Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201450%44%3%4%3,457
200741%51%4%5%3,543
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

Views about size of government among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by religious group

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

Religious traditionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Catholic44%50%3%2%782
Evangelical Protestant62%33%1%3%979
Historically Black Protestant25%68%3%4%249
Mainline Protestant59%33%4%3%791
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")38%52%3%7%362
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of government18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services20%35%26%18%1,858
Bigger government; more services34%34%22%10%1,318
Depends15%41%25%20%105
Don't know20%37%20%22%111
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Smaller government; fewer services14%12%30%32%12%1%1,858
Bigger government; more services23%18%27%26%6%1%1,318
Depends5%19%32%28%12%5%105
Don't know10%14%34%22%19%2%111
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentMenWomenSample size
Smaller government; fewer services56%44%1,900
Bigger government; more services41%59%1,332
Depends45%55%109
Don't know39%61%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services79%7%2%9%3%1,871
Bigger government; more services41%23%5%27%3%1,325
Depends61%16%2%19%2%107
Don't know63%13%1%16%7%111
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Smaller government; fewer services8%9%83%1,884
Bigger government; more services26%12%62%1,305
Depends12%12%76%107
Don't know13%10%77%114
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Smaller government; fewer services27%22%30%21%1,684
Bigger government; more services49%21%19%11%1,187
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Smaller government; fewer services37%36%17%10%1,896
Bigger government; more services50%28%12%10%1,330
Depends40%32%19%9%108
Don't know41%36%17%6%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services54%6%12%7%21%1,895
Bigger government; more services36%10%15%4%35%1,327
Depends35%18%15%12%19%108
Don't know50%3%17%7%22%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentParentsNon-parentsSample size
Smaller government; fewer services29%71%1,895
Bigger government; more services34%66%1,327
Depends23%77%109
Don't know34%66%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentBelieve 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
Smaller government; fewer services79%16%2%< 1%2%< 1%1,900
Bigger government; more services68%23%4%< 1%3%1%1,332
Depends65%23%3%1%2%6%109
Don't know68%14%4%3%7%3%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services65%28%5%2%1%1,900
Bigger government; more services65%27%4%3%< 1%1,332
Depends61%23%9%3%3%109
Don't know63%19%6%11%< 1%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services37%47%15%< 1%1,900
Bigger government; more services33%52%15%1%1,332
Depends28%56%16%< 1%109
Don't know35%32%32%1%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services66%22%5%5%1%1,900
Bigger government; more services62%24%6%8%1%1,332
Depends65%15%8%11%2%109
Don't know69%19%1%10%2%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services18%19%16%47%< 1%1,900
Bigger government; more services17%26%14%43%< 1%1,332
Depends15%21%11%52%1%109
Don't know15%19%9%56%1%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services37%13%4%44%2%1,900
Bigger government; more services38%17%4%40%1%1,332
Depends53%12%1%29%4%109
Don't know44%11%3%35%6%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services63%21%8%7%1%1,900
Bigger government; more services56%22%12%9%2%1,332
Depends66%19%10%4%1%109
Don't know59%17%10%13%1%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services44%19%13%22%1%1,900
Bigger government; more services42%22%14%22%1%1,332
Depends61%14%7%12%5%109
Don't know57%9%8%22%4%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services38%11%44%5%2%1,900
Bigger government; more services32%13%43%9%2%1,332
Depends25%16%43%3%13%109
Don't know34%6%46%5%8%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services40%57%1%1%1,900
Bigger government; more services25%73%1%1%1,332
Depends27%67%6%< 1%109
Don't know25%74%< 1%1%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentWord 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
Smaller government; fewer services31%40%3%18%8%1,900
Bigger government; more services37%34%2%22%6%1,332
Depends24%14%3%30%29%109
Don't know33%22%4%26%15%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services85%10%6%1,900
Bigger government; more services84%12%5%1,332
Depends63%17%20%109
Don't know76%17%6%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services71%22%8%1,900
Bigger government; more services66%28%6%1,332
Depends42%36%22%109
Don't know56%29%16%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services57%14%29%1,900
Bigger government; more services20%17%63%1,332
Depends16%41%44%109
Don't know23%26%51%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services50%35%11%4%1,900
Bigger government; more services26%36%32%5%1,332
Depends16%44%30%9%109
Don't know34%28%25%13%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services62%34%3%1%1,900
Bigger government; more services26%70%3%1%1,332
Depends24%57%15%3%109
Don't know28%55%7%10%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services45%52%3%1,900
Bigger government; more services56%41%3%1,332
Depends57%29%14%109
Don't know58%36%6%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services56%35%5%3%1,900
Bigger government; more services71%24%2%3%1,332
Depends63%18%14%5%109
Don't know57%27%4%12%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services44%47%9%1,900
Bigger government; more services61%32%7%1,332
Depends56%20%23%109
Don't know50%29%20%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentStricter 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
Smaller government; fewer services49%47%3%2%1,900
Bigger government; more services32%63%2%2%1,332
Depends17%61%15%8%109
Don't know25%60%4%11%116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who read scripture once or twice a month by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services19%34%4%39%4%1,900
Bigger government; more services29%30%3%35%4%1,332
Depends29%24%10%25%13%109
Don't know21%26%12%32%9%116
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.