DemographicInformation

Age distribution among methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
20148%28%30%34%1,165
20076%34%31%29%1,364
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
20145%6%25%38%23%2%1,165
2007< 1%5%21%40%27%7%1,364
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201451%49%1,184
200752%48%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201496%< 1%1%1%2%1,177
200795%1%1%1%2%1,387
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20142%4%93%1,181
20072%4%94%1,387
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer 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
201421%21%31%27%1,026
200718%20%37%26%1,165
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201431%31%24%13%1,179
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201465%3%12%10%10%1,182
200768%3%10%11%8%1,386
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201425%75%1,183
200727%73%1,390
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer 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
201471%22%4%1%1%1%1,184
200777%19%2%< 1%< 1%1%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201459%33%7%1%< 1%1,184
200758%33%8%1%< 1%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201444%39%17%< 1%1,184
200741%43%15%< 1%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201458%22%7%11%1%1,184
200757%26%7%10%1%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201424%11%11%54%< 1%1,184
200719%9%12%59%1%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201439%9%4%46%2%1,184
200739%7%5%48%1%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer 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
201461%17%10%10%1%1,184
200750%18%15%15%3%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer 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%16%17%26%2%1,184
200740%15%18%25%3%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201438%7%49%4%2%1,184
200728%8%59%3%2%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer 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
201442%56%1%1%1,184
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%14%10%38%1%1,184
200733%12%12%43%1%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer 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
201427%42%3%21%8%1,184
200723%41%4%23%9%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201486%9%6%1,184
200782%10%7%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201466%25%9%1,184
200763%25%12%1,391
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201467%11%23%1,184
200757%10%33%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201454%37%7%2%1,184
200750%39%9%2%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201469%28%2%1%1,184
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201454%42%4%1,184
200756%38%6%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201455%38%5%3%1,184
200746%45%5%4%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201441%51%8%1,184
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer 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
201453%43%2%2%1,184
200733%60%4%4%1,391
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 methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer services

% of methodists in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have smaller government; fewer 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
201421%35%4%37%4%1,184
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.