Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%10%8%43%1%10,296
200737%10%8%44%1%10,484
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 50-64 year olds by religious group

% of 50-64 year olds who read scripture…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic24%12%9%54%< 1%2,277
Evangelical Protestant65%10%7%18%< 1%2,758
Historically Black Protestant65%10%7%18%2%622
Jewish18%12%10%59%1%236
Mainline Protestant31%13%11%44%< 1%1,819
Mormon76%5%6%13%1%168
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")10%4%6%79%< 1%1,838
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

Generational cohort among 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least once a week< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%3,876
Once or twice a month< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%976
Several times a year< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%869
Seldom/never< 1%< 1%< 1%100%< 1%< 1%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMenWomenSample size
At least once a week41%59%3,876
Once or twice a month47%53%976
Several times a year53%47%869
Seldom/never54%46%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least once a week63%18%2%13%4%3,805
Once or twice a month69%12%2%13%4%964
Several times a year76%9%3%8%3%859
Seldom/never80%5%3%9%3%4,453
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week12%5%83%3,837
Once or twice a month13%8%78%968
Several times a year13%5%82%863
Seldom/never11%7%81%4,477
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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%19%28%16%3,438
Once or twice a month32%20%26%22%882
Several times a year31%18%30%21%789
Seldom/never26%17%28%28%4,048
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who have completed…

Frequency of reading scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week44%31%16%9%3,868
Once or twice a month41%32%16%11%975
Several times a year41%29%16%14%866
Seldom/never41%28%18%13%4,494
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week62%3%19%6%9%3,860
Once or twice a month56%5%24%6%9%973
Several times a year60%5%19%6%10%865
Seldom/never59%6%19%4%11%4,500
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week17%83%3,871
Once or twice a month14%86%972
Several times a year17%83%869
Seldom/never14%86%4,507
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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%3,876
Once or twice a month78%17%3%< 1%1%1%976
Several times a year70%23%2%< 1%2%2%869
Seldom/never47%29%7%1%13%3%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who say religion is…

Frequency of reading scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week90%8%1%1%1%3,876
Once or twice a month71%24%3%2%< 1%976
Several times a year53%38%6%2%< 1%869
Seldom/never29%36%17%17%1%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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%3,876
Once or twice a month33%52%15%< 1%976
Several times a year22%54%24%< 1%869
Seldom/never13%37%50%< 1%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who pray…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week90%8%1%1%< 1%3,876
Once or twice a month69%22%4%5%1%976
Several times a year54%27%9%9%1%869
Seldom/never34%20%9%36%1%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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%21%1%3,876
Once or twice a month19%20%15%46%< 1%976
Several times a year7%6%23%64%< 1%869
Seldom/never4%2%3%90%< 1%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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%3,876
Once or twice a month44%15%4%35%1%976
Several times a year34%11%11%42%1%869
Seldom/never27%7%4%60%1%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 week85%8%3%3%1%3,876
Once or twice a month63%20%8%8%1%976
Several times a year56%18%15%11%< 1%869
Seldom/never43%16%13%26%1%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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%14%8%18%2%3,876
Once or twice a month44%20%13%22%1%976
Several times a year42%19%19%20%< 1%869
Seldom/never39%15%15%30%1%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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%3,876
Once or twice a month39%10%44%5%2%976
Several times a year27%11%51%8%2%869
Seldom/never15%12%60%11%2%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 week50%47%2%1%3,876
Once or twice a month38%60%1%1%976
Several times a year34%64%2%< 1%869
Seldom/never28%70%2%1%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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%3,876
Once or twice a month37%32%2%22%8%976
Several times a year25%35%3%29%8%869
Seldom/never16%23%2%50%8%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who …in heaven

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week86%8%7%3,876
Once or twice a month83%10%7%976
Several times a year80%12%7%869
Seldom/never61%30%8%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who …in hell

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week76%17%8%3,876
Once or twice a month64%27%9%976
Several times a year61%30%9%869
Seldom/never44%46%10%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week46%16%38%3,876
Once or twice a month39%13%48%976
Several times a year38%13%49%869
Seldom/never34%17%49%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least once a week53%26%16%6%3,876
Once or twice a month41%36%19%3%976
Several times a year40%36%22%2%869
Seldom/never30%36%29%6%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who would rather have…

Frequency of reading scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week57%37%3%3%3,876
Once or twice a month54%40%3%3%976
Several times a year56%37%4%3%869
Seldom/never53%39%4%4%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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%3,876
Once or twice a month47%48%3%2%976
Several times a year47%48%4%2%869
Seldom/never42%53%3%2%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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%3,876
Once or twice a month54%42%4%976
Several times a year59%35%5%869
Seldom/never70%27%4%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who say homosexuality…

Frequency of reading scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week37%54%5%4%3,876
Once or twice a month60%34%3%3%976
Several times a year63%29%4%4%869
Seldom/never74%19%4%3%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of reading scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week27%66%7%3,876
Once or twice a month48%44%8%976
Several times a year51%41%8%869
Seldom/never65%27%9%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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 week48%46%2%3%3,876
Once or twice a month43%52%2%2%976
Several times a year37%59%2%2%869
Seldom/never36%59%2%3%4,515
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 50-64 year olds by frequency of reading scripture

% of 50-64 year olds 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%2%57%5%3,876
Once or twice a month22%31%5%37%4%976
Several times a year25%35%6%31%3%869
Seldom/never44%25%5%22%4%4,515
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.