Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201444%9%7%38%2%5,989
200742%9%7%40%1%7,853
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 the Silent generation by religious group

% of adults in the Silent generation who read scripture…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic31%8%11%47%2%1,361
Evangelical Protestant68%9%5%17%2%1,611
Historically Black Protestant73%11%5%10%< 1%249
Jewish11%4%10%75%< 1%195
Mainline Protestant39%11%9%40%1%1,478
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")8%4%6%82%1%731
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who are ages…

Frequency of reading scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week< 1%< 1%< 1%100%2,503
Once or twice a month< 1%< 1%< 1%100%523
Several times a year< 1%< 1%< 1%100%450
Seldom/never< 1%< 1%< 1%100%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMenWomenSample size
At least once a week34%66%2,503
Once or twice a month42%58%523
Several times a year49%51%450
Seldom/never50%50%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least once a week76%13%1%8%2%2,472
Once or twice a month80%10%2%6%2%515
Several times a year83%5%2%7%2%445
Seldom/never89%3%1%5%2%2,402
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week9%8%84%2,470
Once or twice a month8%9%83%516
Several times a year14%12%74%446
Seldom/never8%14%77%2,407
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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 week50%24%18%8%2,003
Once or twice a month41%23%25%11%425
Several times a year39%26%22%12%378
Seldom/never37%23%25%15%1,982
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who have completed…

Frequency of reading scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week54%27%10%9%2,493
Once or twice a month53%23%12%11%523
Several times a year47%26%13%14%448
Seldom/never48%22%16%13%2,418
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week52%1%12%32%2%2,493
Once or twice a month51%2%14%29%3%521
Several times a year57%4%9%26%3%450
Seldom/never56%3%12%25%4%2,414
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week4%96%2,499
Once or twice a month2%98%523
Several times a year2%98%449
Seldom/never2%98%2,419
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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 week90%7%1%1%< 1%1%2,503
Once or twice a month76%17%3%2%1%1%523
Several times a year64%27%2%2%4%1%450
Seldom/never48%24%7%2%14%4%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who say religion is…

Frequency of reading scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week93%5%1%1%1%2,503
Once or twice a month74%23%2%1%< 1%523
Several times a year55%36%5%3%1%450
Seldom/never37%30%14%17%1%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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 week79%13%7%1%2,503
Once or twice a month50%36%14%< 1%523
Several times a year36%43%19%1%450
Seldom/never23%28%48%< 1%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who pray…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week91%6%1%1%1%2,503
Once or twice a month68%21%3%6%1%523
Several times a year56%25%9%9%1%450
Seldom/never40%16%6%37%2%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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%10%8%21%2%2,503
Once or twice a month19%18%16%47%1%523
Several times a year9%5%26%59%1%450
Seldom/never7%2%4%86%1%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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 week78%4%2%13%3%2,503
Once or twice a month54%18%3%23%2%523
Several times a year44%13%10%30%2%450
Seldom/never33%8%5%51%2%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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 week87%5%2%3%2%2,503
Once or twice a month67%21%5%6%2%523
Several times a year55%18%15%9%2%450
Seldom/never44%12%10%31%3%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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 week57%10%9%21%3%2,503
Once or twice a month44%18%13%22%3%523
Several times a year41%10%24%24%1%450
Seldom/never33%14%13%37%3%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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 week63%5%25%3%4%2,503
Once or twice a month39%6%46%6%3%523
Several times a year26%8%54%7%5%450
Seldom/never18%10%58%10%3%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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 week46%49%2%3%2,503
Once or twice a month36%60%1%2%523
Several times a year33%65%1%1%450
Seldom/never27%70%1%2%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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 week60%23%5%5%6%2,503
Once or twice a month40%34%5%14%6%523
Several times a year27%33%5%26%9%450
Seldom/never15%28%3%45%10%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who …in heaven

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week88%6%6%2,503
Once or twice a month83%9%8%523
Several times a year75%16%9%450
Seldom/never59%31%10%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who …in hell

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week74%16%10%2,503
Once or twice a month60%25%14%523
Several times a year56%34%10%450
Seldom/never37%52%11%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week48%15%37%2,503
Once or twice a month42%10%47%523
Several times a year42%7%52%450
Seldom/never39%12%49%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least once a week56%25%12%7%2,503
Once or twice a month50%27%17%5%523
Several times a year41%33%22%4%450
Seldom/never36%35%25%4%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who would rather have…

Frequency of reading scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week60%31%3%6%2,503
Once or twice a month60%29%4%7%523
Several times a year57%36%2%5%450
Seldom/never58%33%4%5%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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 week50%41%5%4%2,503
Once or twice a month46%48%3%2%523
Several times a year50%45%4%1%450
Seldom/never46%48%3%3%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who say abortion should be…

Frequency of reading scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week29%65%6%2,503
Once or twice a month46%48%6%523
Several times a year55%39%7%450
Seldom/never65%28%7%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who say homosexuality…

Frequency of reading scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week29%61%4%6%2,503
Once or twice a month46%41%6%7%523
Several times a year57%35%4%4%450
Seldom/never66%27%4%4%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of reading scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week19%72%9%2,503
Once or twice a month33%52%15%523
Several times a year43%47%11%450
Seldom/never53%36%10%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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 week46%42%4%9%2,503
Once or twice a month47%46%4%3%523
Several times a year48%47%2%3%450
Seldom/never39%54%3%5%2,422
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 the Silent generation by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults in the Silent generation 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%20%4%55%11%2,503
Once or twice a month18%26%6%40%11%523
Several times a year26%32%5%30%6%450
Seldom/never39%22%5%26%7%2,422
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.