DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201412%26%32%30%992
200712%34%25%29%1,198
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
20148%8%22%37%21%3%992
2007< 1%9%23%34%24%10%1,198
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201439%61%1,021
200735%65%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201481%6%2%8%3%1,001
200785%3%1%7%4%1,207
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20149%4%86%1,011
20075%4%91%1,218
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201444%22%23%11%843
200738%24%27%11%1,001
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201454%30%11%5%1,018
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201452%5%15%13%15%1,013
200755%4%13%17%12%1,219
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201425%75%1,016
200730%70%1,227
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important 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
201493%5%< 1%1%< 1%1%1,021
200796%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201460%29%10%1%1,021
200760%28%11%1%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201482%13%2%2%< 1%1,021
200781%13%2%2%1%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201444%16%10%29%1%1,021
200737%12%13%37%1%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201451%7%4%36%2%1,021
200750%7%3%38%2%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important 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
201479%10%5%5%1%1,021
200766%13%10%7%3%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important 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
201445%17%10%26%2%1,021
200740%12%15%27%5%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201460%3%32%2%2%1,021
200752%4%40%2%2%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201443%55%1%1%1,021
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201462%13%7%17%1%1,021
200759%13%8%19%2%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201494%3%3%1,021
200792%3%5%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201482%11%7%1,021
200783%9%8%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201449%16%35%1,021
200748%16%36%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201455%28%10%7%1,021
200751%32%10%7%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201456%38%3%4%1,021
200743%46%4%7%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201453%41%4%2%1,021
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201437%58%5%1,021
200738%55%7%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201437%53%6%3%1,021
200730%60%5%6%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201428%63%9%1,021
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important 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
201449%45%3%3%1,021
200737%53%3%7%1,228
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 and should be taken literally who say religion is very important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is very important 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
201411%24%3%57%5%1,021
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.