Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201441%50%9%12,132
200744%43%12%9,963
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: Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Heaven among adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by religious group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …in heaven

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist40%53%7%202
Catholic68%24%8%2,068
Evangelical Protestant76%16%8%636
Hindu38%57%5%119
Historically Black Protestant78%14%8%177
Jewish20%70%11%513
Mainline Protestant61%28%11%1,841
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")23%68%9%5,713
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: Believe, Don't believe

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are ages…

Belief in Heaven18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe29%35%25%12%4,473
Don't believe30%36%21%14%6,409
Other/don't know25%33%25%17%1,070
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 adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Belief in HeavenYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe18%18%28%29%7%< 1%4,473
Don't believe19%20%27%25%8%1%6,409
Other/don't know16%16%26%30%10%1%1,070
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Belief in HeavenMenWomenSample size
Believe50%50%4,538
Don't believe61%39%6,487
Other/don't know55%45%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who identify as…

Belief in HeavenWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe68%8%5%15%4%4,481
Don't believe75%4%6%11%4%6,396
Other/don't know73%5%4%11%6%1,078
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Belief in HeavenImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe14%12%74%4,490
Don't believe15%14%72%6,424
Other/don't know12%12%76%1,094
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who have a household income of…

Belief in HeavenLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe32%20%28%21%4,092
Don't believe23%18%30%29%5,918
Other/don't know29%20%25%26%947
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who have completed…

Belief in HeavenHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe36%34%18%12%4,521
Don't believe26%29%25%19%6,463
Other/don't know33%34%20%14%1,098
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Belief in HeavenMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe44%11%11%4%30%4,525
Don't believe43%11%11%3%31%6,462
Other/don't know44%9%12%5%30%1,098
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Belief in HeavenParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe29%71%4,528
Don't believe24%76%6,468
Other/don't know24%76%1,103
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say they…

Belief in HeavenBelieve 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
Believe47%38%10%< 1%3%2%4,538
Don't believe12%20%14%1%49%5%6,487
Other/don't know25%32%17%1%9%17%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say religion is…

Belief in HeavenVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe28%44%19%8%1%4,538
Don't believe7%19%27%47%1%6,487
Other/don't know15%32%31%20%2%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who attend religious services…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe15%44%41%< 1%4,538
Don't believe4%25%71%< 1%6,487
Other/don't know10%32%57%< 1%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who pray…

Belief in HeavenAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe40%22%11%27%< 1%4,538
Don't believe12%8%6%74%< 1%6,487
Other/don't know23%17%10%47%3%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who attend prayer group…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe8%5%7%80%< 1%4,538
Don't believe3%2%3%92%< 1%6,487
Other/don't know4%4%5%86%1%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who meditate…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe31%10%5%53%1%4,538
Don't believe28%11%6%55%1%6,487
Other/don't know31%10%5%51%2%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe47%18%13%21%1%4,538
Don't believe38%16%11%33%1%6,487
Other/don't know42%16%13%27%3%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe45%16%14%24%< 1%4,538
Don't believe50%17%14%19%1%6,487
Other/don't know49%18%13%19%2%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HeavenReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe11%14%62%11%2%4,538
Don't believe2%21%54%21%1%6,487
Other/don't know5%20%58%12%5%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say…

Belief in HeavenThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe24%75%1%1%4,538
Don't believe17%81%1%1%6,487
Other/don't know19%77%2%2%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who read scripture…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe14%8%9%68%< 1%4,538
Don't believe4%4%7%85%< 1%6,487
Other/don't know7%8%8%76%1%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …in hell

Belief in HeavenBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe60%35%5%4,538
Don't believe2%97%1%6,487
Other/don't know8%34%58%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who identify as…

Belief in HeavenRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe31%18%51%4,538
Don't believe21%16%63%6,487
Other/don't know24%24%52%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Belief in HeavenConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe24%40%31%5%4,538
Don't believe14%34%48%4%6,487
Other/don't know18%39%34%9%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who would rather have…

Belief in HeavenSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe52%43%2%3%4,538
Don't believe47%47%4%3%6,487
Other/don't know46%40%5%9%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HeavenDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe41%54%3%1%4,538
Don't believe31%65%3%1%6,487
Other/don't know37%54%5%3%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say abortion should be…

Belief in HeavenLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe71%26%3%4,538
Don't believe85%12%3%6,487
Other/don't know75%19%5%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say homosexuality…

Belief in HeavenShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe83%13%3%2%4,538
Don't believe90%7%2%1%6,487
Other/don't know83%11%3%3%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HeavenStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe75%19%6%4,538
Don't believe87%10%4%6,487
Other/don't know77%14%9%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say…

Belief in HeavenStricter 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
Believe32%64%2%2%4,538
Don't believe21%76%2%2%6,487
Other/don't know28%65%4%3%1,107
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 who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in heaven

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say humans…

Belief in HeavenEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe47%29%4%18%2%4,538
Don't believe81%8%3%7%1%6,487
Other/don't know58%15%11%10%5%1,107
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.