Frequency of reading scripture among baby Boomers

% of baby Boomers who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201438%9%8%44%1%13,049
200736%10%8%45%1%13,662
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of reading scripture among baby Boomers by religious group

% of baby Boomers who read scripture…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Buddhist25%8%10%57%< 1%107
Catholic24%11%9%55%< 1%2,905
Evangelical Protestant64%10%7%18%1%3,416
Historically Black Protestant66%9%6%17%2%749
Jewish16%11%10%63%1%330
Mainline Protestant30%13%11%45%1%2,435
Mormon78%5%5%11%1%214
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")10%4%6%80%< 1%2,281
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who are ages…

Frequency of reading scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week< 1%< 1%85%15%4,826
Once or twice a month< 1%< 1%85%15%1,226
Several times a year< 1%< 1%86%14%1,073
Seldom/never< 1%< 1%83%17%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMenWomenSample size
At least once a week41%59%4,826
Once or twice a month47%53%1,226
Several times a year52%48%1,073
Seldom/never55%45%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least once a week64%17%2%13%4%4,745
Once or twice a month70%12%2%12%3%1,212
Several times a year76%9%3%8%3%1,060
Seldom/never81%5%2%8%3%5,754
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week12%5%83%4,779
Once or twice a month12%7%80%1,216
Several times a year12%5%83%1,066
Seldom/never11%8%81%5,783
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who have a household income of…

Frequency of reading scriptureLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
At least once a week37%20%28%15%4,254
Once or twice a month32%21%26%21%1,107
Several times a year31%18%30%21%968
Seldom/never27%18%28%27%5,185
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who have completed…

Frequency of reading scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week44%31%15%9%4,816
Once or twice a month41%31%17%11%1,225
Several times a year41%29%16%14%1,070
Seldom/never40%28%18%14%5,814
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week62%3%19%7%9%4,807
Once or twice a month57%5%23%7%8%1,222
Several times a year60%4%19%7%10%1,068
Seldom/never60%6%19%5%10%5,819
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week15%85%4,821
Once or twice a month13%87%1,222
Several times a year15%85%1,073
Seldom/never12%88%5,827
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who say they…

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieve 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
At least once a week91%7%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,826
Once or twice a month78%16%3%< 1%1%1%1,226
Several times a year70%23%2%< 1%2%2%1,073
Seldom/never48%28%7%1%13%3%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who say religion is…

Frequency of reading scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week90%7%1%1%1%4,826
Once or twice a month71%24%3%2%< 1%1,226
Several times a year54%38%6%2%1%1,073
Seldom/never29%36%17%17%1%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who attend religious services…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week70%22%8%< 1%4,826
Once or twice a month35%50%15%< 1%1,226
Several times a year23%53%24%< 1%1,073
Seldom/never13%36%50%< 1%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who pray…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week91%7%1%1%< 1%4,826
Once or twice a month69%22%4%5%1%1,226
Several times a year54%27%8%10%1%1,073
Seldom/never34%20%9%36%1%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who attend prayer group…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week59%12%8%20%1%4,826
Once or twice a month19%20%15%46%< 1%1,226
Several times a year7%6%22%65%< 1%1,073
Seldom/never4%2%4%90%< 1%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who meditate…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week66%5%2%25%2%4,826
Once or twice a month46%15%4%34%2%1,226
Several times a year35%11%11%41%1%1,073
Seldom/never27%7%5%60%1%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week86%7%3%3%1%4,826
Once or twice a month65%19%7%8%1%1,226
Several times a year56%18%15%10%1%1,073
Seldom/never43%16%13%27%2%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week59%13%7%18%2%4,826
Once or twice a month45%19%13%22%1%1,226
Several times a year42%18%19%20%1%1,073
Seldom/never39%14%15%30%1%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of reading scriptureReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
At least once a week65%4%25%3%3%4,826
Once or twice a month40%10%43%5%2%1,226
Several times a year28%11%51%8%2%1,073
Seldom/never15%12%60%11%2%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who say…

Frequency of reading scriptureThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week51%46%2%1%4,826
Once or twice a month38%60%1%1%1,226
Several times a year35%63%2%< 1%1,073
Seldom/never28%70%2%1%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who say the holy scripture is…

Frequency of reading scriptureWord 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
At least once a week58%25%4%7%5%4,826
Once or twice a month36%32%2%21%8%1,226
Several times a year24%34%3%30%9%1,073
Seldom/never15%24%2%51%8%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who …in heaven

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week86%7%7%4,826
Once or twice a month83%10%7%1,226
Several times a year80%12%7%1,073
Seldom/never61%31%9%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who …in hell

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week75%17%8%4,826
Once or twice a month65%26%9%1,226
Several times a year61%30%9%1,073
Seldom/never43%47%10%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week47%16%37%4,826
Once or twice a month40%12%47%1,226
Several times a year38%13%49%1,073
Seldom/never34%17%49%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least once a week54%26%15%6%4,826
Once or twice a month43%35%19%3%1,226
Several times a year40%37%21%2%1,073
Seldom/never30%35%29%6%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who would rather have…

Frequency of reading scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week57%36%3%4%4,826
Once or twice a month55%40%3%3%1,226
Several times a year56%36%4%4%1,073
Seldom/never53%39%4%4%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who say government aid to the poor…

Frequency of reading scriptureDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week49%44%4%2%4,826
Once or twice a month47%48%3%2%1,226
Several times a year46%48%4%2%1,073
Seldom/never42%53%3%2%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who say abortion should be…

Frequency of reading scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week34%61%5%4,826
Once or twice a month54%42%4%1,226
Several times a year59%35%6%1,073
Seldom/never70%26%4%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who say homosexuality…

Frequency of reading scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week37%55%5%3%4,826
Once or twice a month58%35%3%3%1,226
Several times a year63%29%4%4%1,073
Seldom/never74%19%4%3%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of reading scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week26%66%7%4,826
Once or twice a month46%46%8%1,226
Several times a year51%40%9%1,073
Seldom/never64%27%8%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who say…

Frequency of reading scriptureStricter 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
At least once a week49%46%2%3%4,826
Once or twice a month43%52%3%2%1,226
Several times a year37%58%3%2%1,073
Seldom/never36%59%2%3%5,836
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 baby Boomers by frequency of reading scripture

% of baby Boomers who say humans…

Frequency of reading scriptureEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
At least once a week10%26%3%57%5%4,826
Once or twice a month22%31%5%37%4%1,226
Several times a year25%34%6%31%3%1,073
Seldom/never45%25%5%22%4%5,836
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.