DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201418%32%30%20%501
200713%37%27%23%715
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201410%15%25%37%13%1%501
2007< 1%9%26%37%22%5%715
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201439%61%540
200739%61%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201479%1%2%9%9%511
200786%3%2%5%5%728
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201411%8%82%524
20077%5%89%751
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201441%24%23%12%384
200736%24%26%14%544
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201446%32%13%9%529
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201453%5%13%12%16%529
200756%7%13%12%12%754
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201429%71%535
200732%68%760
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

Importance of religion in one's life among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201466%27%3%2%1%540
200763%28%5%3%1%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%38%21%2%540
200741%33%24%2%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201470%16%4%7%3%540
200764%20%5%8%3%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201425%11%10%53%1%540
200720%10%9%59%2%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201442%5%5%44%4%540
200741%8%3%45%4%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain 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
201464%14%7%11%4%540
200755%14%12%14%5%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain 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
201447%11%10%28%4%540
200739%13%12%30%7%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201439%5%48%4%4%540
200725%7%58%3%6%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201434%63%2%1%540
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201446%13%11%29%2%540
200736%12%7%43%3%764
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 Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201433%31%7%15%14%540
200729%33%7%16%15%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201485%8%7%540
200778%8%13%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201465%23%13%540
200755%25%20%764
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

Political ideology among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201428%40%14%18%540
200729%41%13%17%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201455%31%6%8%540
200743%37%7%13%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201445%44%6%5%540
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201451%40%9%540
200752%34%14%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201456%29%7%8%540
200746%36%8%10%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201447%39%14%540
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain 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
201435%54%7%4%540
200727%59%5%10%764
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 they believe in God; absolutely certain

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they believe in God; absolutely certain 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
201413%32%8%38%9%540
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.