Of the United Methodist Boomers born between 1946 and 1954, 91% count themselves as believers and 6% say they are seekers. Of respondents born between 1955 and 1964, 94% are believers and 4% are seekers. Approximately 1% in each of these groups identify themselves as agnostic or atheist. Ninety-four percent of females and 91% of males identify themselves as believers.

In what do these Boomers believe? We gave them several choices, and they could choose more than one response. They believe in:

• God as the Creator (both early and late Boomers agree at 97%)
• Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior (early Boomers 93%; late Boomers 92%)
• Prayer (early Boomers 93%; late Boomers 95%)
• Angels (early Boomers 65%; late Boomers 70%)
• The acceptance of all persons into heaven (early Boomers 11%; late Boomers 9%)
• The acceptance of only the saved into heaven (early Boomers 50%; late Boomers 53%)
• The church as the best place to grow in faith (both age groups agree at 74%)

While only 10% of United Methodist Boomers surveyed believe that "all people will go to heaven," it is interesting to note that only about 50% believe that "only the saved will go to heaven."

Weekly worship is the practice of 90% of United Methodist Boomer respondents, and 8% worship at least twice a month. These percentages do not vary by gender or age group.

Of the responding United Methodist Boomers, 49% see themselves as moderates; 34% say they are conservative; and 11% identify themselves as liberal.

We gave survey participants several choices. Here is what they think of their generation as a whole:

• Matured by experience and ready to lead: 30%
• Hypocritical: 23%
• Giving and caring: 14%
• Greedy and selfish: 7%
• Other: 22%

In the "other category," many describe their generation as "lost and confused," "still searching," "looking for purpose and meaning in life," "searching for the truth and seeking God." Others see themselves as "unfulfilled, frustrated, and disenchanted"; "materialistic"; "self-centered or self-absorbed"; "cynical and stressed"; "overwhelmed and overworked or workaholics"; "in a hurry to experience it all."

As you've read, the United Methodist Boomers surveyed look rather disdainfully at their generation. Only 44% view their generation in positive terms. Yet, 95% of all Boomers surveyed are satisfied with their lives.