DemographicInformation

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

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

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201417%32%33%18%208
200715%36%29%20%296
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201412%9%28%38%11%1%208
2007< 1%10%27%39%19%5%296
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201446%54%211
200749%51%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201483%1%1%12%3%210
200791%< 1%1%4%3%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20147%9%84%208
20073%7%89%297
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201443%27%22%8%190
200737%25%31%7%242
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201461%29%8%2%211
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201448%5%15%10%23%211
200751%9%19%10%12%300
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201422%78%211
200732%68%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally 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%3%< 1%< 1%211
200780%18%1%< 1%1%< 1%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201415%53%33%< 1%211
200715%59%25%1%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%35%8%19%2%211
200742%28%11%19%1%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201411%8%9%72%1%211
20079%9%7%75%< 1%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201425%7%5%61%2%211
200724%7%6%62%1%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally 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
201441%25%13%20%1%211
200732%18%22%26%2%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally 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
201427%9%20%40%3%211
200724%15%18%40%3%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201422%8%62%8%1%211
200712%7%73%6%2%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201434%64%1%1%211
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201420%17%8%53%2%211
200714%14%12%59%< 1%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201495%4%2%211
200795%3%2%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201482%11%7%211
200775%20%5%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201450%17%33%211
200744%16%40%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201443%41%10%5%211
200747%30%16%8%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201450%43%3%3%211
200747%46%2%5%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201450%46%3%1%211
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201453%44%3%211
200751%42%7%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201457%33%5%5%211
200744%46%6%4%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

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

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201443%49%8%211
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally 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
201450%47%2%1%211
200742%51%3%4%301
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 religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally 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
201421%28%1%46%5%211
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.