DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201416%34%28%22%360
200716%37%26%21%479
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201410%14%26%35%14%1%360
2007< 1%11%30%34%20%5%479
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201449%51%372
200746%54%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201489%1%3%6%2%367
200792%1%2%2%2%482
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20147%5%87%366
20074%6%90%484
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201430%18%27%25%323
200719%22%35%23%413
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201433%38%16%14%368
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201452%8%12%9%19%370
200761%6%10%8%14%485
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201429%71%371
200733%67%485
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year 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
201466%28%3%1%1%1%372
200774%23%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201439%54%4%1%1%372
200744%50%5%< 1%< 1%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201416%62%22%< 1%372
200724%62%14%< 1%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201446%33%12%8%1%372
200751%34%9%6%< 1%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20146%7%21%65%< 1%372
20076%6%21%68%< 1%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201428%8%15%47%1%372
200727%12%10%49%1%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year 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
201449%22%20%9%< 1%372
200738%21%26%11%3%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year 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
201437%19%20%23%1%372
200735%16%25%23%1%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201428%70%1%1%372
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year 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
201412%41%3%32%11%372
200719%40%3%28%11%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201482%13%5%372
200782%10%8%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201458%32%10%372
200753%33%14%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201441%16%43%372
200742%13%45%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201434%39%23%4%372
200734%47%17%3%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201459%33%4%4%372
200750%38%6%7%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201454%41%4%< 1%372
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201467%28%5%372
200767%27%6%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201471%21%5%3%372
200762%28%8%2%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201464%29%7%372
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year 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%55%2%2%372
200728%66%3%3%486
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture several times a year 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
201430%35%7%24%4%372
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.