Religious tradition among adults in the Greatest generation

% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…

Survey yearBuddhistCatholicEvangelical ProtestantHinduHistorically Black ProtestantJehovah's WitnessJewishMainline ProtestantMormonMuslimOrthodox ChristianOther ChristianOther FaithsOther World ReligionsUnaffiliated (religious "nones")Don't knowSample size
2014< 1%27%25%< 1%6%1%5%26%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%< 1%8%1%585
2007< 1%22%28%< 1%6%1%3%29%1%< 1%1%1%1%< 1%7%1%2,001
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Mainline Protestant

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who are ages…

Religious tradition18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Catholic< 1%< 1%< 1%100%142
Evangelical Protestant< 1%< 1%< 1%100%130
Mainline Protestant< 1%< 1%< 1%100%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…

Religious traditionMenWomenSample size
Catholic35%65%142
Evangelical Protestant37%63%130
Mainline Protestant41%59%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who identify as…

Religious traditionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Catholic82%< 1%4%11%2%138
Evangelical Protestant92%4%1%1%1%128
Mainline Protestant94%4%1%< 1%1%176
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…

Religious traditionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Catholic10%43%46%141
Evangelical Protestant3%6%91%129
Mainline Protestant6%14%80%176
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who have a household income of…

Religious traditionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Catholic62%19%15%4%102
Mainline Protestant52%24%17%7%135
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who have completed…

Religious traditionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Catholic68%18%9%5%142
Evangelical Protestant67%22%6%6%130
Mainline Protestant48%27%15%10%175
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…

Religious traditionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Catholic31%< 1%< 1%65%3%141
Evangelical Protestant28%< 1%4%65%3%130
Mainline Protestant33%< 1%3%63%1%177
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…

Religious traditionParentsNon-parentsSample size
Catholic< 1%100%142
Evangelical Protestant< 1%100%130
Mainline Protestant< 1%100%177
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who say they…

Religious traditionBelieve 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
Catholic70%17%6%5%< 1%2%142
Evangelical Protestant81%11%< 1%7%< 1%1%130
Mainline Protestant64%21%6%5%2%3%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Catholic82%11%6%1%1%142
Evangelical Protestant89%10%1%< 1%< 1%130
Mainline Protestant66%23%8%1%2%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who attend religious services…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic63%18%18%1%142
Evangelical Protestant54%23%22%1%130
Mainline Protestant49%26%23%2%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who pray…

Religious traditionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic84%5%2%8%1%142
Evangelical Protestant88%5%< 1%6%1%130
Mainline Protestant60%23%2%10%5%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who attend prayer group…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic20%5%10%64%2%142
Evangelical Protestant44%5%5%43%2%130
Mainline Protestant30%9%10%50%1%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who meditate…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic60%8%1%29%2%142
Evangelical Protestant78%5%1%12%4%130
Mainline Protestant59%11%8%17%6%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic75%5%6%12%2%142
Evangelical Protestant83%6%4%6%< 1%130
Mainline Protestant69%11%5%13%3%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic37%10%13%38%2%142
Evangelical Protestant58%9%7%23%3%130
Mainline Protestant38%14%11%31%6%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic44%9%40%5%2%142
Evangelical Protestant61%2%31%4%3%130
Mainline Protestant24%6%60%5%5%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who say…

Religious traditionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic27%67%< 1%5%142
Evangelical Protestant45%47%2%7%130
Mainline Protestant35%59%2%5%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who read scripture…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic43%7%10%37%2%142
Evangelical Protestant69%4%3%23%2%130
Mainline Protestant38%17%8%34%3%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who say the holy scripture is…

Religious traditionWord 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
Catholic39%29%5%19%9%142
Evangelical Protestant74%11%5%3%6%130
Mainline Protestant36%25%7%17%15%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who …in heaven

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic79%15%6%142
Evangelical Protestant86%7%6%130
Mainline Protestant70%18%13%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who …in hell

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic53%36%11%142
Evangelical Protestant74%15%10%130
Mainline Protestant42%36%22%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who identify as…

Religious traditionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Catholic39%14%47%142
Evangelical Protestant50%10%40%130
Mainline Protestant49%7%43%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who are…

Religious traditionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Catholic38%32%25%5%142
Evangelical Protestant61%27%6%5%130
Mainline Protestant48%39%8%5%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who would rather have…

Religious traditionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Catholic50%42%3%4%142
Evangelical Protestant69%18%3%10%130
Mainline Protestant61%23%7%8%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic41%51%3%5%142
Evangelical Protestant45%43%4%8%130
Mainline Protestant26%61%4%9%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who say abortion should be…

Religious traditionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Catholic33%56%11%142
Evangelical Protestant27%66%7%130
Mainline Protestant51%35%15%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who say homosexuality…

Religious traditionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic37%48%2%13%142
Evangelical Protestant20%74%4%2%130
Mainline Protestant39%48%3%10%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who …same-sex marriage

Religious traditionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Catholic26%55%19%142
Evangelical Protestant10%78%12%130
Mainline Protestant31%57%12%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who say…

Religious traditionStricter 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
Catholic36%48%4%12%142
Evangelical Protestant45%29%8%18%130
Mainline Protestant31%49%4%17%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults in the Greatest generation by religious group

% of adults in the Greatest generation who say humans…

Religious traditionEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Catholic21%18%4%40%18%142
Evangelical Protestant13%8%3%57%19%130
Mainline Protestant24%12%8%41%15%178
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.