DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201418%35%25%23%655
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201413%10%30%31%16%1%655
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201457%43%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201491%1%3%4%1%661
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20144%8%88%661
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
201420%20%31%30%585
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201436%33%18%12%663
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201457%8%11%6%18%665
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201430%70%665
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201419%60%18%2%1%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
201415%52%33%< 1%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201427%33%14%26%1%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
20146%6%11%77%< 1%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
201421%11%5%62%1%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
201437%23%16%23%1%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
201436%19%18%26%1%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
201412%12%69%6%1%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
201434%65%1%1%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
201410%10%11%67%1%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
20149%39%2%42%8%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201476%14%11%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201457%33%10%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201458%18%24%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201446%38%10%6%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201479%17%1%2%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
201460%35%5%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201470%23%4%3%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201457%34%10%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
201451%46%1%2%667
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they believe in God; fairly certain

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
201439%31%5%21%3%667
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.