DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201421%31%25%23%1,887
200715%37%27%21%2,262
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201414%11%26%32%15%1%1,887
2007< 1%12%26%36%20%6%2,262
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201443%57%1,911
200744%56%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201487%3%1%5%3%1,897
200792%2%1%2%2%2,294
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20146%7%87%1,900
20073%6%91%2,292
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201424%20%29%26%1,657
200720%22%35%23%1,953
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201433%34%20%13%1,907
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201456%5%10%8%22%1,905
200761%4%11%9%15%2,294
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201429%71%1,909
200732%68%2,299
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven 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
201475%23%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,911
200782%16%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201458%37%4%1%< 1%1,911
200757%37%5%1%< 1%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%46%18%< 1%1,911
200740%44%16%< 1%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201457%27%7%8%< 1%1,911
200758%26%8%8%1%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201417%12%12%59%< 1%1,911
200717%11%12%60%1%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201431%9%6%53%1%1,911
200732%7%5%54%2%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven 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
201454%23%12%10%1%1,911
200750%19%15%14%3%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven 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
201440%18%16%26%1%1,911
200735%17%18%27%2%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201432%9%53%5%2%1,911
200727%7%59%4%3%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201433%66%1%1%1,911
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201430%16%14%40%< 1%1,911
200729%15%12%43%1%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201473%20%7%1,911
200770%20%9%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201452%13%35%1,911
200746%13%41%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201439%41%16%4%1,911
200739%43%15%3%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201465%31%2%3%1,911
200754%37%4%5%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201454%41%3%2%1,911
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201458%40%2%1,911
200762%34%4%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201470%23%4%3%1,911
200758%34%5%3%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201459%33%7%1,911
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven 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
201441%56%2%1%1,911
200727%67%3%3%2,301
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 but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven

% of Mainline Protestants adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who believe in Heaven 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
201419%43%3%30%5%1,911
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.