat important56%13%3%22%5%995
Not too important57%11%5%22%5%141
Not at all important50%20%2%21%7%149
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important15%7%78%10,796
Somewhat important17%11%72%992
Not too important19%17%64%143
Not at all important19%11%70%153
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important40%21%26%13%9,346
Somewhat important42%20%24%14%902
Not too important46%24%17%13%128
Not at all important47%16%22%14%138
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important43%33%15%9%10,877
Somewhat important46%33%14%7%1,006
Not too important34%39%13%14%143
Not at all important50%34%10%5%156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important55%4%14%9%18%10,882
Somewhat important38%10%16%7%29%1,005
Not too important29%8%18%4%42%142
Not at all important27%8%22%4%39%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important31%69%10,886
Somewhat important30%70%1,010
Not too important22%78%143
Not at all important28%72%156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve 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
Very important92%6%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%10,938
Somewhat important69%24%3%1%1%2%1,012
Not too important53%29%8%1%5%4%144
Not at all important63%13%5%1%15%3%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important76%18%6%< 1%10,938
Somewhat important34%48%17%1%1,012
Not too important14%41%44%1%144
Not at all important22%21%56%< 1%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important92%7%1%1%1%10,938
Somewhat important69%23%3%4%< 1%1,012
Not too important64%13%3%20%1%144
Not at all important68%10%3%19%< 1%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important61%13%8%17%1%10,938
Somewhat important29%18%8%44%< 1%1,012
Not too important18%7%10%65%< 1%144
Not at all important35%6%7%50%1%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important65%6%2%25%2%10,938
Somewhat important50%9%2%38%1%1,012
Not too important60%11%1%26%2%144
Not at all important72%3%3%21%1%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important86%8%3%3%1%10,938
Somewhat important65%18%8%8%1%1,012
Not too important63%12%5%17%4%144
Not at all important73%13%1%10%3%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important55%15%8%19%2%10,938
Somewhat important53%14%9%23%1%1,012
Not too important66%9%7%16%1%144
Not at all important70%10%6%13%1%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important67%5%23%3%3%10,938
Somewhat important27%13%51%7%1%1,012
Not too important13%24%51%10%2%144
Not at all important18%22%43%13%4%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important49%48%2%1%10,938
Somewhat important31%67%1%1%1,012
Not too important27%68%4%< 1%144
Not at all important29%66%4%1%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord 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
Very important58%28%5%5%5%10,938
Somewhat important29%34%4%26%7%1,012
Not too important17%29%1%45%7%144
Not at all important24%20%4%41%11%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important88%6%6%10,938
Somewhat important81%11%7%1,012
Not too important58%37%5%144
Not at all important52%36%13%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important78%15%7%10,938
Somewhat important64%28%7%1,012
Not too important41%54%5%144
Not at all important48%45%8%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important47%18%36%10,938
Somewhat important35%20%45%1,012
Not too important34%23%44%144
Not at all important25%34%41%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important53%26%14%7%10,938
Somewhat important32%38%24%6%1,012
Not too important25%40%28%8%144
Not at all important34%27%32%7%158
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 read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important55%38%3%4%10,938
Somewhat important48%46%3%4%1,012
Not too important56%37%4%2%144
Not at all important49%39%6%7%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important49%45%5%2%10,938
Somewhat important45%49%4%2%1,012
Not too important41%52%7%1%144
Not at all important47%47%6%1%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important30%66%4%10,938
Somewhat important52%43%5%1,012
Not too important62%35%3%144
Not at all important40%56%4%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important35%56%5%4%10,938
Somewhat important65%28%3%3%1,012
Not too important66%29%3%3%144
Not at all important63%27%7%2%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important26%66%8%10,938
Somewhat important55%35%10%1,012
Not too important60%34%7%144
Not at all important52%37%10%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter 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
Very important45%48%3%4%10,938
Somewhat important38%57%2%3%1,012
Not too important41%56%< 1%2%144
Not at all important38%54%3%5%158
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who read scripture at least once a week by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important10%25%3%57%6%10,938
Somewhat important28%30%4%34%4%1,012
Not too important34%26%7%31%2%144
Not at all important26%22%3%44%4%158
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.