Marital status among adults who seldom or never read scripture by religious group

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

Religious traditionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Buddhist41%10%11%1%37%146
Catholic52%8%11%6%23%3,798
Evangelical Protestant50%8%13%8%20%1,457
Hindu61%2%2%< 1%35%120
Historically Black Protestant21%8%21%7%43%307
Jewish53%6%9%7%24%578
Mainline Protestant55%7%12%8%18%2,632
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")38%12%11%3%36%6,093
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: Married, Living with a partner, Divorced/separated, Widowed, Never married

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who seldom or never read scripture by marital status

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

Marital status18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Married7%42%32%20%7,713
Living with a partner38%40%17%6%1,281
Divorced/separated6%35%41%18%2,013
Widowed1%7%22%70%1,165
Never married64%25%9%2%3,611
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 marital status

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

Marital statusYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Married2%12%34%39%12%1%7,713
Living with a partner19%31%28%19%3%< 1%1,281
Divorced/separated2%9%30%48%10%< 1%2,013
Widowed< 1%1%7%32%48%13%1,165
Never married47%25%17%10%1%< 1%3,611
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 marital status

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

Marital statusMenWomenSample size
Married54%46%7,841
Living with a partner52%48%1,297
Divorced/separated51%49%2,048
Widowed31%69%1,194
Never married58%42%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Married80%3%5%10%3%7,734
Living with a partner68%7%2%18%4%1,285
Divorced/separated75%7%2%13%4%2,019
Widowed83%7%1%6%3%1,184
Never married60%11%7%17%4%3,612
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 marital status

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

Marital statusImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Married14%9%77%7,772
Living with a partner14%12%74%1,281
Divorced/separated12%9%78%2,019
Widowed8%14%78%1,177
Never married14%17%69%3,589
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 marital status

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

Marital statusLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Married16%16%33%35%6,864
Living with a partner37%23%24%16%1,197
Divorced/separated47%22%21%10%1,855
Widowed52%24%15%9%982
Never married40%22%24%14%3,199
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 marital status

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

Marital statusHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Married33%27%23%17%7,807
Living with a partner39%33%18%10%1,290
Divorced/separated44%34%13%9%2,033
Widowed57%23%12%8%1,189
Never married43%35%16%7%3,632
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 marital status

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

Marital statusParentsNon-parentsSample size
Married39%61%7,811
Living with a partner31%69%1,292
Divorced/separated23%77%2,047
Widowed5%95%1,192
Never married11%89%3,639
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 marital status

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

Marital statusBelieve 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
Married42%30%9%1%16%4%7,841
Living with a partner33%31%11%1%22%3%1,297
Divorced/separated48%26%7%1%13%4%2,048
Widowed57%23%7%2%9%3%1,194
Never married33%25%12%< 1%25%4%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Married27%35%20%18%1%7,841
Living with a partner18%36%20%26%< 1%1,297
Divorced/separated28%34%16%20%1%2,048
Widowed43%30%13%13%1%1,194
Never married18%31%24%27%1%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married14%38%48%< 1%7,841
Living with a partner5%33%62%< 1%1,297
Divorced/separated10%33%57%< 1%2,048
Widowed22%29%49%1%1,194
Never married9%35%56%< 1%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married29%20%9%41%1%7,841
Living with a partner25%16%10%49%< 1%1,297
Divorced/separated34%18%8%39%1%2,048
Widowed47%16%5%31%2%1,194
Never married20%15%9%55%< 1%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married4%3%4%89%< 1%7,841
Living with a partner3%3%4%91%< 1%1,297
Divorced/separated4%3%4%89%1%2,048
Widowed7%3%4%85%1%1,194
Never married3%3%4%90%< 1%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married24%8%5%62%1%7,841
Living with a partner24%9%6%60%1%1,297
Divorced/separated31%9%4%55%1%2,048
Widowed35%8%3%52%2%1,194
Never married20%9%5%65%1%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married42%17%14%26%1%7,841
Living with a partner40%19%12%29%1%1,297
Divorced/separated42%14%12%30%2%2,048
Widowed47%11%10%28%3%1,194
Never married36%19%12%31%1%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Married35%17%16%31%1%7,841
Living with a partner44%15%16%24%1%1,297
Divorced/separated39%15%14%31%1%2,048
Widowed35%10%14%39%2%1,194
Never married44%16%14%26%1%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Married13%12%60%13%2%7,841
Living with a partner9%15%60%14%1%1,297
Divorced/separated15%14%58%11%2%2,048
Widowed20%9%60%7%4%1,194
Never married9%17%56%16%2%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Married27%71%1%1%7,841
Living with a partner21%77%1%1%1,297
Divorced/separated22%76%1%1%2,048
Widowed24%72%1%3%1,194
Never married18%79%1%1%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusWord 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
Married12%25%1%54%8%7,841
Living with a partner11%17%< 1%64%8%1,297
Divorced/separated18%21%1%52%8%2,048
Widowed20%27%4%38%11%1,194
Never married12%19%1%62%7%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Married59%33%8%7,841
Living with a partner53%39%7%1,297
Divorced/separated57%34%8%2,048
Widowed68%23%10%1,194
Never married53%38%8%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Married42%50%8%7,841
Living with a partner39%53%7%1,297
Divorced/separated42%49%9%2,048
Widowed43%46%11%1,194
Never married40%51%8%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Married37%17%46%7,841
Living with a partner26%22%53%1,297
Divorced/separated28%22%50%2,048
Widowed31%16%52%1,194
Never married26%21%54%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Married29%37%28%5%7,841
Living with a partner20%35%38%7%1,297
Divorced/separated26%33%34%8%2,048
Widowed29%39%25%8%1,194
Never married18%37%37%8%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Married55%38%4%4%7,841
Living with a partner43%50%3%4%1,297
Divorced/separated47%46%3%4%2,048
Widowed50%39%5%6%1,194
Never married43%51%3%3%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Married46%49%3%2%7,841
Living with a partner38%56%4%2%1,297
Divorced/separated38%56%4%2%2,048
Widowed41%52%3%4%1,194
Never married38%56%4%2%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Married69%27%4%7,841
Living with a partner73%23%4%1,297
Divorced/separated69%27%5%2,048
Widowed61%32%6%1,194
Never married70%26%4%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Married77%17%3%3%7,841
Living with a partner86%10%3%2%1,297
Divorced/separated75%18%4%3%2,048
Widowed65%27%4%4%1,194
Never married84%12%2%2%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Married69%24%7%7,841
Living with a partner79%16%5%1,297
Divorced/separated65%26%8%2,048
Widowed54%35%11%1,194
Never married80%15%5%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusStricter 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
Married34%61%2%2%7,841
Living with a partner28%68%2%2%1,297
Divorced/separated33%62%2%3%2,048
Widowed36%54%3%7%1,194
Never married29%67%1%3%3,643
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 marital status

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

Marital statusEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Married50%23%5%19%3%7,841
Living with a partner57%21%4%16%2%1,297
Divorced/separated45%24%4%23%3%2,048
Widowed33%23%6%30%8%1,194
Never married58%19%4%16%3%3,643
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.