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
201463%30%4%1%2%1%874
200771%24%3%1%1%2%1,186
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.

Learn More: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are ages…

Belief in God18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain10%29%32%29%563
Believe in God; fairly certain18%35%25%22%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.

Generational cohort among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Belief in GodYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain5%7%26%39%20%2%563
Believe in God; fairly certain17%5%32%31%14%2%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.

Gender composition among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Belief in GodMenWomenSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain42%58%577
Believe in God; fairly certain50%50%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Belief in GodWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain95%2%< 1%1%1%568
Believe in God; fairly certain93%< 1%3%< 1%4%229
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Belief in GodImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain3%8%90%572
Believe in God; fairly certain2%10%88%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who have a household income of…

Belief in GodLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain23%23%33%21%492
Believe in God; fairly certain19%18%31%32%209
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who have completed…

Belief in GodHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain39%30%20%12%574
Believe in God; fairly certain32%33%19%17%231
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Belief in GodMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain61%4%12%10%13%575
Believe in God; fairly certain55%8%11%4%22%232
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Belief in GodParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain25%75%577
Believe in God; fairly certain30%70%232
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

Importance of religion in one's life among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say religion is…

Belief in GodVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain64%31%4%< 1%< 1%577
Believe in God; fairly certain19%63%16%1%< 1%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who attend religious services…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain33%46%20%1%577
Believe in God; fairly certain15%61%24%< 1%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who pray…

Belief in GodAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain64%23%4%8%1%577
Believe in God; fairly certain20%44%14%22%< 1%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who attend prayer group…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain17%9%12%63%< 1%577
Believe in God; fairly certain4%8%7%80%< 1%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who meditate…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain34%8%4%53%2%577
Believe in God; fairly certain24%11%6%59%< 1%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain60%18%9%11%2%577
Believe in God; fairly certain37%23%19%21%< 1%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain45%16%10%28%1%577
Believe in God; fairly certain28%23%18%29%2%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in GodReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain38%5%48%5%3%577
Believe in God; fairly certain9%13%71%7%< 1%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say…

Belief in GodThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain31%67%1%1%577
Believe in God; fairly certain24%75%1%< 1%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who read scripture…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain28%12%18%42%1%577
Believe in God; fairly certain7%14%14%66%< 1%233
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.

Interpreting scripture among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in GodWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain24%45%2%19%11%577
Believe in God; fairly certain7%34%1%49%9%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who …in heaven

Belief in GodBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain89%3%8%577
Believe in God; fairly certain75%16%9%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who …in hell

Belief in GodBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain65%23%12%577
Believe in God; fairly certain48%42%10%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Belief in GodRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain46%14%40%577
Believe in God; fairly certain38%13%50%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Belief in GodConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain39%36%21%4%577
Believe in God; fairly certain27%44%25%4%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have…

Belief in GodSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain65%26%5%4%577
Believe in God; fairly certain62%33%4%1%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in GodDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain48%44%6%2%577
Believe in God; fairly certain44%51%3%3%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say abortion should be…

Belief in GodLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain61%36%3%577
Believe in God; fairly certain73%26%1%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say homosexuality…

Belief in GodShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain64%28%5%3%577
Believe in God; fairly certain85%13%2%< 1%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who …same-sex marriage

Belief in GodStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain55%36%8%577
Believe in God; fairly certain76%19%5%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say…

Belief in GodStricter 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
Believe in God; absolutely certain38%57%3%2%577
Believe in God; fairly certain33%65%1%2%233
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in God

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say humans…

Belief in GodEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain17%39%4%35%5%577
Believe in God; fairly certain43%35%3%16%3%233
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.