DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201417%35%23%25%261
200717%39%28%16%286
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
20149%13%31%31%15%2%261
2007< 1%14%31%35%17%3%286
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201461%39%265
200764%36%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201491%2%2%2%2%263
200796%< 1%2%2%< 1%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20144%8%88%263
20077%9%84%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly 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
201422%19%29%30%234
200718%20%36%25%245
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201433%30%22%16%264
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201460%8%12%5%15%265
200752%7%15%6%20%290
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201426%74%265
200728%72%291
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

Attendance at religious services among Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20142%40%57%< 1%265
20074%39%57%< 1%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20149%22%20%49%1%265
20079%19%14%58%< 1%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%2%1%96%< 1%265
2007< 1%2%1%96%1%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201417%10%7%66%< 1%265
200715%5%6%73%1%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly 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
201430%17%23%30%< 1%265
200717%12%17%51%3%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly 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
201432%19%17%30%2%265
200728%18%21%32%1%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20142%19%70%7%2%265
20072%8%79%8%3%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly 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
201426%72%2%< 1%265
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20142%6%4%88%< 1%265
2007< 1%2%6%92%1%291
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 adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord 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
20143%20%1%66%10%265
20073%16%2%72%7%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201459%27%14%265
200755%33%12%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201447%42%11%265
200735%52%12%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201441%14%46%265
200735%17%47%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201428%40%26%6%265
200723%50%24%3%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201462%34%3%2%265
200760%29%4%7%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201448%49%2%1%265
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201478%19%3%265
200782%15%3%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201481%13%4%3%265
200776%19%3%2%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201474%20%6%265
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly 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
201430%69%< 1%1%265
200724%72%3%1%291
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 religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say they believe in God; fairly 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
201464%20%4%9%3%265
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.