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 several times a year by religious group
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who would rather have…
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Religious tradition
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
49%
46%
2%
2%
755
Evangelical Protestant
60%
33%
3%
3%
561
Historically Black Protestant
22%
71%
2%
5%
148
Mainline Protestant
59%
34%
3%
4%
703
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
50%
44%
4%
2%
442
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.
Age distribution among adults who read scripture several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are ages…
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Views about size of government
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
18%
37%
28%
17%
1,562
Bigger government; more services
28%
37%
23%
13%
1,095
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…
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Views about size of government
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
12%
12%
31%
32%
11%
1%
1,562
Bigger government; more services
18%
18%
29%
26%
9%
1%
1,095
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…
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Views about size of government
Men
Women
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
58%
42%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
43%
57%
1,108
Don't know
36%
64%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who identify as…
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Views about size of government
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
78%
5%
4%
9%
4%
1,566
Bigger government; more services
50%
17%
6%
24%
4%
1,099
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…
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Views about size of government
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
10%
9%
81%
1,573
Bigger government; more services
24%
12%
65%
1,087
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who have a household income of…
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Views about size of government
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
21%
22%
32%
25%
1,419
Bigger government; more services
42%
19%
24%
15%
1,004
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who have completed…
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Views about size of government
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
33%
36%
18%
12%
1,581
Bigger government; more services
45%
26%
16%
13%
1,104
Don't know
51%
26%
16%
8%
100
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…
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Views about size of government
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
54%
6%
12%
6%
22%
1,588
Bigger government; more services
43%
9%
13%
5%
31%
1,103
Don't know
44%
9%
16%
16%
16%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…
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Views about size of government
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
28%
72%
1,588
Bigger government; more services
33%
67%
1,106
Don't know
29%
71%
101
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 God among adults who read scripture several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say they…
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Views about size of government
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
67%
23%
4%
1%
4%
2%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
62%
26%
4%
1%
7%
1%
1,108
Don't know
74%
20%
4%
1%
2%
< 1%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say religion is…
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Views about size of government
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
48%
40%
7%
4%
1%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
51%
36%
8%
5%
< 1%
1,108
Don't know
54%
33%
4%
4%
5%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who attend religious services…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
23%
55%
21%
< 1%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
22%
58%
19%
< 1%
1,108
Don't know
24%
42%
32%
2%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who pray…
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Views about size of government
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
48%
28%
9%
13%
1%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
50%
24%
10%
15%
1%
1,108
Don't know
50%
23%
14%
9%
4%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who attend prayer group…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
7%
9%
22%
62%
1%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
8%
9%
29%
53%
< 1%
1,108
Don't know
5%
4%
20%
70%
1%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who meditate…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
30%
12%
12%
45%
1%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
31%
13%
12%
42%
2%
1,108
Don't know
30%
14%
14%
38%
5%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
53%
21%
16%
10%
< 1%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
51%
18%
17%
13%
2%
1,108
Don't know
58%
17%
14%
9%
2%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
44%
16%
20%
20%
1%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
42%
18%
19%
21%
1%
1,108
Don't know
32%
16%
23%
27%
2%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Views about size of government
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
26%
13%
51%
7%
3%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
22%
13%
50%
13%
2%
1,108
Don't know
16%
13%
54%
9%
8%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say…
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Views about size of government
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
36%
63%
1%
1%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
22%
76%
1%
1%
1,108
Don't know
20%
79%
1%
< 1%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say the holy scripture is…
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Views about size of government
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
20%
39%
2%
32%
7%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
28%
33%
2%
30%
7%
1,108
Don't know
19%
19%
9%
35%
18%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who …in heaven
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Views about size of government
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
79%
15%
6%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
76%
19%
6%
1,108
Don't know
73%
17%
10%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who …in hell
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Views about size of government
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
63%
29%
8%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
61%
33%
6%
1,108
Don't know
57%
31%
12%
101
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.
Party affiliation among adults who read scripture several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who identify as…
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Views about size of government
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
55%
16%
29%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
14%
17%
69%
1,108
Don't know
21%
26%
53%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who are…
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Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
44%
38%
14%
4%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
22%
35%
38%
5%
1,108
Don't know
22%
48%
20%
10%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say government aid to the poor…
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Views about size of government
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
64%
33%
3%
1%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
22%
76%
2%
1%
1,108
Don't know
32%
47%
14%
7%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say abortion should be…
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Views about size of government
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
55%
41%
4%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
63%
33%
4%
1,108
Don't know
58%
26%
16%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say homosexuality…
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Views about size of government
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
63%
29%
4%
3%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
73%
21%
3%
3%
1,108
Don't know
64%
15%
9%
12%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who …same-sex marriage
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Views about size of government
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
53%
39%
8%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
65%
28%
7%
1,108
Don't know
57%
27%
17%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say…
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Views about size of government
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
49%
47%
2%
2%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
23%
73%
2%
2%
1,108
Don't know
22%
59%
10%
9%
101
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 several times a year by views about size of government
% of adults who read scripture several times a year who say humans…
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Views about size of government
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
28%
32%
5%
31%
4%
1,593
Bigger government; more services
38%
32%
3%
26%
2%
1,108
Don't know
27%
30%
12%
18%
12%
101
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.