DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201431%38%23%9%1,174
200731%43%19%7%989
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201417%22%30%26%5%< 1%1,174
2007< 1%22%39%30%7%2%989
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201453%47%1,195
200754%46%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201462%13%3%17%6%1,170
200767%12%3%13%5%999
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201413%9%77%1,177
200711%7%81%1,005
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201443%21%23%14%1,051
200735%24%27%15%843
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201453%29%12%5%1,191
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201438%15%13%4%30%1,189
200747%11%13%4%25%1,007
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201431%69%1,190
200738%62%1,010
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201449%35%9%1%5%2%1,195
200757%30%4%1%3%5%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201425%75%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,195
200729%71%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20143%34%62%< 1%1,195
20075%33%62%< 1%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201433%21%11%34%1%1,195
200730%22%11%35%2%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20143%3%3%90%< 1%1,195
20074%2%3%90%< 1%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201425%9%4%60%1%1,195
200725%6%3%63%2%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201442%16%11%30%1%1,195
200737%12%14%33%3%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201441%14%13%31%1%1,195
200735%12%15%34%3%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201412%13%60%12%3%1,195
20076%11%72%7%3%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201425%73%1%1%1,195
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord 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
201417%22%1%49%11%1,195
200718%20%3%47%13%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201469%21%10%1,195
200766%21%14%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201451%39%10%1,195
200747%41%12%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201428%28%44%1,195
200726%26%48%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201424%38%28%10%1,195
200724%44%24%9%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201447%47%3%3%1,195
200736%53%5%6%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201445%48%4%2%1,195
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201462%33%5%1,195
200761%31%8%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201476%15%4%5%1,195
200765%25%5%5%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201468%23%9%1,195
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201436%58%3%3%1,195
200730%61%3%5%1,014
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 who are Nothing in particular (religion important)

% of adults who seldom or never read scripture who are Nothing in particular (religion important) who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201440%24%6%26%4%1,195
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.