DemographicInformation

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

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

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201412%32%28%29%128
200721%36%20%23%146
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
20147%13%23%34%22%1%128
2007< 1%14%30%31%17%9%146
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201439%61%131
200743%57%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201465%14%< 1%16%6%129
200774%5%< 1%17%4%147
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201420%8%71%130
200717%3%80%149
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201464%21%9%6%112
200752%27%17%4%123
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201463%31%4%2%130
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201444%6%23%11%16%131
200738%13%18%14%18%150
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201432%68%131
200737%63%151
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 are liberal

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are liberal 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
201496%3%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%131
200785%13%1%1%< 1%< 1%151
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are liberal

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

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201480%18%1%1%< 1%131
200768%28%4%< 1%1%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201446%37%17%< 1%131
200733%38%26%3%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201473%18%4%3%1%131
200764%18%7%8%2%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201451%11%5%33%< 1%131
200724%8%11%56%1%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201456%10%4%30%< 1%131
200739%8%4%45%5%151
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 are liberal

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are liberal 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
201466%15%6%13%1%131
200749%19%12%12%8%151
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 are liberal

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are liberal 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
201443%10%11%32%4%131
200742%11%14%28%6%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201437%9%48%5%1%131
200725%7%60%3%5%151
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 are liberal

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are liberal 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%71%1%3%131
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201459%10%8%24%< 1%131
200739%12%11%36%1%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201495%4%1%131
200791%1%8%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201487%7%6%131
200779%14%7%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201421%19%61%131
200721%23%56%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201435%62%3%< 1%131
200726%62%3%9%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201439%56%5%< 1%131
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201451%45%3%131
200752%39%10%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201446%42%7%4%131
200743%45%6%6%151
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 are liberal

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

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201438%52%10%131
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 are liberal

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are liberal 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
201444%53%2%2%131
200737%52%1%10%151
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 are liberal

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are liberal 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
201415%25%2%52%5%131
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.