DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201418%33%26%22%425
200718%39%28%15%435
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201411%12%28%34%14%1%425
2007< 1%15%27%38%16%3%435
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201462%38%429
200761%39%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201492%1%1%3%3%425
200796%< 1%2%1%1%440
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20146%7%87%425
20078%7%85%442
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201416%16%33%34%380
200718%18%37%26%381
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201430%25%27%18%427
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201457%7%11%5%21%428
200752%6%12%7%23%442
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201426%74%428
200728%72%443
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God 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
201414%43%24%1%10%8%429
200726%48%15%< 1%6%5%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20142%39%58%< 1%429
20073%39%58%< 1%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201411%20%13%55%< 1%429
200712%18%15%54%1%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%1%1%97%< 1%429
2007< 1%1%2%96%< 1%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201418%11%7%64%< 1%429
200719%5%7%69%1%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God 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
201434%15%18%32%1%429
200723%13%18%44%2%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God 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%19%17%26%1%429
200734%15%20%29%1%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
20143%19%68%9%1%429
20072%15%71%9%3%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201422%76%1%1%429
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20141%3%6%91%< 1%429
2007< 1%4%7%88%< 1%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201444%40%16%429
200742%43%15%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201430%59%10%429
200728%62%10%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201432%14%54%429
200735%14%51%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201424%41%30%6%429
200723%48%27%2%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201458%37%4%1%429
200758%32%5%5%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201442%54%2%1%429
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201485%14%1%429
200784%13%2%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201486%8%3%3%429
200779%15%3%2%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201482%13%4%429
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God 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
201433%65%1%2%429
200722%73%3%2%444
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 religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is not the word of God 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
201473%16%4%5%2%429
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.