Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201412%5%7%76%< 1%7,973
200715%6%7%72%1%6,275
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 who do not believe in Heaven by religious group

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who read scripture…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Buddhist23%10%11%54%1%151
Catholic12%7%8%72%< 1%709
Evangelical Protestant58%10%5%26%1%503
Jewish6%9%7%78%< 1%461
Mainline Protestant17%10%13%60%1%861
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")3%3%5%88%< 1%4,429
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 who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are ages…

Frequency of reading scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week22%30%31%17%865
Once or twice a month29%37%22%12%404
Several times a year27%39%19%14%548
Seldom/never29%35%21%15%6,000
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least once a week12%14%26%35%12%2%865
Once or twice a month18%17%31%26%8%1%404
Several times a year17%20%30%22%10%1%548
Seldom/never18%19%27%26%9%1%6,000
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMenWomenSample size
At least once a week46%54%888
Once or twice a month58%42%407
Several times a year58%42%559
Seldom/never60%40%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least once a week57%14%4%20%6%863
Once or twice a month66%7%5%19%3%399
Several times a year64%8%7%16%5%548
Seldom/never75%4%6%11%3%5,999
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week21%9%71%876
Once or twice a month17%13%70%405
Several times a year20%11%68%554
Seldom/never15%14%71%6,019
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week36%22%27%15%761
Once or twice a month29%19%28%25%372
Several times a year26%16%29%28%501
Seldom/never23%19%29%29%5,512
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who have completed…

Frequency of reading scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week38%32%18%13%879
Once or twice a month33%28%20%19%406
Several times a year24%30%23%22%555
Seldom/never28%29%25%18%6,057
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week50%7%15%5%23%882
Once or twice a month45%12%13%3%28%407
Several times a year45%11%11%5%30%556
Seldom/never44%11%12%3%31%6,056
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week28%72%887
Once or twice a month26%74%407
Several times a year25%75%553
Seldom/never24%76%6,064
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week74%13%4%< 1%7%2%888
Once or twice a month41%29%7%< 1%20%3%407
Several times a year27%31%10%2%28%3%559
Seldom/never13%19%14%1%48%5%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say religion is…

Frequency of reading scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week71%15%7%7%1%888
Once or twice a month40%32%14%14%1%407
Several times a year20%38%22%19%2%559
Seldom/never6%18%27%48%1%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week61%21%18%< 1%888
Once or twice a month17%47%35%1%407
Several times a year8%52%38%1%559
Seldom/never3%23%73%< 1%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who pray…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week79%10%1%9%1%888
Once or twice a month39%22%8%30%1%407
Several times a year25%18%11%46%1%559
Seldom/never10%8%6%77%< 1%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week54%10%7%28%1%888
Once or twice a month11%18%11%60%< 1%407
Several times a year4%6%17%73%1%559
Seldom/never1%1%2%95%< 1%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week67%6%2%22%3%888
Once or twice a month45%15%4%35%1%407
Several times a year38%15%11%34%2%559
Seldom/never24%10%6%60%1%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week80%8%3%7%2%888
Once or twice a month59%18%8%14%< 1%407
Several times a year45%19%15%19%2%559
Seldom/never35%16%11%36%1%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week63%11%7%16%2%888
Once or twice a month57%16%9%16%1%407
Several times a year58%17%14%11%< 1%559
Seldom/never46%17%15%22%1%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week49%13%29%6%3%888
Once or twice a month16%25%41%16%2%407
Several times a year7%23%49%19%3%559
Seldom/never3%19%55%21%2%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week45%51%2%2%888
Once or twice a month25%72%2%1%407
Several times a year19%80%1%1%559
Seldom/never18%80%1%1%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week38%25%3%28%6%888
Once or twice a month13%15%2%64%6%407
Several times a year5%10%< 1%79%6%559
Seldom/never1%5%< 1%89%5%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who …in hell

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week26%70%4%888
Once or twice a month12%86%2%407
Several times a year6%92%2%559
Seldom/never3%96%1%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week36%27%37%888
Once or twice a month24%15%61%407
Several times a year17%18%65%559
Seldom/never22%17%61%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least once a week41%28%21%10%888
Once or twice a month21%35%42%2%407
Several times a year18%37%41%5%559
Seldom/never14%34%47%5%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have…

Frequency of reading scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week57%37%3%4%888
Once or twice a month43%46%4%6%407
Several times a year45%47%5%3%559
Seldom/never46%47%4%3%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week45%50%4%2%888
Once or twice a month31%65%2%1%407
Several times a year26%69%3%2%559
Seldom/never33%63%3%1%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say abortion should be…

Frequency of reading scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week39%57%4%888
Once or twice a month66%31%3%407
Several times a year79%17%5%559
Seldom/never84%13%3%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say homosexuality…

Frequency of reading scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week51%43%3%3%888
Once or twice a month79%15%3%3%407
Several times a year84%10%3%4%559
Seldom/never88%8%2%2%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of reading scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week45%48%7%888
Once or twice a month74%19%6%407
Several times a year79%15%6%559
Seldom/never85%11%4%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week37%57%3%2%888
Once or twice a month22%73%3%1%407
Several times a year22%71%3%4%559
Seldom/never22%74%2%2%6,079
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who do not believe in Heaven by frequency of reading scripture

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven 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 week25%19%4%49%4%888
Once or twice a month52%20%5%22%2%407
Several times a year67%12%7%12%3%559
Seldom/never79%8%3%8%1%6,079
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.