DemographicInformation

Age distribution among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201413%31%29%27%852
200710%37%28%24%1,163
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.

Learn More: age distribution, 30-49, 50-64, 65+

Generational cohort among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201410%7%28%36%18%2%852
2007< 1%7%26%38%21%8%1,163
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.

Learn More: generational cohort, Generation X, Baby Boomer, Silent

Gender composition among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201446%54%874
200747%53%1,186
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.

Learn More: gender composition, Men, Women

Racial and ethnic composition among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201495%1%1%1%2%861
200796%1%< 1%2%1%1,182
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.

Learn More: racial and ethnic composition, White

Immigrant status among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20143%8%89%866
20075%6%89%1,183
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.

Learn More: immigrant status, Third generation or higher

Income distribution among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201423%21%31%25%750
200723%23%38%16%974
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.

Learn More: income distribution, Less than $30,000, $30,000-$49,999, $50,000-$99,999, $100,000 or more

Educational distribution among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201437%30%19%13%868
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.

Learn More: educational distribution, High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree

Marital status among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201459%5%11%9%17%870
200760%3%11%12%13%1,182
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.

Learn More: marital status, Married, Divorced/separated, Widowed, Never married

Parent of children under 18 among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201426%74%873
200730%70%1,185
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.

Learn More: parent of children under 18, Parents, Non-parents

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition 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
201463%30%4%1%2%1%874
200771%24%3%1%1%2%1,186
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.

Learn More: belief in God, Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain

Importance of religion in one's life among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201447%40%11%2%1%874
200750%37%10%2%< 1%1,186
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.

Learn More: importance of religion in one's life, Very important, Somewhat important

Attendance at religious services among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201426%51%23%1%874
200734%45%20%< 1%1,186
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.

Learn More: attendance at religious services, At least once a week, Once or twice a month/a few times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of prayer among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201447%29%7%15%1%874
200750%24%7%17%1%1,186
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.

Learn More: frequency of prayer, At least daily, Weekly, Seldom/never

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201412%8%10%70%< 1%874
200712%11%10%67%< 1%1,186
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.

Learn More: frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups, At least once a week, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of meditation among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201429%9%5%56%2%874
200730%8%5%55%2%1,186
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.

Learn More: frequency of meditation, At least once a week, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition 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
201451%19%12%16%1%874
200742%18%16%19%5%1,186
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.

Learn More: frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition 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
201440%18%13%28%2%874
200733%15%18%29%4%1,186
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.

Learn More: frequency of feeling wonder about the universe, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201427%8%56%6%3%874
200721%10%61%5%3%1,186
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.

Learn More: sources of guidance on right and wrong, Religion, Common sense

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201428%70%1%1%874
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.

Learn More: belief in absolute standards for right and wrong, There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

Frequency of reading scripture among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201420%13%16%51%1%874
200723%12%10%54%1%1,186
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.

Learn More: frequency of reading scripture, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Interpreting scripture among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition 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
201417%39%2%32%10%874
200721%40%2%28%9%1,186
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.

Learn More: interpreting scripture, Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

Belief in Heaven among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201481%10%9%874
200779%10%11%1,186
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.

Learn More: belief in Heaven, Believe

Belief in Hell among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201457%31%12%874
200758%28%15%1,186
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.

Learn More: belief in Hell, Believe, Don't believe

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201444%14%42%874
200739%14%47%1,186
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.

Learn More: party affiliation, Republican/lean Rep., No lean, Democrat/lean Dem.

Political ideology among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201434%39%22%4%874
200736%42%17%5%1,186
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.

Learn More: political ideology, Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

Views about size of government among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201463%29%5%3%874
200754%34%6%7%1,186
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.

Learn More: views about size of government, Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

Views about government aid to the poor among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201448%45%5%2%874
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.

Learn More: views about government aid to the poor, Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about abortion among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201465%32%3%874
200766%28%6%1,186
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.

Learn More: views about abortion, Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases

Views about homosexuality among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201471%23%4%2%874
200759%31%6%4%1,186
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.

Learn More: views about homosexuality, Should be accepted, Should be discouraged

Views about same-sex marriage among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201463%29%8%874
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.

Learn More: views about same-sex marriage, Strongly favor/favor, Oppose/strongly oppose

Views about environmental regulation among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition 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%59%2%3%874
200726%67%3%5%1,186
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.

Learn More: views about environmental regulation, Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy, Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost

Views about human evolution among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition 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
201428%36%3%27%5%874
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.

Learn More: views about human evolution, Evolved; due to natural processes, Evolved; due to God's design, Always existed in present form