New samples are drawn every three years. These pages summarize major findings from the ninth survey completed by the 1997-1999 Panel.
Specialized clergy are evenly divided.
The belief that humans have a soul, distinct from their biological nature, is widely held. Only about one in seven in each sample agree or strongly agree with this statement. Most panelists give scientifically-correct responses when asked whether certain generalizations were true or false . Creationists are fairly scarce among Presbyterians. Few panelists in any sample, however, report that they thoroughly understand any particular scientific theory or concept, including the four just listed.