Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%10%5%48%2%6,083
200735%7%5%50%3%7,470
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who are ages…

Frequency of meditation18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week9%23%31%37%2,357
Once or twice a month18%28%26%27%563
Several times a year17%35%24%24%299
Seldom/never20%34%28%18%2,624
Don't know7%21%24%48%103
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 Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Frequency of meditationYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least once a week5%9%19%39%25%4%2,357
Once or twice a month13%9%24%32%19%2%563
Several times a year10%12%30%33%13%3%299
Seldom/never14%12%29%34%11%1%2,624
Don't know7%1%20%35%30%8%103
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 Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Frequency of meditationMenWomenSample size
At least once a week40%60%2,411
Once or twice a month46%54%574
Several times a year51%49%304
Seldom/never48%52%2,679
Don't know41%59%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…

Frequency of meditationWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least once a week84%5%1%7%4%2,370
Once or twice a month85%3%2%4%6%567
Several times a year86%3%4%5%2%302
Seldom/never89%2%1%5%3%2,646
Don't know79%2%4%9%7%110
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 Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Frequency of meditationImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week8%7%84%2,395
Once or twice a month5%5%90%566
Several times a year9%7%84%302
Seldom/never6%6%88%2,645
Don't know12%7%81%111
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who have a household income of…

Frequency of meditationLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
At least once a week32%20%27%20%2,040
Once or twice a month25%21%31%23%509
Several times a year24%17%29%30%270
Seldom/never27%19%29%26%2,330
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 Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who have completed…

Frequency of meditationHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week34%31%19%16%2,396
Once or twice a month35%29%20%17%574
Several times a year24%33%26%17%302
Seldom/never39%30%19%11%2,662
Don't know54%18%13%15%111
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Frequency of meditationMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week55%4%15%14%12%2,396
Once or twice a month49%7%13%10%21%571
Several times a year56%11%10%6%17%303
Seldom/never56%6%10%6%22%2,670
Don't know56%< 1%14%21%9%108
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 Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Frequency of meditationParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week22%78%2,402
Once or twice a month22%78%572
Several times a year26%74%303
Seldom/never30%70%2,672
Don't know6%94%113
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 Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who say they…

Frequency of meditationBelieve 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
At least once a week78%18%2%1%1%1%2,411
Once or twice a month60%30%6%2%2%1%574
Several times a year58%27%8%< 1%2%3%304
Seldom/never60%30%6%1%2%1%2,679
Don't know70%15%2%8%< 1%5%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who say religion is…

Frequency of meditationVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week71%22%5%1%1%2,411
Once or twice a month48%39%10%2%< 1%574
Several times a year42%44%11%2%1%304
Seldom/never42%41%13%3%< 1%2,679
Don't know67%17%4%2%10%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who attend religious services…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week47%35%17%1%2,411
Once or twice a month34%46%19%< 1%574
Several times a year24%57%19%< 1%304
Seldom/never22%47%31%< 1%2,679
Don't know44%32%15%8%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who pray…

Frequency of meditationAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week75%17%2%5%1%2,411
Once or twice a month48%27%11%13%1%574
Several times a year45%25%13%15%1%304
Seldom/never41%26%10%23%1%2,679
Don't know51%14%7%7%22%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who attend prayer group…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week32%13%9%46%1%2,411
Once or twice a month20%13%11%56%< 1%574
Several times a year9%7%17%68%< 1%304
Seldom/never11%7%8%73%< 1%2,679
Don't know25%9%13%41%12%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week76%14%5%5%1%2,411
Once or twice a month55%23%11%9%2%574
Several times a year47%23%20%9%1%304
Seldom/never42%20%15%21%1%2,679
Don't know55%11%2%12%20%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week58%14%10%15%2%2,411
Once or twice a month44%24%15%17%< 1%574
Several times a year36%21%23%19%1%304
Seldom/never32%17%17%34%1%2,679
Don't know34%6%12%21%27%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of meditationReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
At least once a week38%12%42%6%3%2,411
Once or twice a month29%11%50%8%3%574
Several times a year22%15%55%6%2%304
Seldom/never23%9%59%6%2%2,679
Don't know42%6%37%5%11%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who say…

Frequency of meditationThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week33%64%2%1%2,411
Once or twice a month30%68%1%1%574
Several times a year30%69%< 1%2%304
Seldom/never31%66%2%1%2,679
Don't know37%58%2%3%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who read scripture…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week50%13%10%27%1%2,411
Once or twice a month26%20%12%41%< 1%574
Several times a year13%9%32%45%< 1%304
Seldom/never18%12%11%58%< 1%2,679
Don't know35%13%12%21%19%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who say the holy scripture is…

Frequency of meditationWord 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
At least once a week31%31%4%24%11%2,411
Once or twice a month18%35%2%37%9%574
Several times a year18%42%1%30%9%304
Seldom/never21%38%2%31%8%2,679
Don't know31%23%12%11%23%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who …in heaven

Frequency of meditationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week81%11%8%2,411
Once or twice a month77%15%8%574
Several times a year76%15%9%304
Seldom/never81%12%8%2,679
Don't know63%17%19%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who …in hell

Frequency of meditationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week58%31%12%2,411
Once or twice a month52%37%11%574
Several times a year52%33%14%304
Seldom/never64%27%9%2,679
Don't know52%22%26%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…

Frequency of meditationRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week42%16%43%2,411
Once or twice a month41%11%49%574
Several times a year41%16%43%304
Seldom/never47%17%36%2,679
Don't know35%31%34%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Frequency of meditationConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least once a week38%36%21%5%2,411
Once or twice a month34%39%24%3%574
Several times a year29%44%22%5%304
Seldom/never38%38%18%6%2,679
Don't know40%31%8%21%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who would rather have…

Frequency of meditationSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week57%35%4%4%2,411
Once or twice a month57%36%3%4%574
Several times a year59%32%5%4%304
Seldom/never61%33%3%3%2,679
Don't know55%25%9%11%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who say government aid to the poor…

Frequency of meditationDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week45%48%5%2%2,411
Once or twice a month43%53%3%2%574
Several times a year45%47%5%2%304
Seldom/never51%43%3%2%2,679
Don't know43%36%7%14%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who say abortion should be…

Frequency of meditationLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week57%37%6%2,411
Once or twice a month63%34%3%574
Several times a year70%27%4%304
Seldom/never62%35%3%2,679
Don't know45%38%18%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who say homosexuality…

Frequency of meditationShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week60%30%6%4%2,411
Once or twice a month72%22%3%3%574
Several times a year72%22%4%2%304
Seldom/never69%24%5%2%2,679
Don't know42%40%5%13%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of meditationStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week52%39%9%2,411
Once or twice a month61%33%6%574
Several times a year61%33%6%304
Seldom/never60%32%8%2,679
Don't know32%40%29%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who say…

Frequency of meditationStricter 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
At least once a week37%57%3%3%2,411
Once or twice a month32%64%2%1%574
Several times a year39%55%3%2%304
Seldom/never41%55%2%2%2,679
Don't know41%30%11%18%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among Mainline Protestants by frequency of meditation

% of Mainline Protestants who say humans…

Frequency of meditationEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
At least once a week23%32%5%34%6%2,411
Once or twice a month30%34%7%24%4%574
Several times a year36%30%8%19%6%304
Seldom/never32%31%4%29%5%2,679
Don't know12%13%11%44%20%115
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.