DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201414%26%28%33%572
200711%29%27%33%821
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
20147%11%21%34%22%4%572
2007< 1%10%16%35%26%13%821
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201433%67%584
200736%64%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201479%5%1%9%6%571
200788%4%1%4%3%828
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201410%5%86%576
20075%6%90%830
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201440%23%23%14%484
200735%23%28%15%696
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201447%31%14%9%580
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201450%6%15%15%14%581
200750%3%16%19%12%833
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201422%78%582
200724%76%833
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who say they…

Survey yearBelieve 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
201484%12%1%2%< 1%1%584
200788%10%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201478%18%2%1%1%584
200777%21%1%1%1%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201455%31%13%1%584
200758%29%12%1%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201483%14%< 1%2%1%584
200783%13%2%2%1%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%15%9%36%1%584
200734%16%12%38%1%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201454%8%1%35%2%584
200759%6%2%31%2%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week 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
201476%12%5%5%1%584
200766%16%7%8%3%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week 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
201450%13%10%25%2%584
200746%15%13%21%5%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201431%67%2%< 1%584
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week 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
201439%34%4%13%10%584
200734%38%3%13%11%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201488%7%5%584
200784%7%9%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201470%22%8%584
200760%24%16%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201441%19%39%584
200739%17%44%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201440%38%16%5%584
200740%37%18%6%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201454%38%4%4%584
200753%34%4%8%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201448%45%4%3%584
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201454%41%4%584
200755%38%7%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201457%33%5%6%584
200749%39%6%6%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201448%40%12%584
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week 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
201443%50%3%3%584
200727%63%4%7%837
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture at least once a week 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
201418%35%3%39%5%584
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.