DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201418%33%27%22%409
200713%37%28%22%615
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
20149%15%27%33%15%1%409
2007< 1%10%26%38%21%6%615
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201442%58%437
200747%53%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201485%< 1%2%7%5%418
200790%1%1%3%4%636
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20149%7%84%420
20075%5%90%648
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201439%19%26%16%323
200734%28%25%13%471
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201449%32%12%8%424
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201452%9%13%10%16%429
200754%6%14%12%14%647
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201428%72%433
200729%71%653
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201456%32%7%3%2%2%437
200766%24%4%1%1%4%659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201435%47%12%4%2%437
200739%43%13%4%2%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201420%43%36%1%437
200724%42%31%3%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201448%18%10%22%2%437
200745%23%8%20%5%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201410%8%8%73%2%437
200710%7%7%72%4%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201430%7%4%57%2%437
200729%8%4%54%5%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201446%20%11%21%3%437
200738%13%15%26%8%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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%14%14%36%4%437
200731%13%15%34%8%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201425%73%2%< 1%437
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201422%11%12%54%1%437
200719%10%9%58%5%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201416%30%5%35%14%437
200719%31%4%27%18%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201474%13%13%437
200774%12%15%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201452%31%16%437
200751%28%21%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Political ideology among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201427%42%16%15%437
200727%41%18%15%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201459%29%4%7%437
200747%36%6%11%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201449%41%5%5%437
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201464%28%8%437
200767%21%12%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201469%19%5%7%437
200756%28%8%7%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201462%27%11%437
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201438%55%4%3%437
200726%62%4%8%659
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong 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
201426%31%8%26%9%437
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.