DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201433%29%26%12%202
200724%41%21%15%311
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201421%18%22%30%8%< 1%202
2007< 1%17%33%32%14%4%311
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201434%66%215
200735%65%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201468%3%2%20%8%206
200782%3%2%9%3%324
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201416%10%74%204
200710%5%85%321
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201460%21%14%5%160
200744%27%17%12%247
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201457%32%7%4%209
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201436%12%16%9%27%213
200749%10%14%9%18%328
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201433%67%212
200743%57%330
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who say they…

Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201466%23%5%2%2%2%215
200772%19%3%2%2%3%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201450%38%9%3%1%215
200751%37%7%4%2%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201430%35%33%1%215
200731%37%30%2%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201456%17%7%20%< 1%215
200757%21%5%14%4%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201416%12%9%61%1%215
200718%8%8%63%4%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201430%7%4%55%3%215
200733%5%2%56%3%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services 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
201448%17%10%23%2%215
200742%12%18%21%6%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services 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
201439%10%15%33%2%215
200730%12%17%35%6%332
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201432%8%52%8%1%215
200724%5%61%5%4%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201423%75%2%< 1%215
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%6%13%43%2%215
200731%10%7%47%5%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services 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
201436%33%4%17%11%215
200735%28%4%19%14%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201482%11%6%215
200780%8%11%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201468%20%12%215
200758%23%19%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201424%38%17%20%215
200721%36%23%20%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201430%62%4%4%215
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201449%42%9%215
200755%36%9%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201467%21%4%8%215
200754%34%5%7%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201458%28%14%215
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services 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
201436%58%2%4%215
200729%62%2%6%332
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 would rather have bigger government; more services

% of Mainline Protestants independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have bigger government; more services 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
201423%27%3%39%7%215
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.