DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
20148%26%34%32%755
20076%34%29%31%748
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
20145%5%23%41%22%4%755
2007< 1%4%21%39%26%10%748
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201448%52%776
200748%52%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201493%1%1%4%2%762
200791%2%< 1%3%3%752
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20143%5%92%774
20073%5%93%755
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201431%25%29%15%649
200727%25%35%14%625
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201450%31%14%5%774
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201464%3%12%12%9%773
200762%3%12%14%9%756
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201421%79%773
200726%74%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say they…

Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201491%7%1%1%< 1%< 1%776
200792%7%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201480%16%3%1%< 1%776
200775%22%3%1%< 1%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201454%33%12%1%776
200752%34%12%1%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201474%16%3%6%1%776
200773%16%4%7%1%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%13%10%39%1%776
200730%11%13%45%1%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201446%7%4%41%2%776
200747%7%3%42%2%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201475%12%5%7%1%776
200762%12%12%11%2%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201442%15%12%29%3%776
200741%13%15%27%5%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201457%3%35%3%2%776
200743%5%48%2%3%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201452%46%1%2%776
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201455%15%7%22%1%776
200749%12%9%29%1%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201492%4%4%776
200790%4%6%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201482%12%6%776
200783%10%7%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201464%12%24%776
200760%12%28%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201463%26%6%4%776
200761%27%7%5%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201470%26%2%1%776
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201438%60%3%776
200737%57%7%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201431%60%7%2%776
200725%64%5%6%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201421%71%8%776
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say…

Survey yearStricter 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
201460%35%3%2%776
200742%49%3%6%761
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201411%23%2%61%3%776
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.