DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201418%33%25%23%1,249
200715%40%28%17%1,767
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201411%12%28%33%14%2%1,249
2007< 1%12%28%39%17%4%1,767
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201450%50%1,275
200749%51%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201490%1%2%4%3%1,263
200794%1%1%2%2%1,789
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20145%8%88%1,262
20073%5%91%1,793
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201426%19%30%25%1,123
200721%24%33%21%1,516
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201439%30%18%12%1,267
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201453%7%12%8%20%1,271
200757%6%13%8%16%1,799
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201428%72%1,274
200734%66%1,801
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
201449%44%4%1%1%1%1,275
200761%34%3%1%1%2%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201411%57%32%< 1%1,275
200713%59%27%1%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201430%34%14%21%1%1,275
200734%33%13%19%2%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20145%6%8%81%< 1%1,275
20075%6%7%81%1%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201421%9%6%63%1%1,275
200722%7%5%64%2%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
201436%25%17%21%1%1,275
200730%19%21%26%4%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
201433%17%18%31%1%1,275
200729%17%20%32%3%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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%1,275
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important

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

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
20148%12%16%64%1%1,275
20079%10%13%67%1%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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%40%1%38%9%1,275
200713%37%2%35%13%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201480%12%8%1,275
200778%11%11%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201457%33%9%1,275
200752%34%14%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201443%18%38%1,275
200739%16%45%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201432%44%20%4%1,275
200733%42%20%5%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201461%31%4%4%1,275
200751%39%4%6%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201452%44%3%1%1,275
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201471%26%3%1,275
200770%25%6%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201474%19%4%3%1,275
200764%27%5%4%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201465%29%7%1,275
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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%2%1,275
200727%66%3%4%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important

% of Mainline Protestants who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is somewhat important 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
201435%34%5%22%4%1,275
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.