Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201441%41%15%3%< 1%375
200745%36%12%7%< 1%306
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: Very important, Somewhat important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important25%41%24%10%161
Somewhat important29%43%23%5%148
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 nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important17%20%28%27%7%< 1%161
Somewhat important16%21%35%26%2%< 1%148
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 nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important40%60%163
Somewhat important53%47%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.

Racial and ethnic composition among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important74%6%< 1%10%9%160
Somewhat important82%4%1%12%2%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.

Immigrant status among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important5%9%85%160
Somewhat important8%10%83%148
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 nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important21%30%30%19%135
Somewhat important24%15%30%31%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.

Educational distribution among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important25%43%23%9%163
Somewhat important27%37%24%12%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.

Marital status among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important47%7%14%6%25%163
Somewhat important52%8%10%1%29%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.

Parent of children under 18 among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important36%64%162
Somewhat important36%64%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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve 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
Very important90%8%1%< 1%1%< 1%163
Somewhat important55%41%4%< 1%1%< 1%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.

Attendance at religious services among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important45%41%14%< 1%163
Somewhat important7%59%34%< 1%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.

Frequency of prayer among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important78%17%3%2%1%163
Somewhat important31%30%13%26%< 1%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.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important29%16%8%47%< 1%163
Somewhat important3%7%12%78%< 1%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.

Frequency of meditation among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important48%5%6%38%2%163
Somewhat important29%13%7%51%1%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.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important74%17%6%3%< 1%163
Somewhat important46%24%17%12%1%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.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important47%21%13%17%2%163
Somewhat important53%22%9%16%< 1%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.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important49%9%33%4%4%163
Somewhat important8%20%64%8%1%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.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important35%59%2%3%163
Somewhat important32%66%1%< 1%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.

Frequency of reading scripture among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important47%19%14%19%< 1%163
Somewhat important5%22%18%55%< 1%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.

Interpreting scripture among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord 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
Very important22%42%6%16%13%163
Somewhat important6%38%1%41%14%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.

Belief in Heaven among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important87%9%4%163
Somewhat important78%12%10%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.

Belief in Hell among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important64%26%10%163
Somewhat important67%25%8%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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important45%16%39%163
Somewhat important44%19%37%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.

Political ideology among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important39%36%19%6%163
Somewhat important30%43%22%6%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.

Views about size of government among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important60%33%5%3%163
Somewhat important57%35%5%3%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.

Views about government aid to the poor among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important54%39%3%3%163
Somewhat important52%46%2%1%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.

Views about abortion among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important49%48%3%163
Somewhat important64%32%4%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.

Views about homosexuality among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important62%27%8%3%163
Somewhat important78%14%5%3%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.

Views about same-sex marriage among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important54%37%10%163
Somewhat important74%21%5%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.

Views about environmental regulation among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter 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
Very important36%57%4%4%163
Somewhat important35%61%3%2%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.

Views about human evolution among nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition by importance of religion

% of nondenominational Protestants in the Mainline Tradition who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important14%35%4%41%6%163
Somewhat important37%36%7%15%6%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.