DemographicInformation

Generational cohort among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
2014< 1%< 1%< 1%20%69%11%488
2007< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%68%32%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201437%63%488
200732%68%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201493%2%1%3%1%482
200793%2%1%2%2%541
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20143%7%90%483
20072%8%90%542
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201452%23%19%5%382
200762%24%10%4%403
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201460%26%8%6%487
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201449%1%12%34%4%485
200741%1%8%47%3%542
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
20143%97%487
20071%99%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ 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
201489%8%< 1%3%< 1%< 1%488
200792%7%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201485%11%2%1%1%488
200782%15%2%< 1%1%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201457%26%15%1%488
200762%24%13%1%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201477%16%2%3%1%488
200781%12%1%5%1%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%16%7%36%1%488
200735%11%10%44%1%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201463%9%4%21%2%488
200764%9%4%21%3%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ 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
201473%13%5%7%2%488
200763%13%10%9%6%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ 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
201443%12%11%28%5%488
200740%13%13%25%9%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201452%3%39%3%3%488
200743%3%49%3%3%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201444%52%1%2%488
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201456%13%6%23%2%488
200759%12%6%22%1%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201495%2%3%488
200792%2%6%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201474%14%12%488
200778%12%10%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201452%11%37%488
200744%13%43%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201455%29%10%5%488
200751%30%10%9%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201463%29%3%5%488
200750%33%5%12%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201449%43%4%3%488
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201442%51%7%488
200736%53%11%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201432%58%6%4%488
200723%66%5%6%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201421%66%13%488
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ 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
201445%45%3%7%488
200734%49%3%14%546
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 are ages 65+

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages 65+ 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
201412%19%4%55%10%488
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.