Frequency of reading scripture among moderates

% of moderates who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201429%11%9%50%1%11,653
200728%11%10%51%1%12,825
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 moderates by religious group

% of moderates who read scripture…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic22%11%12%55%1%2,619
Evangelical Protestant53%14%9%24%1%2,236
Historically Black Protestant57%16%7%18%2%672
Jewish18%6%13%62%1%262
Mainline Protestant28%14%11%46%1%2,290
Mormon73%8%2%16%< 1%172
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")8%6%6%80%< 1%2,681
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who are ages…

Frequency of reading scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week21%33%27%19%3,332
Once or twice a month27%36%24%12%1,219
Several times a year23%36%25%15%1,077
Seldom/never26%35%24%14%5,750
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least once a week13%13%27%32%13%1%3,332
Once or twice a month18%15%30%28%7%1%1,219
Several times a year15%15%30%30%9%1%1,077
Seldom/never16%17%28%29%9%1%5,750
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMenWomenSample size
At least once a week37%63%3,400
Once or twice a month46%54%1,238
Several times a year48%52%1,100
Seldom/never55%45%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least once a week55%21%3%16%5%3,355
Once or twice a month60%16%4%17%3%1,226
Several times a year67%9%5%15%5%1,087
Seldom/never74%6%5%12%3%5,771
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week15%9%76%3,364
Once or twice a month14%12%73%1,226
Several times a year16%11%73%1,090
Seldom/never12%11%76%5,782
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week41%21%25%13%2,989
Once or twice a month38%20%26%16%1,114
Several times a year30%19%29%21%989
Seldom/never27%21%28%24%5,159
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who have completed…

Frequency of reading scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week39%35%15%11%3,392
Once or twice a month39%32%17%11%1,237
Several times a year35%32%18%14%1,094
Seldom/never36%32%20%12%5,821
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week47%6%15%9%23%3,389
Once or twice a month43%8%13%6%30%1,233
Several times a year48%6%12%7%27%1,095
Seldom/never47%9%11%5%28%5,822
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week31%69%3,389
Once or twice a month29%71%1,235
Several times a year32%68%1,096
Seldom/never28%72%5,817
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week88%10%1%1%1%< 1%3,400
Once or twice a month71%22%3%< 1%3%1%1,238
Several times a year61%27%5%< 1%4%2%1,100
Seldom/never39%30%10%1%16%4%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who say religion is…

Frequency of reading scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week84%12%2%1%< 1%3,400
Once or twice a month61%31%6%3%< 1%1,238
Several times a year45%42%9%3%1%1,100
Seldom/never23%36%22%19%1%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week66%25%8%< 1%3,400
Once or twice a month32%52%15%< 1%1,238
Several times a year22%59%19%< 1%1,100
Seldom/never11%38%50%< 1%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who pray…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week87%10%1%2%< 1%3,400
Once or twice a month61%24%7%7%1%1,238
Several times a year46%28%11%15%1%1,100
Seldom/never27%19%10%44%1%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week52%14%9%24%1%3,400
Once or twice a month14%24%15%47%< 1%1,238
Several times a year6%8%27%59%< 1%1,100
Seldom/never3%3%4%90%< 1%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week63%8%2%26%1%3,400
Once or twice a month39%14%4%43%1%1,238
Several times a year29%12%14%44%1%1,100
Seldom/never23%8%5%62%1%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week81%10%4%4%1%3,400
Once or twice a month60%22%11%7%1%1,238
Several times a year51%19%19%10%1%1,100
Seldom/never40%18%14%27%1%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week51%17%10%20%1%3,400
Once or twice a month45%20%15%19%1%1,238
Several times a year45%15%23%16%1%1,100
Seldom/never37%17%16%29%1%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week54%8%32%4%2%3,400
Once or twice a month30%11%48%7%2%1,238
Several times a year19%13%54%11%3%1,100
Seldom/never10%14%62%12%2%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week36%62%1%1%3,400
Once or twice a month28%70%1%1%1,238
Several times a year25%74%1%< 1%1,100
Seldom/never22%76%1%1%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week46%34%4%10%6%3,400
Once or twice a month26%41%1%22%9%1,238
Several times a year18%39%2%34%7%1,100
Seldom/never10%25%1%56%8%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who …in heaven

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week88%7%5%3,400
Once or twice a month83%11%6%1,238
Several times a year77%17%6%1,100
Seldom/never59%32%8%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who …in hell

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week74%18%8%3,400
Once or twice a month66%26%8%1,238
Several times a year59%34%8%1,100
Seldom/never42%49%9%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week32%18%50%3,400
Once or twice a month32%15%53%1,238
Several times a year32%19%49%1,100
Seldom/never33%19%49%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who would rather have…

Frequency of reading scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week47%46%4%4%3,400
Once or twice a month48%45%4%3%1,238
Several times a year54%40%3%4%1,100
Seldom/never56%36%4%4%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week37%56%5%2%3,400
Once or twice a month38%57%3%2%1,238
Several times a year41%54%4%1%1,100
Seldom/never43%52%4%2%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who say abortion should be…

Frequency of reading scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week44%52%4%3,400
Once or twice a month57%40%3%1,238
Several times a year67%29%4%1,100
Seldom/never72%25%3%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who say homosexuality…

Frequency of reading scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week52%38%6%4%3,400
Once or twice a month73%21%4%2%1,238
Several times a year77%16%3%4%1,100
Seldom/never82%13%3%2%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of reading scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week42%50%8%3,400
Once or twice a month61%31%8%1,238
Several times a year67%25%8%1,100
Seldom/never75%19%6%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week33%61%2%3%3,400
Once or twice a month36%60%2%2%1,238
Several times a year30%65%3%2%1,100
Seldom/never30%65%3%2%5,840
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 moderates by frequency of reading scripture

% of moderates 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 week14%33%3%45%5%3,400
Once or twice a month28%32%5%33%3%1,238
Several times a year33%35%5%24%3%1,100
Seldom/never52%24%4%18%2%5,840
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.