Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201436%8%49%5%2%1,746
200727%7%59%4%3%2,393
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.

Learn More: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion8%25%33%33%615
Philosophy/reason13%36%29%21%153
Common sense9%30%27%34%808
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion5%6%22%41%23%2%615
Philosophy/reason9%13%27%34%15%1%153
Common sense6%7%26%35%23%4%808
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion35%65%624
Philosophy/reason49%51%153
Common sense50%50%820
Science47%53%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion94%1%< 1%3%1%620
Philosophy/reason96%1%< 1%1%2%153
Common sense93%1%1%1%3%814
Science94%< 1%4%1%1%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion4%5%90%621
Philosophy/reason2%2%95%152
Common sense3%4%93%816
Science10%5%86%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who have a household income of…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Religion24%24%30%22%532
Philosophy/reason25%14%26%35%142
Common sense25%20%32%24%716
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion35%29%23%13%623
Philosophy/reason22%32%27%19%153
Common sense38%32%18%12%816
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion64%2%11%12%11%624
Philosophy/reason52%9%12%14%13%153
Common sense59%6%14%11%10%817
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion23%77%623
Philosophy/reason28%72%153
Common sense24%76%820
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who say they…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieve 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
Religion90%9%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%624
Philosophy/reason52%33%12%< 1%< 1%2%153
Common sense58%31%6%2%2%1%820
Science50%42%7%< 1%1%< 1%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion88%10%1%< 1%1%624
Philosophy/reason46%38%12%3%1%153
Common sense42%46%10%2%< 1%820
Science38%48%7%6%1%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who attend religious services…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion69%22%9%< 1%624
Philosophy/reason28%51%20%< 1%153
Common sense27%47%26%< 1%820
Science25%52%23%< 1%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion81%13%2%3%1%624
Philosophy/reason49%23%13%15%1%153
Common sense49%25%9%16%1%820
Science41%26%8%22%3%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who attend prayer group…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion41%15%11%32%< 1%624
Philosophy/reason11%13%14%61%< 1%153
Common sense13%7%9%71%< 1%820
Science19%7%18%56%< 1%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion49%10%4%34%3%624
Philosophy/reason37%13%8%42%< 1%153
Common sense32%9%5%52%1%820
Science36%13%3%48%< 1%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion78%12%6%3%2%624
Philosophy/reason52%26%10%12%1%153
Common sense49%20%14%15%1%820
Science48%20%14%18%< 1%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion44%17%13%24%1%624
Philosophy/reason53%18%13%16%< 1%153
Common sense33%15%20%30%2%820
Science52%12%11%23%2%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion47%51%1%1%624
Philosophy/reason28%70%< 1%2%153
Common sense30%69%1%1%820
Science33%63%4%< 1%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who read scripture…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion61%13%7%19%1%624
Philosophy/reason26%15%11%47%1%153
Common sense24%12%13%51%1%820
Science21%22%15%43%< 1%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who say the holy scripture is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWord 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
Religion44%41%4%7%4%624
Philosophy/reason9%38%4%43%5%153
Common sense19%42%1%28%10%820
Science9%38%< 1%35%18%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion91%4%5%624
Philosophy/reason78%17%5%153
Common sense82%10%8%820
Science77%18%5%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion75%17%7%624
Philosophy/reason45%43%11%153
Common sense60%29%11%820
Science53%41%6%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion62%10%28%624
Philosophy/reason45%9%46%153
Common sense50%12%38%820
Science45%8%47%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion60%29%8%4%624
Philosophy/reason30%44%26%1%153
Common sense38%44%15%3%820
Science30%42%25%3%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion71%24%2%4%624
Philosophy/reason56%40%2%2%153
Common sense67%27%3%3%820
Science56%38%2%3%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who say government aid to the poor…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion60%36%2%1%624
Philosophy/reason46%50%2%2%153
Common sense52%43%3%2%820
Science39%56%3%1%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion45%51%4%624
Philosophy/reason66%30%3%153
Common sense65%31%5%820
Science81%17%2%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion46%44%5%4%624
Philosophy/reason76%19%4%1%153
Common sense66%27%4%3%820
Science76%19%4%1%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion33%59%8%624
Philosophy/reason67%25%8%153
Common sense55%37%8%820
Science68%24%8%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStricter 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
Religion48%48%2%2%624
Philosophy/reason30%67%1%2%153
Common sense42%53%2%3%820
Science31%67%2%< 1%100
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who say humans…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Religion8%33%4%50%6%624
Philosophy/reason40%38%6%14%1%153
Common sense29%32%4%29%6%820
Science49%37%3%8%3%100
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.