Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201438%35%21%5%3,457
200737%38%19%6%3,543
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: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

Political ideology 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 traditionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Catholic40%35%20%5%782
Evangelical Protestant49%32%14%5%979
Historically Black Protestant28%39%29%4%249
Mainline Protestant40%39%18%4%791
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")21%39%34%6%362
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: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by political ideology

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

Political ideology18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Conservative21%33%26%19%1,335
Moderate27%36%24%12%1,219
Liberal31%35%22%12%699
Don't know33%38%17%12%139
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 read scripture once or twice a month by political ideology

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

Political ideologyYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Conservative15%12%28%32%12%1%1,335
Moderate18%15%30%28%7%1%1,219
Liberal20%18%29%25%8%1%699
Don't know20%21%29%18%10%1%139
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyMenWomenSample size
Conservative52%48%1,362
Moderate46%54%1,238
Liberal48%52%710
Don't know36%64%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Conservative70%10%2%15%3%1,343
Moderate60%16%4%17%3%1,226
Liberal49%22%5%21%3%702
Don't know53%16%2%24%5%143
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Conservative14%8%78%1,351
Moderate14%12%73%1,226
Liberal22%12%66%699
Don't know23%4%73%134
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Conservative32%20%29%19%1,189
Moderate38%20%26%16%1,114
Liberal42%23%21%15%641
Don't know60%26%7%7%104
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Conservative44%34%14%8%1,361
Moderate39%32%17%11%1,237
Liberal42%30%15%12%708
Don't know62%26%7%5%143
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Conservative53%7%12%6%22%1,360
Moderate43%8%13%6%30%1,233
Liberal36%12%17%4%32%706
Don't know46%4%15%5%31%146
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyParentsNon-parentsSample size
Conservative32%68%1,357
Moderate29%71%1,235
Liberal31%69%708
Don't know37%63%146
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyBelieve 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
Conservative82%14%2%< 1%1%1%1,362
Moderate71%22%3%< 1%3%1%1,238
Liberal60%26%6%1%6%2%710
Don't know78%15%4%< 1%1%2%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Conservative73%24%2%1%< 1%1,362
Moderate61%31%6%3%< 1%1,238
Liberal59%26%8%6%1%710
Don't know63%26%5%4%2%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative41%48%10%< 1%1,362
Moderate32%52%15%< 1%1,238
Liberal30%46%24%< 1%710
Don't know34%39%24%3%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative72%21%4%3%1%1,362
Moderate61%24%7%7%1%1,238
Liberal57%25%5%13%1%710
Don't know64%19%7%6%4%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative21%22%16%41%1%1,362
Moderate14%24%15%47%< 1%1,238
Liberal15%21%12%51%< 1%710
Don't know22%24%8%45%1%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative36%14%3%44%2%1,362
Moderate39%14%4%43%1%1,238
Liberal42%17%5%35%2%710
Don't know37%14%3%43%3%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative62%21%8%7%2%1,362
Moderate60%22%11%7%1%1,238
Liberal59%21%10%10%1%710
Don't know50%22%12%14%2%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative39%21%13%27%1%1,362
Moderate45%20%15%19%1%1,238
Liberal54%19%11%16%< 1%710
Don't know44%17%5%28%6%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Conservative45%8%39%6%3%1,362
Moderate30%11%48%7%2%1,238
Liberal25%19%44%10%2%710
Don't know36%10%44%4%6%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative42%56%1%1%1,362
Moderate28%70%1%1%1,238
Liberal24%74%1%1%710
Don't know34%61%2%2%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyWord 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
Conservative43%36%4%12%6%1,362
Moderate26%41%1%22%9%1,238
Liberal26%30%1%34%9%710
Don't know40%24%7%17%12%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative90%6%4%1,362
Moderate83%11%6%1,238
Liberal73%22%5%710
Don't know81%5%14%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative77%15%8%1,362
Moderate66%26%8%1,238
Liberal54%41%6%710
Don't know56%28%16%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Conservative62%12%26%1,362
Moderate32%15%53%1,238
Liberal14%15%71%710
Don't know14%62%24%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Conservative65%30%1%3%1,362
Moderate48%45%4%3%1,238
Liberal25%67%4%4%710
Don't know41%44%6%9%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative60%36%3%1%1,362
Moderate38%57%3%2%1,238
Liberal26%69%3%1%710
Don't know41%45%8%6%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Conservative37%60%3%1,362
Moderate57%40%3%1,238
Liberal63%33%4%710
Don't know52%43%5%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative47%44%5%4%1,362
Moderate73%21%4%2%1,238
Liberal79%18%1%2%710
Don't know54%27%6%14%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Conservative33%57%10%1,362
Moderate61%31%8%1,238
Liberal73%21%6%710
Don't know45%34%21%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyStricter 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
Conservative52%43%3%3%1,362
Moderate36%60%2%2%1,238
Liberal24%71%2%3%710
Don't know44%41%8%7%147
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 political ideology

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

Political ideologyEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Conservative16%32%3%44%6%1,362
Moderate28%32%5%33%3%1,238
Liberal33%32%4%28%3%710
Don't know15%24%11%42%8%147
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.