Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201449%11%8%31%1%12,935
200747%10%7%34%1%13,598
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 conservatives by religious group

% of conservatives who read scripture…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic31%12%10%47%1%2,780
Evangelical Protestant71%11%6%12%1%4,975
Historically Black Protestant67%10%7%15%1%653
Jewish33%12%7%46%2%167
Mainline Protestant36%14%11%38%1%2,269
Mormon82%7%3%7%1%419
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")16%7%6%70%< 1%1,277
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who are ages…

Frequency of reading scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week13%33%30%24%6,308
Once or twice a month21%33%26%19%1,335
Several times a year16%36%31%18%957
Seldom/never18%31%30%22%3,990
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least once a week7%10%28%36%16%2%6,308
Once or twice a month15%12%28%32%12%1%1,335
Several times a year10%10%31%36%12%1%957
Seldom/never12%11%25%36%14%1%3,990
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMenWomenSample size
At least once a week45%55%6,461
Once or twice a month52%48%1,362
Several times a year57%43%969
Seldom/never60%40%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least once a week70%13%1%13%3%6,362
Once or twice a month70%10%2%15%3%1,343
Several times a year72%9%4%12%3%956
Seldom/never76%6%3%12%2%3,990
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week11%7%82%6,400
Once or twice a month14%8%78%1,351
Several times a year14%6%80%964
Seldom/never12%10%78%4,008
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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 week34%22%29%15%5,553
Once or twice a month32%20%29%19%1,189
Several times a year30%21%30%19%858
Seldom/never29%20%29%22%3,506
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who have completed…

Frequency of reading scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week42%33%17%8%6,433
Once or twice a month44%34%14%8%1,361
Several times a year43%35%14%8%966
Seldom/never49%30%15%6%4,032
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week61%3%12%9%15%6,425
Once or twice a month53%7%12%6%22%1,360
Several times a year55%6%14%5%20%967
Seldom/never53%8%12%6%21%4,032
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who are…

Frequency of reading scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week32%68%6,431
Once or twice a month32%68%1,357
Several times a year30%70%968
Seldom/never27%73%4,036
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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 week93%6%1%1%< 1%< 1%6,461
Once or twice a month82%14%2%< 1%1%1%1,362
Several times a year77%19%2%< 1%2%< 1%969
Seldom/never54%27%6%1%9%2%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who say religion is…

Frequency of reading scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week92%6%1%1%< 1%6,461
Once or twice a month73%24%2%1%< 1%1,362
Several times a year60%34%3%2%< 1%969
Seldom/never35%36%16%11%1%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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 week77%16%6%< 1%6,461
Once or twice a month41%48%10%< 1%1,362
Several times a year26%55%19%< 1%969
Seldom/never16%40%44%< 1%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who pray…

Frequency of reading scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week92%6%< 1%1%< 1%6,461
Once or twice a month72%21%4%3%1%1,362
Several times a year55%26%9%8%1%969
Seldom/never36%21%9%33%1%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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 week62%13%8%17%1%6,461
Once or twice a month21%22%16%41%1%1,362
Several times a year9%9%27%54%1%969
Seldom/never5%4%5%86%< 1%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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%5%2%28%2%6,461
Once or twice a month36%14%3%44%2%1,362
Several times a year30%12%10%48%1%969
Seldom/never24%7%4%65%1%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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 week87%8%2%2%1%6,461
Once or twice a month62%21%8%7%2%1,362
Several times a year54%22%15%8%< 1%969
Seldom/never42%17%13%27%1%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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 week56%15%8%19%2%6,461
Once or twice a month39%21%13%27%1%1,362
Several times a year38%19%19%24%1%969
Seldom/never34%14%15%36%1%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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 week72%3%20%2%2%6,461
Once or twice a month45%8%39%6%3%1,362
Several times a year34%9%48%7%2%969
Seldom/never20%9%60%10%2%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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 week59%38%2%1%6,461
Once or twice a month42%56%1%1%1,362
Several times a year41%56%1%1%969
Seldom/never35%63%1%1%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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 week62%26%4%4%3%6,461
Once or twice a month43%36%4%12%6%1,362
Several times a year33%39%3%18%7%969
Seldom/never21%31%2%38%8%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who …in heaven

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week87%6%7%6,461
Once or twice a month90%6%4%1,362
Several times a year86%9%5%969
Seldom/never72%20%8%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who …in hell

Frequency of reading scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week82%12%7%6,461
Once or twice a month77%15%8%1,362
Several times a year73%20%7%969
Seldom/never56%35%9%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who identify as…

Frequency of reading scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week66%12%22%6,461
Once or twice a month62%12%26%1,362
Several times a year62%11%27%969
Seldom/never62%14%24%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who would rather have…

Frequency of reading scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week70%26%2%2%6,461
Once or twice a month65%30%1%3%1,362
Several times a year68%28%2%2%969
Seldom/never70%27%1%2%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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 week62%32%4%2%6,461
Once or twice a month60%36%3%1%1,362
Several times a year66%30%2%1%969
Seldom/never65%30%3%2%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who say abortion should be…

Frequency of reading scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week21%76%4%6,461
Once or twice a month37%60%3%1,362
Several times a year40%56%4%969
Seldom/never52%42%5%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who say homosexuality…

Frequency of reading scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week26%67%4%4%6,461
Once or twice a month47%44%5%4%1,362
Several times a year51%41%6%3%969
Seldom/never63%29%5%4%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of reading scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week17%77%6%6,461
Once or twice a month33%57%10%1,362
Several times a year37%55%8%969
Seldom/never50%41%9%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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 week56%38%3%3%6,461
Once or twice a month52%43%3%3%1,362
Several times a year57%39%2%2%969
Seldom/never55%41%2%3%4,047
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 conservatives by frequency of reading scripture

% of conservatives 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 week8%21%2%64%5%6,461
Once or twice a month16%32%3%44%6%1,362
Several times a year20%32%4%40%3%969
Seldom/never35%27%4%30%4%4,047
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.