Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201450%27%15%7%12,336
200750%29%13%8%12,777
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 at least once a week by religious group

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Religious traditionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Catholic45%30%20%5%1,810
Evangelical Protestant62%23%10%5%5,525
Historically Black Protestant40%31%22%7%1,189
Jehovah's Witness19%18%10%53%216
Jewish41%36%19%3%121
Mainline Protestant44%35%16%5%1,894
Mormon65%25%6%3%513
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")31%29%27%13%606
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are ages…

Political ideology18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Conservative13%33%30%24%6,308
Moderate21%33%27%19%3,332
Liberal19%35%29%17%1,698
Don't know20%34%25%20%698
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Political ideologyYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Conservative7%10%28%36%16%2%6,308
Moderate13%13%27%32%13%1%3,332
Liberal11%15%29%33%12%1%1,698
Don't know11%14%29%29%15%1%698
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Political ideologyMenWomenSample size
Conservative45%55%6,461
Moderate37%63%3,400
Liberal42%58%1,723
Don't know36%64%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who identify as…

Political ideologyWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Conservative70%13%1%13%3%6,362
Moderate55%21%3%16%5%3,355
Liberal41%26%4%25%5%1,694
Don't know45%25%3%20%8%716
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Political ideologyImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Conservative11%7%82%6,400
Moderate15%9%76%3,364
Liberal24%10%66%1,687
Don't know22%7%70%715
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who have a household income of…

Political ideologyLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Conservative34%22%29%15%5,553
Moderate41%21%25%13%2,989
Liberal52%20%18%10%1,538
Don't know59%20%16%5%493
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who have completed…

Political ideologyHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Conservative42%33%17%8%6,433
Moderate39%35%15%11%3,392
Liberal49%30%12%10%1,713
Don't know56%32%8%4%724
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Political ideologyMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Conservative61%3%12%9%15%6,425
Moderate47%6%15%9%23%3,389
Liberal40%8%19%8%25%1,713
Don't know43%5%16%11%25%736
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Political ideologyParentsNon-parentsSample size
Conservative32%68%6,431
Moderate31%69%3,389
Liberal31%69%1,718
Don't know30%70%741
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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
Conservative93%6%1%1%< 1%< 1%6,461
Moderate88%10%1%1%1%< 1%3,400
Liberal79%15%2%1%2%1%1,723
Don't know89%8%1%1%< 1%1%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say religion is…

Political ideologyVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Conservative92%6%1%1%< 1%6,461
Moderate84%12%2%1%< 1%3,400
Liberal80%14%2%3%1%1,723
Don't know87%8%1%1%2%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who attend religious services…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative77%16%6%< 1%6,461
Moderate66%25%8%< 1%3,400
Liberal56%30%13%< 1%1,723
Don't know67%18%13%2%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who pray…

Political ideologyAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative92%6%< 1%1%< 1%6,461
Moderate87%10%1%2%< 1%3,400
Liberal82%12%2%3%< 1%1,723
Don't know89%6%1%2%2%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who attend prayer group…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative62%13%8%17%1%6,461
Moderate52%14%9%24%1%3,400
Liberal49%16%7%27%1%1,723
Don't know56%11%7%25%2%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who meditate…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative63%5%2%28%2%6,461
Moderate63%8%2%26%1%3,400
Liberal68%6%3%22%2%1,723
Don't know65%5%1%23%5%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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
Conservative87%8%2%2%1%6,461
Moderate81%10%4%4%1%3,400
Liberal78%10%5%6%1%1,723
Don't know81%8%3%4%5%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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
Conservative56%15%8%19%2%6,461
Moderate51%17%10%20%1%3,400
Liberal59%13%8%18%2%1,723
Don't know53%11%6%23%7%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Political ideologyReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Conservative72%3%20%2%2%6,461
Moderate54%8%32%4%2%3,400
Liberal43%12%36%5%3%1,723
Don't know62%4%26%3%5%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say…

Political ideologyThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative59%38%2%1%6,461
Moderate36%62%1%1%3,400
Liberal25%71%2%2%1,723
Don't know42%50%5%4%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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
Conservative62%26%4%4%3%6,461
Moderate46%34%4%10%6%3,400
Liberal45%26%3%18%8%1,723
Don't know53%23%10%5%9%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who …in heaven

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative87%6%7%6,461
Moderate88%7%5%3,400
Liberal85%10%5%1,723
Don't know78%10%12%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who …in hell

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative82%12%7%6,461
Moderate74%18%8%3,400
Liberal67%26%7%1,723
Don't know61%28%11%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who identify as…

Political ideologyRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Conservative66%12%22%6,461
Moderate32%18%50%3,400
Liberal15%18%67%1,723
Don't know11%66%23%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who would rather have…

Political ideologySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Conservative70%26%2%2%6,461
Moderate47%46%4%4%3,400
Liberal28%64%4%4%1,723
Don't know31%48%7%14%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say government aid to the poor…

Political ideologyDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative62%32%4%2%6,461
Moderate37%56%5%2%3,400
Liberal28%67%3%2%1,723
Don't know33%49%10%8%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say abortion should be…

Political ideologyLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Conservative21%76%4%6,461
Moderate44%52%4%3,400
Liberal53%42%5%1,723
Don't know26%60%14%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who say homosexuality…

Political ideologyShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative26%67%4%4%6,461
Moderate52%38%6%4%3,400
Liberal59%34%5%3%1,723
Don't know33%48%7%11%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who …same-sex marriage

Political ideologyStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Conservative17%77%6%6,461
Moderate42%50%8%3,400
Liberal51%41%8%1,723
Don't know25%58%17%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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
Conservative56%38%3%3%6,461
Moderate33%61%2%3%3,400
Liberal29%64%2%5%1,723
Don't know34%48%6%12%752
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 at least once a week by political ideology

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week 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
Conservative8%21%2%64%5%6,461
Moderate14%33%3%45%5%3,400
Liberal21%31%4%39%5%1,723
Don't know10%19%4%53%14%752
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.