DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201425%33%21%20%701
200719%39%26%16%884
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201419%11%29%27%13%1%701
2007< 1%15%28%36%17%4%884
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201449%51%710
200747%53%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201489%1%2%6%3%705
200794%1%1%2%1%896
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20145%7%88%702
20073%5%92%890
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201425%21%27%27%629
200721%23%37%20%775
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201439%31%19%11%708
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201448%8%11%7%26%708
200757%6%12%6%19%895
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201429%71%710
200735%65%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important 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
201456%40%2%1%< 1%1%710
200767%30%2%< 1%< 1%1%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201412%64%24%< 1%710
200716%62%22%< 1%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201432%38%13%16%< 1%710
200740%34%12%12%1%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20145%9%11%76%< 1%710
20076%6%9%78%1%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201418%11%7%64%1%710
200721%8%5%65%2%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important 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
201433%28%19%19%1%710
200733%21%20%23%3%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important 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
201432%17%17%33%1%710
200728%17%21%32%2%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201414%9%69%7%1%710
200710%8%73%5%3%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201429%69%1%1%710
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201410%15%18%57%< 1%710
200711%13%14%60%1%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201490%5%5%710
200787%7%7%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201466%26%7%710
200763%26%10%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201452%16%32%710
200745%14%41%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201436%44%16%4%710
200735%45%16%4%897
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201463%33%1%3%710
200749%44%3%4%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201455%41%3%1%710
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201464%33%2%710
200768%28%4%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201473%20%4%2%710
200765%27%5%3%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201463%30%6%710
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important 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
201444%54%1%1%710
200728%66%3%3%897
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 but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is somewhat important 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
201425%41%4%26%5%710
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.