Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201448%45%5%2%12,336
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who read scripture at least once a week by religious group

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

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic44%50%4%2%1,810
Evangelical Protestant57%36%4%2%5,525
Historically Black Protestant27%67%5%2%1,189
Jehovah's Witness30%62%5%3%216
Jewish38%55%2%5%121
Mainline Protestant47%45%5%2%1,894
Mormon68%27%4%1%513
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")37%55%5%3%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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who read scripture at least once a week by views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good16%33%29%21%6,031
Does more good than harm18%34%28%20%5,164
Neither/both equally16%34%26%24%554
Don't know8%25%30%36%287
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good10%11%29%35%15%1%6,031
Does more good than harm11%13%28%33%13%2%5,164
Neither/both equally7%15%28%34%16%1%554
Don't know5%7%21%35%28%4%287
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good45%55%6,169
Does more good than harm38%62%5,295
Neither/both equally44%56%574
Don't know38%62%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good72%10%2%13%3%6,064
Does more good than harm47%26%3%19%5%5,227
Neither/both equally57%18%2%18%5%557
Don't know56%17%2%19%6%279
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good12%8%81%6,100
Does more good than harm18%9%73%5,214
Neither/both equally19%6%76%564
Don't know18%6%75%288
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Does more harm than good30%22%31%17%5,295
Does more good than harm50%20%20%10%4,607
Neither/both equally44%24%22%10%463
Don't know57%20%18%4%208
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good40%35%17%8%6,139
Does more good than harm46%31%13%10%5,260
Neither/both equally40%35%14%11%571
Don't know58%24%12%5%292
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good61%3%11%8%18%6,135
Does more good than harm45%6%17%9%23%5,266
Neither/both equally51%4%16%12%16%568
Don't know44%3%17%19%17%294
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good31%69%6,144
Does more good than harm31%69%5,272
Neither/both equally33%67%568
Don't know23%77%295
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorBelieve 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
Does more harm than good91%7%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%6,169
Does more good than harm87%10%1%1%1%1%5,295
Neither/both equally89%7%1%1%< 1%2%574
Don't know85%10%1%4%< 1%1%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good89%9%1%1%< 1%6,169
Does more good than harm87%10%1%1%1%5,295
Neither/both equally87%7%2%2%2%574
Don't know88%7%< 1%1%4%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good73%19%7%1%6,169
Does more good than harm67%23%9%< 1%5,295
Neither/both equally70%21%8%1%574
Don't know66%18%15%2%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good90%8%1%1%< 1%6,169
Does more good than harm88%9%1%2%< 1%5,295
Neither/both equally93%4%1%1%1%574
Don't know85%8%1%2%4%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good58%14%8%19%1%6,169
Does more good than harm55%14%8%23%1%5,295
Neither/both equally61%12%7%20%1%574
Don't know55%9%7%25%4%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good61%6%2%29%2%6,169
Does more good than harm66%7%2%24%2%5,295
Neither/both equally72%3%1%22%2%574
Don't know69%4%1%19%7%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good85%9%3%3%1%6,169
Does more good than harm82%9%4%4%1%5,295
Neither/both equally87%8%2%2%1%574
Don't know80%8%3%5%5%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who read scripture at least once a week who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good54%16%8%20%2%6,169
Does more good than harm56%15%9%19%2%5,295
Neither/both equally56%11%8%21%5%574
Don't know51%14%14%15%7%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good66%5%24%3%2%6,169
Does more good than harm58%8%29%4%2%5,295
Neither/both equally61%3%23%2%10%574
Don't know55%4%26%5%11%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good58%39%2%1%6,169
Does more good than harm35%62%1%1%5,295
Neither/both equally45%48%7%1%574
Don't know34%53%2%11%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorWord 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
Does more harm than good57%29%4%6%4%6,169
Does more good than harm52%28%3%10%6%5,295
Neither/both equally48%22%12%7%11%574
Don't know56%14%12%6%12%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good87%7%7%6,169
Does more good than harm87%8%5%5,295
Neither/both equally81%6%13%574
Don't know86%5%9%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good79%14%7%6,169
Does more good than harm73%20%7%5,295
Neither/both equally73%15%12%574
Don't know65%19%16%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good64%15%21%6,169
Does more good than harm26%20%54%5,295
Neither/both equally39%30%32%574
Don't know34%29%37%298
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 at least once a week by views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good65%21%9%5%6,169
Does more good than harm36%34%23%7%5,295
Neither/both equally44%30%11%15%574
Don't know37%25%15%23%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good74%21%2%2%6,169
Does more good than harm35%58%3%4%5,295
Neither/both equally47%30%14%9%574
Don't know40%37%5%18%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good24%73%3%6,169
Does more good than harm43%53%5%5,295
Neither/both equally27%63%11%574
Don't know20%60%21%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good31%61%4%3%6,169
Does more good than harm48%44%4%4%5,295
Neither/both equally28%46%19%7%574
Don't know29%46%4%21%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good21%72%6%6,169
Does more good than harm39%53%8%5,295
Neither/both equally21%59%20%574
Don't know23%59%18%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorStricter 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
Does more harm than good58%37%2%3%6,169
Does more good than harm32%62%2%4%5,295
Neither/both equally32%49%12%7%574
Don't know29%35%4%32%298
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good9%23%2%61%5%6,169
Does more good than harm15%29%3%48%5%5,295
Neither/both equally9%24%4%50%14%574
Don't know5%15%7%43%30%298
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.