DemographicInformation

Age distribution among members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
20148%27%31%33%1,097
20076%34%31%28%1,285
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
20145%7%24%39%23%2%1,097
2007< 1%5%21%40%27%7%1,285
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201450%50%1,115
200751%49%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201496%1%1%1%2%1,110
200796%1%1%1%2%1,307
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20142%5%93%1,112
20072%3%95%1,306
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201420%20%32%28%966
200718%20%37%25%1,103
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201430%32%25%14%1,111
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201465%3%12%10%10%1,113
200769%3%9%11%8%1,305
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201425%75%1,114
200727%73%1,309
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201473%21%3%1%1%1%1,115
200778%19%2%< 1%< 1%1%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201461%31%6%1%< 1%1,115
200760%32%7%1%< 1%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201446%38%16%< 1%1,115
200743%43%13%< 1%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201460%23%7%9%1%1,115
200758%25%6%9%1%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201426%11%11%52%< 1%1,115
200720%9%12%58%1%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201440%9%4%45%2%1,115
200740%7%5%47%1%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201463%17%9%10%1%1,115
200751%18%15%14%3%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201440%17%17%26%1%1,115
200741%15%18%24%3%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201440%7%47%4%2%1,115
200730%8%57%3%2%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201443%55%1%< 1%1,115
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201439%14%10%37%< 1%1,115
200734%13%12%41%1%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services 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
201428%43%3%19%8%1,115
200724%41%4%22%9%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201486%8%6%1,115
200783%10%7%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201466%25%9%1,115
200765%23%12%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201468%10%22%1,115
200757%10%33%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201454%37%7%2%1,115
200750%39%9%2%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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%27%2%1%1,115
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201454%43%4%1,115
200755%39%6%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201454%38%5%3%1,115
200746%45%5%3%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201440%52%8%1,115
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201453%44%2%2%1,115
200733%60%3%3%1,310
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 members of the United Methodist Church who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of members of the United Methodist Church 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
201419%35%4%38%4%1,115
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.