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 reading scripture among adults who say religion is not at all important by religious group
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who read scripture…
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Religious tradition
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
5%
6%
2%
87%
< 1%
160
Mainline Protestant
10%
4%
5%
81%
< 1%
136
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
3%
2%
3%
91%
< 1%
3,232
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are ages…
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Frequency of reading scripture
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
At least once a week
30%
35%
23%
12%
153
Several times a year
34%
45%
12%
10%
133
Seldom/never
32%
36%
19%
13%
3,521
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…
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Frequency of reading scripture
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
At least once a week
22%
14%
29%
27%
7%
1%
153
Several times a year
24%
21%
34%
15%
6%
< 1%
133
Seldom/never
21%
20%
27%
24%
8%
1%
3,521
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…
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Frequency of reading scripture
Men
Women
Sample size
At least once a week
60%
40%
158
Several times a year
67%
33%
136
Seldom/never
62%
38%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who identify as…
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Frequency of reading scripture
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
At least once a week
50%
20%
2%
21%
7%
149
Several times a year
75%
6%
1%
16%
3%
135
Seldom/never
79%
4%
5%
9%
3%
3,521
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…
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Frequency of reading scripture
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
At least once a week
19%
11%
70%
153
Several times a year
9%
17%
74%
133
Seldom/never
12%
13%
75%
3,532
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who have a household income of…
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Frequency of reading scripture
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
At least once a week
47%
16%
22%
14%
138
Several times a year
20%
23%
33%
24%
127
Seldom/never
26%
18%
29%
27%
3,232
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who have completed…
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Frequency of reading scripture
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
At least once a week
50%
34%
10%
5%
156
Several times a year
24%
36%
21%
19%
135
Seldom/never
31%
31%
22%
16%
3,558
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…
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Frequency of reading scripture
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
At least once a week
27%
8%
22%
4%
39%
154
Several times a year
35%
15%
12%
1%
36%
135
Seldom/never
39%
11%
11%
3%
35%
3,559
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…
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Frequency of reading scripture
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
At least once a week
28%
72%
156
Several times a year
29%
71%
134
Seldom/never
22%
78%
3,561
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say they…
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Frequency of reading scripture
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
At least once a week
63%
13%
5%
1%
15%
3%
158
Several times a year
20%
15%
5%
1%
53%
6%
136
Seldom/never
11%
12%
11%
1%
59%
7%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who attend religious services…
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Frequency of reading scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
22%
21%
56%
< 1%
158
Several times a year
< 1%
26%
74%
< 1%
136
Seldom/never
1%
9%
90%
< 1%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who pray…
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Frequency of reading scripture
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
68%
10%
3%
19%
< 1%
158
Several times a year
10%
9%
6%
74%
1%
136
Seldom/never
5%
3%
3%
88%
< 1%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who attend prayer group…
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Frequency of reading scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
35%
6%
7%
50%
1%
158
Several times a year
< 1%
< 1%
9%
91%
< 1%
136
Seldom/never
1%
< 1%
1%
98%
< 1%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who meditate…
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Frequency of reading scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
72%
3%
3%
21%
1%
158
Several times a year
34%
12%
12%
40%
3%
136
Seldom/never
21%
8%
5%
66%
< 1%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Frequency of reading scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
73%
13%
1%
10%
3%
158
Several times a year
49%
13%
8%
26%
3%
136
Seldom/never
33%
14%
10%
41%
2%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Frequency of reading scripture
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
70%
10%
6%
13%
1%
158
Several times a year
68%
17%
6%
8%
1%
136
Seldom/never
45%
15%
14%
26%
1%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Frequency of reading scripture
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
18%
22%
43%
13%
4%
158
Several times a year
2%
26%
50%
22%
1%
136
Seldom/never
1%
18%
55%
24%
2%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say…
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Frequency of reading scripture
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
At least once a week
29%
66%
4%
1%
158
Several times a year
24%
75%
1%
< 1%
136
Seldom/never
17%
82%
1%
1%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say the holy scripture is…
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Frequency of reading scripture
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
At least once a week
24%
20%
4%
41%
11%
158
Several times a year
6%
5%
< 1%
85%
4%
136
Seldom/never
1%
3%
< 1%
91%
4%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who …in heaven
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Frequency of reading scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
52%
36%
13%
158
Several times a year
16%
76%
9%
136
Seldom/never
14%
79%
7%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who …in hell
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Table
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Frequency of reading scripture
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
48%
45%
8%
158
Several times a year
12%
81%
7%
136
Seldom/never
9%
85%
6%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who identify as…
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Frequency of reading scripture
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
At least once a week
25%
34%
41%
158
Several times a year
15%
15%
70%
136
Seldom/never
20%
19%
60%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…
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Frequency of reading scripture
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
34%
27%
32%
7%
158
Several times a year
17%
30%
51%
2%
136
Seldom/never
13%
32%
47%
7%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who would rather have…
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Frequency of reading scripture
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
49%
39%
6%
7%
158
Several times a year
46%
47%
5%
3%
136
Seldom/never
47%
46%
3%
3%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say government aid to the poor…
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Frequency of reading scripture
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
47%
47%
6%
1%
158
Several times a year
25%
68%
6%
2%
136
Seldom/never
33%
62%
3%
1%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say abortion should be…
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Frequency of reading scripture
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
40%
56%
4%
158
Several times a year
75%
21%
4%
136
Seldom/never
85%
12%
3%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say homosexuality…
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Frequency of reading scripture
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
63%
27%
7%
2%
158
Several times a year
86%
10%
1%
2%
136
Seldom/never
89%
7%
2%
2%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who …same-sex marriage
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Frequency of reading scripture
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
At least once a week
52%
37%
10%
158
Several times a year
84%
13%
3%
136
Seldom/never
86%
9%
4%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say…
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Frequency of reading scripture
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
At least once a week
38%
54%
3%
5%
158
Several times a year
21%
73%
1%
4%
136
Seldom/never
23%
74%
2%
2%
3,570
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 say religion is not at all important by frequency of reading scripture
% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say humans…
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Frequency of reading scripture
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
At least once a week
26%
22%
3%
44%
4%
158
Several times a year
81%
9%
9%
2%
< 1%
136
Seldom/never
80%
7%
3%
8%
2%
3,570
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.