Parent of children under 18 among adults who seldom or never read scripture by religious group

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

Religious traditionParentsNon-parentsSample size
Buddhist17%83%146
Catholic28%72%3,792
Evangelical Protestant29%71%1,459
Hindu31%69%120
Historically Black Protestant32%68%307
Jewish24%76%580
Mainline Protestant26%74%2,634
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")25%75%6,097
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: Parents, Non-parents

DemographicInformation

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

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

Parent of children under 1818-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Parents17%69%13%1%3,567
Non-parents29%21%29%21%12,223
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.

Generational cohort among adults who seldom or never read scripture by parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Younger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Parents6%24%55%13%1%< 1%3,567
Non-parents20%14%16%36%13%1%12,223
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.

Gender composition among adults who seldom or never read scripture by parental status

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

Parent of children under 18MenWomenSample size
Parents48%52%3,612
Non-parents56%44%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18WhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Parents67%8%4%18%3%3,579
Non-parents75%6%5%11%3%12,267
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18ImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Parents19%9%72%3,574
Non-parents12%13%75%12,280
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Less than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Parents29%16%27%28%3,352
Non-parents31%21%28%21%10,752
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18High school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Parents36%30%20%14%3,600
Non-parents40%31%18%11%12,365
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18MarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Parents67%11%10%1%12%3,607
Non-parents38%9%12%7%35%12,374
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Believe 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
Parents41%31%9%1%15%3%3,612
Non-parents39%27%10%1%20%4%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Very importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Parents26%37%19%18%< 1%3,612
Non-parents24%32%21%23%1%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents11%41%48%< 1%3,612
Non-parents11%34%55%< 1%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18At least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents29%21%9%41%< 1%3,612
Non-parents28%17%9%46%1%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents4%4%5%87%< 1%3,612
Non-parents4%2%4%90%< 1%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents24%8%4%63%1%3,612
Non-parents24%9%5%61%1%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents41%18%13%26%1%3,612
Non-parents40%17%13%29%1%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18At least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Parents36%17%16%31%1%3,612
Non-parents40%15%15%29%1%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18ReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Parents13%12%59%15%2%3,612
Non-parents12%14%58%13%2%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18There are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Parents24%74%1%1%3,612
Non-parents23%75%1%1%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Word 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
Parents15%23%1%53%8%3,612
Non-parents12%21%1%57%8%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18BelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Parents61%31%7%3,612
Non-parents55%36%9%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18BelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Parents46%46%8%3,612
Non-parents39%52%9%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Republican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Parents32%22%47%3,612
Non-parents31%18%51%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18ConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Parents25%38%31%7%3,612
Non-parents25%36%33%6%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Smaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Parents47%46%3%3%3,612
Non-parents50%43%3%4%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Does more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Parents44%51%4%2%3,612
Non-parents41%53%4%2%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Legal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Parents66%31%3%3,612
Non-parents70%25%4%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Should be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Parents80%15%3%3%3,612
Non-parents78%16%3%3%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Strongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Parents72%21%6%3,612
Non-parents71%22%7%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Stricter 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
Parents32%64%2%2%3,612
Non-parents32%63%2%3%12,423
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 parental status

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

Parent of children under 18Evolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Parents51%23%4%19%3%3,612
Non-parents52%21%5%19%3%12,423
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.