Religious tradition among adults in the Greatest generation
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Buddhist
Catholic
Evangelical Protestant
Hindu
Historically Black Protestant
Jehovah's Witness
Jewish
Mainline Protestant
Mormon
Muslim
Orthodox Christian
Other Christian
Other Faiths
Other World Religions
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
Don't know
Sample size
2014
< 1%
27%
25%
< 1%
6%
1%
5%
26%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
1%
< 1%
8%
1%
585
2007
< 1%
22%
28%
< 1%
6%
1%
3%
29%
1%
< 1%
1%
1%
1%
< 1%
7%
1%
2,001
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.
Age distribution among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Catholic
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
142
Evangelical Protestant
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
130
Mainline Protestant
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Men
Women
Sample size
Catholic
35%
65%
142
Evangelical Protestant
37%
63%
130
Mainline Protestant
41%
59%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Catholic
82%
< 1%
4%
11%
2%
138
Evangelical Protestant
92%
4%
1%
1%
1%
128
Mainline Protestant
94%
4%
1%
< 1%
1%
176
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Catholic
10%
43%
46%
141
Evangelical Protestant
3%
6%
91%
129
Mainline Protestant
6%
14%
80%
176
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Catholic
62%
19%
15%
4%
102
Mainline Protestant
52%
24%
17%
7%
135
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Catholic
68%
18%
9%
5%
142
Evangelical Protestant
67%
22%
6%
6%
130
Mainline Protestant
48%
27%
15%
10%
175
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Catholic
31%
< 1%
< 1%
65%
3%
141
Evangelical Protestant
28%
< 1%
4%
65%
3%
130
Mainline Protestant
33%
< 1%
3%
63%
1%
177
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Catholic
< 1%
100%
142
Evangelical Protestant
< 1%
100%
130
Mainline Protestant
< 1%
100%
177
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 God among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Catholic
70%
17%
6%
5%
< 1%
2%
142
Evangelical Protestant
81%
11%
< 1%
7%
< 1%
1%
130
Mainline Protestant
64%
21%
6%
5%
2%
3%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
82%
11%
6%
1%
1%
142
Evangelical Protestant
89%
10%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
130
Mainline Protestant
66%
23%
8%
1%
2%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
63%
18%
18%
1%
142
Evangelical Protestant
54%
23%
22%
1%
130
Mainline Protestant
49%
26%
23%
2%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
84%
5%
2%
8%
1%
142
Evangelical Protestant
88%
5%
< 1%
6%
1%
130
Mainline Protestant
60%
23%
2%
10%
5%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
20%
5%
10%
64%
2%
142
Evangelical Protestant
44%
5%
5%
43%
2%
130
Mainline Protestant
30%
9%
10%
50%
1%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
60%
8%
1%
29%
2%
142
Evangelical Protestant
78%
5%
1%
12%
4%
130
Mainline Protestant
59%
11%
8%
17%
6%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
75%
5%
6%
12%
2%
142
Evangelical Protestant
83%
6%
4%
6%
< 1%
130
Mainline Protestant
69%
11%
5%
13%
3%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
37%
10%
13%
38%
2%
142
Evangelical Protestant
58%
9%
7%
23%
3%
130
Mainline Protestant
38%
14%
11%
31%
6%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
44%
9%
40%
5%
2%
142
Evangelical Protestant
61%
2%
31%
4%
3%
130
Mainline Protestant
24%
6%
60%
5%
5%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
27%
67%
< 1%
5%
142
Evangelical Protestant
45%
47%
2%
7%
130
Mainline Protestant
35%
59%
2%
5%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
43%
7%
10%
37%
2%
142
Evangelical Protestant
69%
4%
3%
23%
2%
130
Mainline Protestant
38%
17%
8%
34%
3%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
39%
29%
5%
19%
9%
142
Evangelical Protestant
74%
11%
5%
3%
6%
130
Mainline Protestant
36%
25%
7%
17%
15%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
79%
15%
6%
142
Evangelical Protestant
86%
7%
6%
130
Mainline Protestant
70%
18%
13%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
53%
36%
11%
142
Evangelical Protestant
74%
15%
10%
130
Mainline Protestant
42%
36%
22%
178
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.
Party affiliation among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Catholic
39%
14%
47%
142
Evangelical Protestant
50%
10%
40%
130
Mainline Protestant
49%
7%
43%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
38%
32%
25%
5%
142
Evangelical Protestant
61%
27%
6%
5%
130
Mainline Protestant
48%
39%
8%
5%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
50%
42%
3%
4%
142
Evangelical Protestant
69%
18%
3%
10%
130
Mainline Protestant
61%
23%
7%
8%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
41%
51%
3%
5%
142
Evangelical Protestant
45%
43%
4%
8%
130
Mainline Protestant
26%
61%
4%
9%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
33%
56%
11%
142
Evangelical Protestant
27%
66%
7%
130
Mainline Protestant
51%
35%
15%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
37%
48%
2%
13%
142
Evangelical Protestant
20%
74%
4%
2%
130
Mainline Protestant
39%
48%
3%
10%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
26%
55%
19%
142
Evangelical Protestant
10%
78%
12%
130
Mainline Protestant
31%
57%
12%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
36%
48%
4%
12%
142
Evangelical Protestant
45%
29%
8%
18%
130
Mainline Protestant
31%
49%
4%
17%
178
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 adults in the Greatest generation by religious group
% of adults in the Greatest generation who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
21%
18%
4%
40%
18%
142
Evangelical Protestant
13%
8%
3%
57%
19%
130
Mainline Protestant
24%
12%
8%
41%
15%
178
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.