Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201453%34%10%2%1%6,083
200752%35%9%3%1%7,470
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, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants by importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important13%26%31%30%3,233
Somewhat important20%33%26%21%1,948
Not too important18%32%27%23%591
Not at all important17%35%22%27%133
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important9%9%22%38%20%3%3,233
Somewhat important13%12%28%33%13%1%1,948
Not too important11%12%26%35%14%2%591
Not at all important10%13%29%30%18%1%133
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important39%61%3,317
Somewhat important49%51%1,990
Not too important61%39%596
Not at all important64%36%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important84%5%1%6%4%3,262
Somewhat important89%1%2%5%3%1,971
Not too important91%1%1%3%3%590
Not at all important91%< 1%1%6%2%132
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important7%6%87%3,283
Somewhat important5%8%86%1,970
Not too important6%7%87%592
Not at all important14%10%75%132
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important32%21%27%20%2,782
Somewhat important26%19%29%26%1,754
Not too important20%17%33%30%521
Not at all important30%11%29%30%121
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important38%32%18%13%3,297
Somewhat important36%30%20%14%1,979
Not too important35%26%22%17%593
Not at all important32%23%31%14%135
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important56%4%13%11%15%3,295
Somewhat important53%7%12%7%21%1,983
Not too important58%7%10%5%19%595
Not at all important50%7%18%8%17%135
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important25%75%3,304
Somewhat important27%73%1,984
Not too important26%74%595
Not at all important28%72%135
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important87%11%< 1%1%< 1%1%3,317
Somewhat important50%43%5%1%1%1%1,990
Not too important20%46%19%2%7%7%596
Not at all important28%21%29%3%19%1%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important53%34%13%1%3,317
Somewhat important12%59%29%< 1%1,990
Not too important2%41%57%< 1%596
Not at all important5%23%71%1%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important77%17%2%3%1%3,317
Somewhat important32%34%13%20%1%1,990
Not too important13%20%15%52%< 1%596
Not at all important21%9%4%66%< 1%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important32%14%11%41%1%3,317
Somewhat important5%6%9%80%< 1%1,990
Not too important< 1%2%1%96%< 1%596
Not at all important3%< 1%6%91%< 1%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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%9%4%38%2%3,317
Somewhat important24%11%6%58%1%1,990
Not too important17%10%6%67%1%596
Not at all important20%8%5%67%1%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important72%14%6%5%2%3,317
Somewhat important38%25%16%20%2%1,990
Not too important33%16%19%31%1%596
Not at all important38%12%12%38%< 1%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important48%16%12%22%2%3,317
Somewhat important37%17%17%28%1%1,990
Not too important36%18%17%29%1%596
Not at all important39%17%16%26%2%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important47%7%39%4%3%3,317
Somewhat important11%13%66%9%2%1,990
Not too important4%16%68%9%2%596
Not at all important4%19%61%14%2%136
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important37%61%2%1%3,317
Somewhat important28%70%1%1%1,990
Not too important24%74%2%1%596
Not at all important28%71%1%1%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important50%15%11%24%1%3,317
Somewhat important10%13%15%61%1%1,990
Not too important2%6%6%86%< 1%596
Not at all important10%4%5%81%< 1%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important36%38%4%13%9%3,317
Somewhat important12%38%1%38%10%1,990
Not too important4%17%< 1%69%9%596
Not at all important7%10%2%74%8%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important88%6%7%3,317
Somewhat important79%13%8%1,990
Not too important52%34%14%596
Not at all important42%54%4%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important68%21%11%3,317
Somewhat important57%33%10%1,990
Not too important40%49%11%596
Not at all important27%68%5%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important47%15%39%3,317
Somewhat important44%17%39%1,990
Not too important36%15%49%596
Not at all important36%19%46%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important43%35%16%6%3,317
Somewhat important32%41%22%4%1,990
Not too important27%40%27%7%596
Not at all important23%36%36%5%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important58%34%4%4%3,317
Somewhat important59%34%3%4%1,990
Not too important61%35%3%2%596
Not at all important59%36%3%2%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important48%45%5%3%3,317
Somewhat important49%47%3%1%1,990
Not too important46%50%3%2%596
Not at all important42%55%3%< 1%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important50%45%5%3,317
Somewhat important70%26%3%1,990
Not too important81%17%2%596
Not at all important77%17%6%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important57%34%6%4%3,317
Somewhat important75%18%4%2%1,990
Not too important80%14%3%2%596
Not at all important81%13%3%3%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important47%43%9%3,317
Somewhat important66%27%7%1,990
Not too important75%20%5%596
Not at all important74%20%6%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important40%54%3%3%3,317
Somewhat important39%58%2%2%1,990
Not too important33%64%1%2%596
Not at all important28%68%< 1%4%136
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 importance of religion

% of Mainline Protestants 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 important15%34%5%39%6%3,317
Somewhat important37%33%5%21%4%1,990
Not too important64%19%5%10%3%596
Not at all important58%12%7%16%7%136
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.