DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201414%30%29%26%161
200716%38%22%25%198
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
20148%10%27%32%17%6%161
2007< 1%10%25%34%27%4%198
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201449%51%166
200740%60%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201486%4%4%4%2%165
200786%4%1%7%3%198
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20145%6%89%164
20072%3%95%200
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month 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%26%25%12%138
200731%22%35%11%165
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201457%32%9%3%166
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201445%6%18%10%21%166
200759%5%11%12%11%202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201423%77%165
200736%64%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month 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
201488%9%< 1%1%< 1%2%166
200792%8%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201477%21%2%< 1%< 1%166
200776%23%1%< 1%< 1%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201434%58%8%< 1%166
200745%48%6%1%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201470%23%4%4%< 1%166
200767%26%5%2%< 1%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201423%28%11%38%< 1%166
200716%27%15%42%< 1%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%11%2%47%2%166
200732%14%5%47%2%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month 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
201462%25%4%6%2%166
200750%21%15%11%4%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month 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
201434%20%11%32%4%166
200733%19%17%27%3%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201452%4%37%4%4%166
200738%5%51%3%3%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month 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%2%166
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201491%6%3%166
200795%1%4%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201479%14%7%166
200785%8%7%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201459%11%29%166
200748%14%38%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201457%30%7%7%166
200753%31%11%5%203
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 and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201458%34%5%3%166
200741%47%4%8%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201453%44%1%2%166
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201437%59%4%166
200751%45%4%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201446%49%4%2%166
200738%48%7%8%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201433%58%9%166
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month 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
201446%47%5%1%166
200742%51%2%5%203
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture once or twice a month 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
201416%21%2%58%3%166
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.