Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201432%65%2%1%6,083
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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who are ages…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong11%29%32%28%1,970
Right or wrong depends on the situation18%30%27%25%3,815
Neither/both equally11%26%31%32%100
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong7%9%25%39%19%2%1,970
Right or wrong depends on the situation12%11%25%34%16%2%3,815
Neither/both equally6%9%21%43%18%2%100
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongMenWomenSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong50%50%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation42%58%3,901
Neither/both equally57%43%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong89%2%1%5%3%1,976
Right or wrong depends on the situation85%4%1%6%4%3,858
Neither/both equally89%3%< 1%6%2%100
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong6%7%88%2,003
Right or wrong depends on the situation7%7%86%3,850
Neither/both equally8%8%84%102
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who have a household income of…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong26%18%31%25%1,737
Right or wrong depends on the situation30%20%27%23%3,350
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who have completed…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong35%32%22%11%1,999
Right or wrong depends on the situation37%30%18%15%3,879
Neither/both equally32%29%19%19%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong63%4%12%8%12%2,004
Right or wrong depends on the situation52%6%13%9%20%3,878
Neither/both equally49%3%18%9%21%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong26%74%2,008
Right or wrong depends on the situation26%74%3,886
Neither/both equally16%84%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who say they…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieve 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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong74%20%3%1%1%1%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation62%28%5%1%2%1%3,901
Neither/both equally56%33%5%4%1%< 1%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who say religion is…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong61%30%7%2%< 1%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation49%36%11%2%1%3,901
Neither/both equally55%33%10%1%2%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who attend religious services…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong38%40%22%1%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation30%44%25%< 1%3,901
Neither/both equally34%35%31%< 1%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who pray…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong60%20%7%13%1%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation51%24%8%15%1%3,901
Neither/both equally57%16%2%22%3%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who attend prayer group…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong23%11%10%56%1%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation17%10%9%63%1%3,901
Neither/both equally18%4%7%70%1%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who meditate…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong37%9%4%47%2%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation35%10%5%49%2%3,901
Neither/both equally38%7%< 1%52%2%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong61%16%10%12%1%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation53%19%12%14%2%3,901
Neither/both equally65%22%3%5%4%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

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

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong42%17%14%25%2%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation43%17%15%24%2%3,901
Neither/both equally59%12%9%18%2%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

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

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong40%8%45%4%2%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation24%11%55%7%2%3,901
Neither/both equally23%8%50%8%11%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who read scripture…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong36%13%11%39%1%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation27%13%12%46%1%3,901
Neither/both equally31%15%6%47%1%104
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 Mainline Protestants by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongWord 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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong31%37%3%21%8%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation21%35%2%32%10%3,901
Neither/both equally13%20%8%34%26%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who …in heaven

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong83%10%7%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation79%13%8%3,901
Neither/both equally67%14%19%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who …in hell

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong68%22%10%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation56%33%11%3,901
Neither/both equally50%29%21%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong59%14%27%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation37%16%47%3,901
Neither/both equally35%25%40%104
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among Mainline Protestants by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong53%30%13%5%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation29%42%23%6%3,901
Neither/both equally42%31%19%9%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who would rather have…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong72%22%2%4%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation53%40%4%4%3,901
Neither/both equally52%20%21%7%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

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

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong61%34%4%2%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation42%52%4%2%3,901
Neither/both equally35%46%16%3%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who say abortion should be…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong50%47%3%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation66%30%4%3,901
Neither/both equally60%20%20%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who say homosexuality…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong54%37%5%4%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation72%21%4%3%3,901
Neither/both equally60%20%17%3%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who …same-sex marriage

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong42%49%9%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation65%28%7%3,901
Neither/both equally55%25%21%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who say…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongStricter 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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong50%45%3%2%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation33%62%2%2%3,901
Neither/both equally23%64%9%4%104
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 by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants who say humans…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong22%30%5%39%5%2,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation32%32%5%25%5%3,901
Neither/both equally21%34%11%21%13%104
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.