DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201423%29%27%21%351
200713%38%27%22%498
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201414%14%25%32%13%4%351
2007< 1%11%26%36%23%5%498
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201447%53%360
200743%57%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201482%5%2%6%4%358
200789%3%1%4%3%519
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
20147%10%84%356
20074%5%90%521
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201428%19%31%23%314
200724%21%36%18%424
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201440%31%16%13%358
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201449%3%13%10%24%359
200762%3%11%10%14%522
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201430%70%359
200733%67%523
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they…

Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201469%28%2%< 1%1%< 1%360
200778%18%1%1%1%1%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201451%42%5%1%< 1%360
200758%38%3%1%< 1%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201432%55%13%< 1%360
200735%51%14%< 1%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201458%28%6%7%1%360
200758%31%7%3%1%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201415%16%15%53%1%360
200712%21%14%53%1%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201432%15%2%49%1%360
200733%13%4%48%1%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201453%26%11%9%2%360
200748%24%15%12%2%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201448%16%15%19%1%360
200736%21%18%23%2%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201427%70%2%1%360
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201420%42%4%24%11%360
200721%41%3%24%11%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201485%9%7%360
200786%7%7%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201460%25%15%360
200760%28%12%524
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 Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201441%15%44%360
200742%13%45%524
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 Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201436%41%20%3%360
200736%41%18%4%524
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201461%30%4%4%360
200752%35%5%8%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201447%47%4%2%360
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201464%32%4%360
200765%29%6%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201474%20%2%3%360
200757%31%7%6%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201465%27%8%360
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Survey yearStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201437%60%1%3%360
200728%64%4%4%524
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 adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Mainline Protestants adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201426%38%5%25%5%360
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.