Generational cohort among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by religious group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Religious traditionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Catholic14%11%31%34%9%1%768
Evangelical Protestant18%14%27%30%11%< 1%964
Historically Black Protestant16%18%33%23%8%2%245
Mainline Protestant13%10%26%34%14%3%772
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")27%22%32%16%3%< 1%358
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: Younger Millennial, Older Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are ages…

Generational cohort18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Younger Millennial100%< 1%< 1%< 1%408
Older Millennial60%40%< 1%< 1%421
Generation X< 1%100%< 1%< 1%772
Baby Boomer< 1%< 1%85%15%1,226
Silent< 1%< 1%< 1%100%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Generational cohortMenWomenSample size
Younger Millennial52%48%408
Older Millennial51%49%421
Generation X49%51%772
Baby Boomer47%53%1,226
Silent42%58%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who identify as…

Generational cohortWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Younger Millennial48%18%7%22%5%407
Older Millennial50%17%6%23%4%414
Generation X58%17%2%20%3%762
Baby Boomer70%12%2%12%3%1,212
Silent80%10%2%6%2%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.

Immigrant status among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Generational cohortImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Younger Millennial14%21%65%404
Older Millennial23%11%66%415
Generation X21%7%72%759
Baby Boomer12%7%80%1,216
Silent8%9%83%516
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who have a household income of…

Generational cohortLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Younger Millennial43%19%24%15%353
Older Millennial47%21%23%9%395
Generation X33%20%27%19%708
Baby Boomer32%21%26%21%1,107
Silent41%23%25%11%425
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who have completed…

Generational cohortHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Younger Millennial45%45%8%1%408
Older Millennial36%35%18%10%421
Generation X43%28%17%13%771
Baby Boomer41%31%17%11%1,225
Silent53%23%12%11%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Generational cohortMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Younger Millennial9%11%1%< 1%79%407
Older Millennial37%15%7%< 1%41%421
Generation X58%9%16%1%17%771
Baby Boomer57%5%23%7%8%1,222
Silent51%2%14%29%3%521
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Generational cohortParentsNon-parentsSample size
Younger Millennial14%86%408
Older Millennial53%47%421
Generation X59%41%769
Baby Boomer13%87%1,222
Silent2%98%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say they…

Generational cohortBelieve 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
Younger Millennial67%24%4%< 1%3%1%408
Older Millennial68%22%3%< 1%4%2%421
Generation X73%19%3%< 1%3%1%772
Baby Boomer78%16%3%< 1%1%1%1,226
Silent76%17%3%2%1%1%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say religion is…

Generational cohortVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial56%34%6%4%< 1%408
Older Millennial59%28%7%5%1%421
Generation X63%28%5%3%1%772
Baby Boomer71%24%3%2%< 1%1,226
Silent74%23%2%1%< 1%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who attend religious services…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial35%52%13%1%408
Older Millennial29%51%19%1%421
Generation X33%50%18%< 1%772
Baby Boomer35%50%15%< 1%1,226
Silent50%36%14%< 1%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who pray…

Generational cohortAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial55%28%9%8%< 1%408
Older Millennial58%23%9%10%< 1%421
Generation X66%21%4%7%2%772
Baby Boomer69%22%4%5%1%1,226
Silent68%21%3%6%1%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who attend prayer group…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial16%26%14%43%< 1%408
Older Millennial14%21%16%50%< 1%421
Generation X17%25%13%44%1%772
Baby Boomer19%20%15%46%< 1%1,226
Silent19%18%16%47%1%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who meditate…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial28%14%4%52%1%408
Older Millennial31%15%3%50%1%421
Generation X34%14%4%47%1%772
Baby Boomer46%15%4%34%2%1,226
Silent54%18%3%23%2%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial54%25%13%8%1%408
Older Millennial55%21%12%11%< 1%421
Generation X59%22%11%7%2%772
Baby Boomer65%19%7%8%1%1,226
Silent67%21%5%6%2%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial47%23%11%17%1%408
Older Millennial43%21%14%21%< 1%421
Generation X42%19%13%24%1%772
Baby Boomer45%19%13%22%1%1,226
Silent44%18%13%22%3%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Generational cohortReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial29%16%43%11%2%408
Older Millennial27%18%45%8%2%421
Generation X36%11%43%7%3%772
Baby Boomer40%10%43%5%2%1,226
Silent39%6%46%6%3%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say…

Generational cohortThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial22%77%1%< 1%408
Older Millennial31%67%1%1%421
Generation X34%64%1%1%772
Baby Boomer38%60%1%1%1,226
Silent36%60%1%2%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say the holy scripture is…

Generational cohortWord 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
Younger Millennial25%45%1%25%4%408
Older Millennial29%37%2%23%9%421
Generation X35%35%3%18%10%772
Baby Boomer36%32%2%21%8%1,226
Silent40%34%5%14%6%523
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 who read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who …in heaven

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial86%12%2%408
Older Millennial81%12%6%421
Generation X83%12%5%772
Baby Boomer83%10%7%1,226
Silent83%9%8%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who …in hell

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Younger Millennial73%24%3%408
Older Millennial70%23%7%421
Generation X67%26%7%772
Baby Boomer65%26%9%1,226
Silent60%25%14%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who identify as…

Generational cohortRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Younger Millennial40%17%43%408
Older Millennial34%19%47%421
Generation X37%20%43%772
Baby Boomer40%12%47%1,226
Silent42%10%47%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Generational cohortConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial33%37%25%6%408
Older Millennial31%36%26%7%421
Generation X37%37%21%5%772
Baby Boomer43%35%19%3%1,226
Silent50%27%17%5%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who would rather have…

Generational cohortSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial39%58%1%2%408
Older Millennial39%54%4%3%421
Generation X51%41%3%4%772
Baby Boomer55%40%3%3%1,226
Silent60%29%4%7%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say government aid to the poor…

Generational cohortDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial39%57%2%2%408
Older Millennial41%55%3%1%421
Generation X44%51%4%1%772
Baby Boomer47%48%3%2%1,226
Silent46%48%3%2%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say abortion should be…

Generational cohortLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial47%50%3%408
Older Millennial51%47%2%421
Generation X51%47%3%772
Baby Boomer54%42%4%1,226
Silent46%48%6%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say homosexuality…

Generational cohortShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial76%20%2%2%408
Older Millennial69%25%3%3%421
Generation X65%26%5%4%772
Baby Boomer58%35%3%3%1,226
Silent46%41%6%7%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who …same-sex marriage

Generational cohortStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial64%31%5%408
Older Millennial65%29%6%421
Generation X52%37%11%772
Baby Boomer46%46%8%1,226
Silent33%52%15%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say…

Generational cohortStricter 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
Younger Millennial38%59%2%1%408
Older Millennial37%58%2%2%421
Generation X37%58%3%2%772
Baby Boomer43%52%3%2%1,226
Silent47%46%4%3%523
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 read scripture once or twice a month by generational group

% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say humans…

Generational cohortEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Younger Millennial30%33%3%33%2%408
Older Millennial26%38%3%32%2%421
Generation X23%30%4%39%4%772
Baby Boomer22%31%5%37%4%1,226
Silent18%26%6%40%11%523
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.