Religious tradition among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Survey yearBuddhistCatholicEvangelical ProtestantHinduHistorically Black ProtestantJehovah's WitnessJewishMainline ProtestantMormonMuslimOrthodox ChristianOther ChristianOther FaithsOther World ReligionsUnaffiliated (religious "nones")Don't knowSample size
20141%20%19%1%9%1%2%14%1%1%< 1%< 1%2%< 1%27%1%17,359
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: Buddhist, Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Hindu, Historically Black Protestant, Jehovah's Witness, Jewish, Mainline Protestant, Mormon, Muslim, Unaffiliated (religious "nones")

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are ages…

Religious tradition18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Buddhist36%31%23%11%193
Catholic19%34%28%19%3,345
Evangelical Protestant21%32%29%18%3,003
Hindu32%58%5%4%112
Historically Black Protestant19%36%30%15%1,253
Jehovah's Witness16%31%32%21%135
Jewish22%27%25%26%556
Mainline Protestant17%28%28%26%2,827
Mormon22%38%23%18%202
Muslim48%40%10%1%145
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")35%36%20%9%4,504
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Religious traditionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Buddhist24%18%24%28%6%< 1%193
Catholic12%12%28%34%12%2%3,345
Evangelical Protestant13%14%26%34%12%1%3,003
Hindu10%42%38%8%2%< 1%112
Historically Black Protestant12%12%31%34%10%1%1,253
Jehovah's Witness11%6%29%38%15%1%135
Jewish13%13%22%31%17%3%556
Mainline Protestant11%11%23%35%17%3%2,827
Mormon14%18%27%28%13%< 1%202
Muslim32%22%34%11%< 1%< 1%145
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")22%22%27%23%5%< 1%4,504
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Religious traditionMenWomenSample size
Buddhist49%51%195
Catholic45%55%3,406
Evangelical Protestant39%61%3,065
Hindu60%40%114
Historically Black Protestant39%61%1,285
Jehovah's Witness33%67%142
Jewish46%54%567
Mainline Protestant39%61%2,890
Mormon43%57%209
Muslim62%38%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")53%47%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who identify as…

Religious traditionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Buddhist47%3%28%14%8%193
Catholic53%4%2%38%2%3,378
Evangelical Protestant66%10%2%15%6%3,033
Hindu4%2%91%1%3%113
Historically Black Protestant1%95%< 1%3%1%1,284
Jehovah's Witness35%27%< 1%30%8%141
Jewish91%2%2%4%2%564
Mainline Protestant84%4%1%6%4%2,854
Mormon77%1%< 1%13%9%207
Muslim35%32%28%3%1%144
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")68%10%5%12%5%4,502
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Religious traditionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Buddhist23%21%55%195
Catholic31%15%54%3,370
Evangelical Protestant12%8%80%3,018
Hindu91%6%3%112
Historically Black Protestant6%3%91%1,254
Jehovah's Witness22%7%71%141
Jewish8%22%70%565
Mainline Protestant8%7%85%2,850
Mormon9%10%81%205
Muslim66%15%19%142
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")13%13%74%4,499
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who have a household income of…

Religious traditionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Buddhist39%19%32%11%170
Catholic44%18%22%16%2,923
Evangelical Protestant47%22%21%10%2,718
Historically Black Protestant56%20%17%7%1,158
Jehovah's Witness52%22%23%3%124
Jewish15%15%25%45%484
Mainline Protestant34%18%26%23%2,510
Mormon42%22%26%10%181
Muslim30%20%31%19%127
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")35%20%23%22%4,161
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who have completed…

Religious traditionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Buddhist19%35%25%20%194
Catholic49%25%15%11%3,383
Evangelical Protestant46%35%12%7%3,048
Hindu5%8%32%54%114
Historically Black Protestant52%32%9%6%1,277
Jehovah's Witness65%27%6%2%139
Jewish17%19%30%34%564
Mainline Protestant34%28%20%18%2,870
Mormon30%40%20%10%207
Muslim32%28%24%17%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")34%31%21%14%4,557
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Religious traditionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Buddhist33%13%11%1%41%195
Catholic47%10%13%7%23%3,398
Evangelical Protestant46%7%18%9%21%3,053
Hindu62%4%4%1%29%114
Historically Black Protestant30%6%21%8%35%1,281
Jehovah's Witness53%3%15%8%21%141
Jewish56%5%8%5%25%566
Mainline Protestant50%6%14%10%20%2,871
Mormon59%3%9%6%22%208
Muslim37%5%7%< 1%51%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")36%12%12%3%38%4,549
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Religious traditionParentsNon-parentsSample size
Buddhist17%83%195
Catholic32%68%3,392
Evangelical Protestant30%70%3,056
Hindu35%65%114
Historically Black Protestant29%71%1,280
Jehovah's Witness28%72%141
Jewish26%74%565
Mainline Protestant25%75%2,878
Mormon36%64%208
Muslim38%62%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")26%74%4,555
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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
Buddhist29%29%8%1%29%4%195
Catholic62%28%6%1%2%1%3,406
Evangelical Protestant86%12%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%3,065
Hindu41%31%16%1%9%2%114
Historically Black Protestant89%8%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,285
Jehovah's Witness88%10%1%< 1%< 1%1%142
Jewish30%27%15%1%22%5%567
Mainline Protestant63%27%5%1%2%1%2,890
Mormon78%16%5%< 1%< 1%1%209
Muslim82%13%4%< 1%1%< 1%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")23%22%11%< 1%38%6%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Buddhist31%40%15%11%3%195
Catholic58%32%7%3%< 1%3,406
Evangelical Protestant76%20%2%1%< 1%3,065
Hindu21%59%13%6%< 1%114
Historically Black Protestant86%12%1%1%< 1%1,285
Jehovah's Witness92%7%< 1%< 1%1%142
Jewish30%39%21%10%< 1%567
Mainline Protestant52%35%11%3%1%2,890
Mormon73%19%5%2%< 1%209
Muslim68%21%10%1%1%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")12%19%26%42%1%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who attend religious services…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Buddhist15%53%32%1%195
Catholic38%41%20%1%3,406
Evangelical Protestant54%32%13%1%3,065
Hindu20%56%24%< 1%114
Historically Black Protestant54%36%10%< 1%1,285
Jehovah's Witness86%12%2%< 1%142
Jewish16%51%33%< 1%567
Mainline Protestant33%42%24%< 1%2,890
Mormon67%19%13%1%209
Muslim46%32%20%2%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")4%23%73%< 1%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who pray…

Religious traditionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Buddhist44%16%10%29%1%195
Catholic60%19%7%13%1%3,406
Evangelical Protestant77%15%3%4%< 1%3,065
Hindu50%16%11%23%< 1%114
Historically Black Protestant80%12%3%3%1%1,285
Jehovah's Witness91%6%2%1%1%142
Jewish23%16%9%50%1%567
Mainline Protestant53%23%7%16%1%2,890
Mormon79%9%4%8%< 1%209
Muslim64%11%7%17%1%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")19%10%6%64%< 1%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who attend prayer group…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Buddhist12%14%16%57%1%195
Catholic18%9%10%62%1%3,406
Evangelical Protestant39%14%9%37%1%3,065
Hindu9%10%19%62%< 1%114
Historically Black Protestant45%14%9%31%1%1,285
Jehovah's Witness88%2%5%3%1%142
Jewish14%10%12%64%< 1%567
Mainline Protestant20%9%9%61%< 1%2,890
Mormon60%9%4%27%< 1%209
Muslim35%12%14%38%1%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")4%3%4%89%< 1%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who meditate…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Buddhist68%7%6%19%< 1%195
Catholic43%10%5%41%1%3,406
Evangelical Protestant51%7%3%38%2%3,065
Hindu32%11%8%48%< 1%114
Historically Black Protestant54%9%4%31%1%1,285
Jehovah's Witness79%3%1%14%3%142
Jewish28%7%6%57%2%567
Mainline Protestant37%11%5%45%1%2,890
Mormon52%14%1%33%< 1%209
Muslim39%9%6%39%6%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")27%11%5%57%1%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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
Buddhist62%14%14%9%< 1%195
Catholic57%18%11%14%1%3,406
Evangelical Protestant72%12%7%8%1%3,065
Hindu40%17%24%16%3%114
Historically Black Protestant73%11%7%8%1%1,285
Jehovah's Witness83%2%5%6%3%142
Jewish35%20%13%31%1%567
Mainline Protestant56%18%12%14%1%2,890
Mormon71%12%8%8%1%209
Muslim71%11%7%8%3%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")40%16%11%30%2%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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
Buddhist60%10%17%12%< 1%195
Catholic45%16%15%24%1%3,406
Evangelical Protestant49%17%11%23%1%3,065
Hindu34%22%30%14%< 1%114
Historically Black Protestant43%15%11%28%2%1,285
Jehovah's Witness67%12%2%18%1%142
Jewish45%18%15%22%1%567
Mainline Protestant45%16%16%22%1%2,890
Mormon47%20%18%15%< 1%209
Muslim61%16%8%13%1%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")48%17%13%21%1%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Buddhist6%35%39%15%4%195
Catholic29%11%47%11%2%3,406
Evangelical Protestant55%7%33%4%2%3,065
Hindu3%21%46%29%1%114
Historically Black Protestant49%5%41%4%2%1,285
Jehovah's Witness78%1%12%4%3%142
Jewish14%18%46%18%3%567
Mainline Protestant27%12%50%8%3%2,890
Mormon53%5%30%8%4%209
Muslim40%9%34%15%3%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")6%20%52%19%2%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say…

Religious traditionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Buddhist21%76%3%< 1%195
Catholic23%74%1%1%3,406
Evangelical Protestant37%60%1%1%3,065
Hindu19%79%< 1%2%114
Historically Black Protestant27%72%1%< 1%1,285
Jehovah's Witness59%37%1%3%142
Jewish17%80%2%< 1%567
Mainline Protestant24%74%2%1%2,890
Mormon42%56%1%< 1%209
Muslim16%82%< 1%2%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")17%82%1%1%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who read scripture…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Buddhist29%10%10%51%1%195
Catholic26%12%11%51%1%3,406
Evangelical Protestant59%13%8%19%1%3,065
Hindu7%8%22%61%1%114
Historically Black Protestant61%13%8%17%1%1,285
Jehovah's Witness90%2%3%4%< 1%142
Jewish14%8%7%70%1%567
Mainline Protestant30%14%12%44%1%2,890
Mormon66%10%5%19%< 1%209
Muslim47%12%13%26%2%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")9%6%6%79%< 1%4,566
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 who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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
Buddhist3%9%1%74%14%195
Catholic27%33%2%30%7%3,406
Evangelical Protestant50%32%3%10%5%3,065
Hindu14%14%< 1%63%10%114
Historically Black Protestant61%24%2%8%5%1,285
Jehovah's Witness45%42%7%2%4%142
Jewish6%20%1%68%5%567
Mainline Protestant22%32%2%34%10%2,890
Mormon26%51%4%14%5%209
Muslim37%32%8%15%7%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")9%9%1%76%5%4,566
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 who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who …in heaven

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist44%50%6%195
Catholic83%12%5%3,406
Evangelical Protestant90%5%6%3,065
Hindu47%45%8%114
Historically Black Protestant93%4%3%1,285
Jehovah's Witness49%40%11%142
Jewish32%57%11%567
Mainline Protestant77%15%8%2,890
Mormon90%5%6%209
Muslim89%8%3%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")34%58%8%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who …in hell

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist28%68%4%195
Catholic60%32%8%3,406
Evangelical Protestant80%13%7%3,065
Hindu35%59%7%114
Historically Black Protestant82%12%6%1,285
Jehovah's Witness7%91%2%142
Jewish16%76%8%567
Mainline Protestant54%36%10%2,890
Mormon55%36%9%209
Muslim73%20%7%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")24%69%7%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who identify as…

Religious traditionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Buddhist9%17%74%195
Catholic22%19%58%3,406
Evangelical Protestant34%18%47%3,065
Hindu6%23%71%114
Historically Black Protestant7%9%84%1,285
Jehovah's Witness6%74%20%142
Jewish8%7%85%567
Mainline Protestant25%14%60%2,890
Mormon46%13%41%209
Muslim12%20%67%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")12%19%69%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who are…

Religious traditionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Buddhist11%36%50%4%195
Catholic27%38%30%5%3,406
Evangelical Protestant36%37%20%7%3,065
Hindu7%43%45%5%114
Historically Black Protestant33%34%26%6%1,285
Jehovah's Witness17%20%12%51%142
Jewish8%31%58%2%567
Mainline Protestant22%41%32%5%2,890
Mormon47%30%19%4%209
Muslim21%39%35%6%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")11%33%50%6%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who would rather have…

Religious traditionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Buddhist32%58%3%8%195
Catholic31%63%3%3%3,406
Evangelical Protestant42%52%3%4%3,065
Hindu34%62%4%< 1%114
Historically Black Protestant18%77%2%3%1,285
Jehovah's Witness32%52%1%14%142
Jewish23%71%2%3%567
Mainline Protestant38%54%4%4%2,890
Mormon47%46%3%4%209
Muslim17%80%1%2%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")33%60%3%4%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say abortion should be…

Religious traditionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Buddhist86%13%1%195
Catholic53%43%4%3,406
Evangelical Protestant44%52%4%3,065
Hindu67%31%2%114
Historically Black Protestant56%39%5%1,285
Jehovah's Witness21%70%8%142
Jewish90%9%1%567
Mainline Protestant71%26%3%2,890
Mormon45%52%3%209
Muslim52%42%6%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")78%19%3%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who say homosexuality…

Religious traditionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Buddhist90%8%1%1%195
Catholic75%19%3%4%3,406
Evangelical Protestant46%47%4%4%3,065
Hindu77%19%2%3%114
Historically Black Protestant52%39%5%3%1,285
Jehovah's Witness18%75%4%3%142
Jewish89%9%1%1%567
Mainline Protestant76%18%3%3%2,890
Mormon46%49%3%2%209
Muslim52%40%5%3%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")88%9%1%2%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm who …same-sex marriage

Religious traditionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Buddhist86%11%3%195
Catholic65%27%8%3,406
Evangelical Protestant38%54%8%3,065
Hindu75%18%7%114
Historically Black Protestant41%51%7%1,285
Jehovah's Witness18%72%9%142
Jewish88%8%4%567
Mainline Protestant70%24%6%2,890
Mormon39%55%6%209
Muslim46%47%7%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")85%11%4%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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
Buddhist15%83%1%1%195
Catholic29%66%2%3%3,406
Evangelical Protestant33%62%2%4%3,065
Hindu22%73%1%5%114
Historically Black Protestant36%60%2%3%1,285
Jehovah's Witness32%56%2%10%142
Jewish11%87%1%1%567
Mainline Protestant23%73%2%3%2,890
Mormon33%61%5%1%209
Muslim27%68%4%1%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")18%78%2%2%4,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more good than harm by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more good than harm 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
Buddhist71%13%6%9%1%195
Catholic34%31%4%28%4%3,406
Evangelical Protestant13%30%3%49%5%3,065
Hindu63%14%2%20%1%114
Historically Black Protestant17%32%3%44%4%1,285
Jehovah's Witness6%15%< 1%75%5%142
Jewish67%15%5%11%2%567
Mainline Protestant34%32%5%24%5%2,890
Mormon22%34%3%37%5%209
Muslim26%27%5%39%3%146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")68%13%4%13%2%4,566
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.