DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201416%32%29%24%1,073
200716%40%29%15%1,363
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201410%12%25%37%14%1%1,073
2007< 1%13%29%39%16%4%1,363
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201453%47%1,092
200753%47%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201490%2%1%3%4%1,080
200794%1%1%2%2%1,374
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20146%8%86%1,084
20075%7%88%1,390
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201422%15%32%31%970
200719%22%34%25%1,189
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201429%29%25%17%1,082
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201456%7%13%6%18%1,088
200757%7%13%6%18%1,386
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201426%74%1,090
200730%70%1,391
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God 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
201433%46%13%1%5%3%1,092
200748%39%7%1%3%3%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201418%48%26%6%1%1,092
200721%46%23%9%1%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201412%46%41%< 1%1,092
200714%46%40%< 1%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201428%24%12%35%1%1,092
200732%26%10%31%1%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20145%3%5%86%< 1%1,092
20074%6%5%85%< 1%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201425%12%5%57%1%1,092
200727%7%6%59%1%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God 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
201443%19%13%25%1%1,092
200732%17%18%30%3%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God 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
201440%20%18%22%< 1%1,092
200737%16%17%28%2%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201425%72%2%< 1%1,092
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20147%8%12%72%< 1%1,092
20077%9%10%74%1%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201461%28%11%1,092
200760%26%14%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201439%51%10%1,092
200735%52%13%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201435%17%48%1,092
200734%14%52%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201425%40%29%5%1,092
200725%45%27%3%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201460%33%4%2%1,092
200755%35%5%5%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201443%52%3%1%1,092
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201482%14%3%1,092
200779%16%5%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201484%11%3%2%1,092
200774%19%4%3%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201477%17%7%1,092
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God 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
201432%64%1%2%1,092
200723%72%2%3%1,394
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 say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is not the word of God 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
201454%27%7%9%3%1,092
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.