Age distribution among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are ages…
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Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
19%
34%
26%
20%
181
2007
15%
38%
25%
22%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
9%
17%
28%
31%
15%
< 1%
181
2007
< 1%
10%
26%
39%
19%
6%
220
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
37%
63%
192
2007
37%
63%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who identify as…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
78%
1%
1%
13%
6%
180
2007
81%
2%
4%
8%
5%
222
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
12%
7%
81%
189
2007
8%
4%
88%
229
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who have a household income of…
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Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
52%
28%
18%
2%
135
2007
47%
26%
17%
10%
169
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who have completed…
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Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
59%
30%
8%
3%
190
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…
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Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
43%
9%
16%
15%
17%
189
2007
51%
7%
16%
14%
12%
230
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…
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Trends
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Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
32%
68%
191
2007
34%
66%
235
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.
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say they…
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Survey year
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
2014
85%
11%
1%
1%
< 1%
1%
192
2007
87%
10%
1%
2%
< 1%
< 1%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say religion is…
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Survey year
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
2014
77%
18%
2%
2%
1%
192
2007
75%
19%
1%
3%
1%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who attend religious services…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
45%
38%
16%
1%
192
2007
44%
34%
20%
2%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who pray…
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Trends
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Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
73%
15%
2%
8%
2%
192
2007
73%
14%
2%
8%
3%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who attend prayer group…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
35%
14%
10%
39%
1%
192
2007
31%
10%
10%
47%
2%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who meditate…
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Table
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
44%
4%
4%
44%
4%
192
2007
46%
7%
< 1%
43%
4%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Trends
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
71%
9%
5%
12%
2%
192
2007
59%
11%
13%
13%
4%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
44%
8%
12%
31%
5%
192
2007
36%
11%
13%
34%
6%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
51%
5%
36%
6%
2%
192
2007
38%
4%
50%
4%
4%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say…
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Table
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Survey year
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
40%
58%
1%
1%
192
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who read scripture…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
58%
10%
6%
25%
1%
192
2007
51%
11%
4%
31%
3%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …in heaven
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
91%
6%
3%
192
2007
88%
4%
8%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …in hell
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
77%
13%
10%
192
2007
70%
16%
14%
235
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.
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Political ideology among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who are…
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Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
43%
25%
11%
21%
192
2007
33%
28%
16%
23%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who would rather have…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
2014
42%
45%
7%
6%
192
2007
33%
53%
3%
11%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…
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Table
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Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
48%
45%
5%
2%
192
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say abortion should be…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
35%
58%
8%
192
2007
38%
52%
9%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say homosexuality…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
45%
41%
7%
7%
192
2007
32%
54%
6%
9%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
32%
53%
14%
192
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say…
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Trends
Table
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Survey year
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
41%
50%
5%
4%
192
2007
37%
47%
4%
12%
235
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally
% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is word of God; should be taken literally who say humans…
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Survey year
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
2014
15%
24%
4%
51%
6%
192
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.