DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
2014< 1%< 1%< 1%100%524
2007< 1%< 1%25%75%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201437%63%524
200745%55%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201496%2%1%1%1%521
200795%2%< 1%1%1%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20143%5%92%522
20073%6%91%736
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201433%27%25%15%431
200730%28%29%13%601
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201442%26%18%14%524
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201459%1%12%27%2%522
200762%1%14%19%3%737
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
20141%99%524
20072%98%738
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent 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
201477%19%1%1%< 1%1%524
200782%15%1%< 1%< 1%1%739
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201466%29%4%< 1%1%524
200765%30%4%1%< 1%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201450%31%18%< 1%524
200748%38%14%< 1%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201466%19%8%6%1%524
200761%23%7%7%2%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201424%8%15%52%1%524
200720%10%13%56%1%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201452%10%5%30%2%524
200746%10%7%33%3%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent 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
201465%14%9%12%1%524
200755%18%11%12%4%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent 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
201442%15%15%24%4%524
200737%16%16%27%3%739
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 are silent

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

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201436%5%52%4%3%524
200728%6%59%3%5%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent 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%524
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201440%12%8%40%1%524
200735%15%10%39%1%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201485%6%10%524
200785%7%8%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201456%31%13%524
200754%29%18%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201450%11%39%524
200744%17%40%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201441%43%13%3%524
200745%41%9%4%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201470%23%3%5%524
200765%23%6%6%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201452%42%4%1%524
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201463%34%3%524
200761%32%7%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201462%29%4%5%524
200748%40%6%6%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201448%44%8%524
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent 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%51%3%3%524
200730%60%4%6%739
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 are silent

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are silent 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%39%5%32%7%524
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.