DemographicInformation

Generational cohort among Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
2014< 1%< 1%< 1%28%62%9%1,106
2007< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%70%30%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201445%55%1,106
200741%59%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201495%2%< 1%1%2%1,094
200794%2%< 1%1%2%1,227
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20144%7%89%1,098
20074%10%86%1,228
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201438%23%25%14%905
200747%25%20%9%930
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201445%27%15%13%1,101
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201453%2%13%29%3%1,102
200747%2%11%38%2%1,226
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
20142%98%1,105
20071%99%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ 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
201460%28%5%3%2%2%1,106
200770%21%4%2%2%2%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201446%39%11%3%1%1,106
200754%34%8%3%1%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201430%39%31%1%1,106
200739%36%24%1%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201447%23%8%20%3%1,106
200757%18%7%15%3%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201413%7%7%71%1%1,106
200715%7%10%67%2%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201441%10%5%42%2%1,106
200743%11%6%35%5%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ 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
201451%15%11%21%2%1,106
200748%16%11%19%7%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ 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
201437%14%16%30%3%1,106
200735%14%14%31%6%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201433%64%2%1%1,106
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201424%10%10%55%1%1,106
200728%12%11%48%2%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord 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
201419%33%3%31%14%1,106
200723%35%4%23%15%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201471%17%12%1,106
200772%15%13%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201443%42%15%1,106
200744%37%19%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201444%14%42%1,106
200740%16%44%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201439%41%16%4%1,106
200742%38%12%7%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201464%25%5%6%1,106
200763%22%5%10%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201448%46%3%3%1,106
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201469%25%6%1,106
200761%29%10%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201460%30%4%5%1,106
200746%41%7%6%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201449%41%9%1,106
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ 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
201442%50%3%5%1,106
200731%54%4%10%1,232
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages 65+ 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
201432%26%7%27%9%1,106
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.