DemographicInformation

Age distribution among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are ages…

Generational cohort18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Generation X< 1%100%< 1%< 1%168
Baby Boomer< 1%< 1%82%18%342
Silent< 1%< 1%< 1%100%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Generational cohortMenWomenSample size
Generation X50%50%168
Baby Boomer50%50%342
Silent39%61%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Generational cohortWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Generation X95%< 1%3%1%1%168
Baby Boomer95%1%< 1%1%2%336
Silent98%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%217
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 generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Generational cohortImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Generation X5%4%91%168
Baby Boomer2%8%90%340
Silent3%13%84%218
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

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

Generational cohortLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Generation X9%15%41%35%158
Baby Boomer25%19%27%29%298
Silent36%30%27%6%177
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 generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who have completed…

Generational cohortHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Generation X28%30%24%17%168
Baby Boomer38%30%18%14%341
Silent51%24%14%11%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Generational cohortMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Generation X75%7%9%1%9%167
Baby Boomer71%4%16%4%5%342
Silent55%1%10%31%3%217
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 generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Generational cohortParentsNon-parentsSample size
Generation X71%29%168
Baby Boomer9%91%342
Silent< 1%100%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say they…

Generational cohortBelieve 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
Generation X59%34%4%< 1%< 1%3%168
Baby Boomer68%26%2%1%2%< 1%342
Silent71%23%2%1%2%1%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

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

Generational cohortVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Generation X34%49%15%2%< 1%168
Baby Boomer52%37%10%1%1%342
Silent69%23%6%2%1%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X16%56%28%< 1%168
Baby Boomer27%50%23%< 1%342
Silent47%33%19%< 1%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who pray…

Generational cohortAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X42%33%12%13%< 1%168
Baby Boomer54%24%7%13%2%342
Silent65%21%2%11%1%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X7%6%8%80%< 1%168
Baby Boomer15%6%10%69%1%342
Silent21%14%11%53%1%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who meditate…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X16%7%9%67%< 1%168
Baby Boomer32%8%4%55%1%342
Silent51%8%4%35%3%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X45%22%18%16%< 1%168
Baby Boomer55%14%13%17%1%342
Silent65%14%8%12%1%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

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

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X30%23%15%32%< 1%168
Baby Boomer40%18%14%26%1%342
Silent50%9%9%28%4%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

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

Generational cohortReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Generation X24%13%54%5%5%168
Baby Boomer28%6%58%5%3%342
Silent40%3%49%7%1%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say…

Generational cohortThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Generation X23%74%1%2%168
Baby Boomer32%67%1%< 1%342
Silent30%67%2%1%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who read scripture…

Generational cohortAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Generation X12%7%19%63%< 1%168
Baby Boomer23%11%17%49%1%342
Silent39%12%9%39%2%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

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

Generational cohortWord 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
Generation X10%42%2%39%8%168
Baby Boomer19%39%2%30%11%342
Silent27%40%2%19%12%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who …in heaven

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Generation X84%6%10%168
Baby Boomer77%13%10%342
Silent84%6%9%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who …in hell

Generational cohortBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Generation X60%32%9%168
Baby Boomer57%28%14%342
Silent48%35%17%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Generational cohortRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Generation X56%8%36%168
Baby Boomer37%19%44%342
Silent46%14%40%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Generational cohortConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Generation X37%40%20%2%168
Baby Boomer35%36%25%4%342
Silent43%39%14%3%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

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

Generational cohortSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Generation X71%22%5%2%168
Baby Boomer59%33%5%3%342
Silent64%25%6%5%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

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

Generational cohortDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Generation X54%38%7%1%168
Baby Boomer47%45%5%3%342
Silent49%43%6%3%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

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

Generational cohortLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Generation X62%36%2%168
Baby Boomer68%28%3%342
Silent62%33%5%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say homosexuality…

Generational cohortShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Generation X81%13%4%2%168
Baby Boomer66%24%6%4%342
Silent57%36%6%1%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

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

Generational cohortStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Generation X71%22%7%168
Baby Boomer59%33%8%342
Silent47%42%11%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say…

Generational cohortStricter 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
Generation X37%60%1%2%168
Baby Boomer37%59%2%2%342
Silent44%49%4%3%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by generational group

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say humans…

Generational cohortEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Generation X34%36%3%25%2%168
Baby Boomer26%37%4%27%6%342
Silent19%31%6%37%7%219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.