DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201418%30%26%26%1,618
200713%37%27%22%2,140
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201413%10%25%34%17%2%1,618
2007< 1%10%25%37%21%6%2,140
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201440%60%1,635
200742%58%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201486%4%1%6%4%1,622
200792%3%1%2%2%2,169
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20146%7%87%1,626
20073%5%91%2,172
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201423%22%30%25%1,406
200720%21%35%24%1,846
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201430%35%21%14%1,632
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201458%4%11%8%20%1,631
200762%4%12%10%13%2,170
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201428%72%1,634
200732%68%2,174
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

Importance of religion in one's life among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201469%28%2%< 1%< 1%1,635
200765%31%3%< 1%< 1%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201441%43%16%< 1%1,635
200745%42%13%< 1%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201466%23%5%6%< 1%1,635
200764%24%6%5%1%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201421%12%12%55%< 1%1,635
200720%11%12%57%1%2,176
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 Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%9%5%47%1%1,635
200735%8%5%51%2%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201461%21%10%8%1%1,635
200755%18%13%11%3%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201443%17%14%25%1%1,635
200737%17%18%26%2%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201439%8%48%4%2%1,635
200730%7%56%3%3%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201436%62%1%1%1,635
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%16%14%34%< 1%1,635
200734%15%12%38%1%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201491%4%5%1,635
200789%4%6%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201471%21%9%1,635
200766%22%12%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201453%12%34%1,635
200748%13%40%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201440%41%15%4%1,635
200740%42%14%4%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201466%29%2%3%1,635
200756%34%4%5%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201453%42%3%2%1,635
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201456%41%2%1,635
200760%35%5%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201468%25%4%3%1,635
200756%35%6%4%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201456%36%8%1,635
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201442%55%2%2%1,635
200727%66%3%4%2,176
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201416%42%3%33%5%1,635
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.