Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%11%9%44%1%7,303
200731%11%9%48%1%8,092
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 adults in Generation X by religious group

% of adults in Generation X who read scripture…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic27%12%11%49%1%1,472
Evangelical Protestant63%12%8%17%< 1%1,751
Historically Black Protestant62%15%8%15%< 1%450
Jewish16%9%8%65%1%140
Mainline Protestant27%14%14%45%< 1%1,044
Mormon78%6%4%12%< 1%166
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")11%7%6%77%< 1%1,764
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 adults in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who are ages…

Frequency of reading scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week< 1%100%< 1%< 1%2,477
Once or twice a month< 1%100%< 1%< 1%772
Several times a year< 1%100%< 1%< 1%658
Seldom/never< 1%100%< 1%< 1%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMenWomenSample size
At least once a week44%56%2,477
Once or twice a month49%51%772
Several times a year51%49%658
Seldom/never53%47%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least once a week53%19%2%21%5%2,446
Once or twice a month58%17%2%20%3%762
Several times a year61%10%7%18%3%650
Seldom/never71%6%5%15%3%3,329
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week21%7%72%2,449
Once or twice a month21%7%72%759
Several times a year22%7%71%649
Seldom/never18%9%73%3,332
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 week35%21%27%17%2,260
Once or twice a month33%20%27%19%708
Several times a year22%19%32%26%618
Seldom/never24%17%29%30%3,124
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who have completed…

Frequency of reading scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week39%33%17%11%2,468
Once or twice a month43%28%17%13%771
Several times a year31%32%21%16%657
Seldom/never35%28%21%16%3,359
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week59%6%17%2%16%2,471
Once or twice a month58%9%16%1%17%771
Several times a year60%8%15%1%16%657
Seldom/never58%10%13%1%18%3,363
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week62%38%2,462
Once or twice a month59%41%769
Several times a year59%41%657
Seldom/never55%45%3,359
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 week89%9%1%< 1%< 1%1%2,477
Once or twice a month73%19%3%< 1%3%1%772
Several times a year68%23%3%1%4%1%658
Seldom/never40%29%9%< 1%17%4%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who say religion is…

Frequency of reading scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week86%10%2%1%1%2,477
Once or twice a month63%28%5%3%1%772
Several times a year51%37%6%5%1%658
Seldom/never23%34%21%22%< 1%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 week69%23%8%< 1%2,477
Once or twice a month33%50%18%< 1%772
Several times a year21%60%19%1%658
Seldom/never9%36%55%< 1%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who pray…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week89%8%1%2%< 1%2,477
Once or twice a month66%21%4%7%2%772
Several times a year52%23%11%12%1%658
Seldom/never27%19%9%44%< 1%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 week57%15%7%21%< 1%2,477
Once or twice a month17%25%13%44%1%772
Several times a year9%11%26%54%1%658
Seldom/never4%2%4%90%< 1%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 week60%7%2%29%2%2,477
Once or twice a month34%14%4%47%1%772
Several times a year28%13%13%45%2%658
Seldom/never25%8%4%62%1%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 week82%11%3%3%1%2,477
Once or twice a month59%22%11%7%2%772
Several times a year51%19%19%9%2%658
Seldom/never39%16%15%29%1%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 week52%16%9%21%2%2,477
Once or twice a month42%19%13%24%1%772
Several times a year39%17%21%23%< 1%658
Seldom/never35%16%16%32%< 1%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 week61%6%27%4%3%2,477
Once or twice a month36%11%43%7%3%772
Several times a year25%13%48%12%2%658
Seldom/never11%13%60%14%2%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 week49%49%2%1%2,477
Once or twice a month34%64%1%1%772
Several times a year31%67%1%1%658
Seldom/never24%74%1%1%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 week55%28%4%9%4%2,477
Once or twice a month35%35%3%18%10%772
Several times a year24%36%2%30%8%658
Seldom/never13%22%1%56%8%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who …in heaven

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week86%7%7%2,477
Once or twice a month83%12%5%772
Several times a year79%17%4%658
Seldom/never57%35%8%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who …in hell

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week77%16%7%2,477
Once or twice a month67%26%7%772
Several times a year64%28%8%658
Seldom/never42%49%8%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week44%20%36%2,477
Once or twice a month37%20%43%772
Several times a year38%19%43%658
Seldom/never31%20%49%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least once a week51%27%16%7%2,477
Once or twice a month37%37%21%5%772
Several times a year34%37%23%5%658
Seldom/never24%38%32%6%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who would rather have…

Frequency of reading scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week54%39%3%3%2,477
Once or twice a month51%41%3%4%772
Several times a year54%41%3%3%658
Seldom/never49%45%3%3%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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%45%4%2%2,477
Once or twice a month44%51%4%1%772
Several times a year44%53%3%1%658
Seldom/never44%50%5%2%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who say abortion should be…

Frequency of reading scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week32%63%4%2,477
Once or twice a month51%47%3%772
Several times a year61%35%4%658
Seldom/never71%25%4%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who say homosexuality…

Frequency of reading scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week39%51%5%5%2,477
Once or twice a month65%26%5%4%772
Several times a year69%23%4%3%658
Seldom/never79%15%3%3%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of reading scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week30%62%9%2,477
Once or twice a month52%37%11%772
Several times a year61%30%9%658
Seldom/never72%21%7%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 week43%51%3%3%2,477
Once or twice a month37%58%3%2%772
Several times a year35%60%2%2%658
Seldom/never31%65%2%2%3,367
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 in Generation X by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in Generation X 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 week11%27%2%55%4%2,477
Once or twice a month23%30%4%39%4%772
Several times a year33%29%4%30%4%658
Seldom/never53%20%5%19%3%3,367
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.