Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201445%47%3%5%638
200733%54%5%8%628
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who are ages…

Views about size of government18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services19%30%29%22%308
Bigger government; more services29%28%28%15%269
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Views about size of governmentYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Smaller government; fewer services11%13%25%35%13%3%308
Bigger government; more services20%15%22%33%10%1%269
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Views about size of governmentMenWomenSample size
Smaller government; fewer services54%46%310
Bigger government; more services32%68%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Views about size of governmentWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services89%2%< 1%4%4%307
Bigger government; more services62%14%2%14%9%276
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Views about size of governmentImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Smaller government; fewer services4%5%91%308
Bigger government; more services7%4%88%270
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services36%24%29%12%270
Bigger government; more services63%18%13%7%234
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who have completed…

Views about size of governmentHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Smaller government; fewer services56%30%10%4%310
Bigger government; more services61%26%8%5%277
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Views about size of governmentMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services56%4%11%11%18%309
Bigger government; more services32%9%18%10%31%277
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Views about size of governmentParentsNon-parentsSample size
Smaller government; fewer services25%75%310
Bigger government; more services35%65%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services74%22%2%< 1%1%< 1%310
Bigger government; more services83%14%2%1%< 1%< 1%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who say religion is…

Views about size of governmentVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services64%28%6%1%1%310
Bigger government; more services67%29%4%1%< 1%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services34%43%22%1%310
Bigger government; more services39%41%20%< 1%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who pray…

Views about size of governmentAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services64%20%4%11%1%310
Bigger government; more services62%23%5%9%< 1%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services29%11%10%49%1%310
Bigger government; more services30%19%9%43%< 1%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services35%9%3%52%1%310
Bigger government; more services40%10%5%45%< 1%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services59%15%8%16%1%310
Bigger government; more services59%17%10%13%1%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services34%17%16%30%3%310
Bigger government; more services46%13%10%30%2%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services40%7%48%5%< 1%310
Bigger government; more services35%7%49%8%1%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services39%58%1%2%310
Bigger government; more services22%75%1%1%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who read scripture…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services41%14%7%36%1%310
Bigger government; more services43%15%9%33%1%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services40%32%4%19%4%310
Bigger government; more services53%26%2%14%4%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who …in heaven

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services86%5%8%310
Bigger government; more services94%5%1%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who …in hell

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services80%13%7%310
Bigger government; more services80%16%3%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Views about size of governmentRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services55%15%30%310
Bigger government; more services26%18%56%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Views about size of governmentConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services49%38%9%4%310
Bigger government; more services33%37%22%8%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services64%31%4%1%310
Bigger government; more services27%66%5%2%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who say abortion should be…

Views about size of governmentLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services41%54%5%310
Bigger government; more services54%41%5%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who say homosexuality…

Views about size of governmentShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services50%40%7%3%310
Bigger government; more services63%30%3%4%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition who …same-sex marriage

Views about size of governmentStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services42%50%8%310
Bigger government; more services53%42%5%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services50%43%4%2%310
Bigger government; more services34%63%< 1%2%278
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 baptists in the Mainline Tradition by views about size of government

% of baptists in the Mainline Tradition 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 services24%30%3%41%3%310
Bigger government; more services24%28%4%39%4%278
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.