Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201480%12%8%6,083
200777%12%11%7,470
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 Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who are ages…

Belief in Heaven18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe17%30%28%25%4,583
Don't believe12%27%29%31%848
Other/don't know10%26%32%33%515
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Belief in HeavenYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe11%11%25%35%16%2%4,583
Don't believe8%10%21%39%19%3%848
Other/don't know7%7%22%39%22%3%515
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Belief in HeavenMenWomenSample size
Believe44%56%4,683
Don't believe53%47%861
Other/don't know45%55%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…

Belief in HeavenWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe86%4%1%6%3%4,626
Don't believe87%2%1%7%3%848
Other/don't know90%2%1%3%4%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.

Immigrant status among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Belief in HeavenImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe6%6%87%4,636
Don't believe11%9%80%850
Other/don't know4%7%89%533
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants 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
Believe31%20%28%21%4,030
Don't believe16%18%29%37%754
Other/don't know25%20%29%25%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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who have completed…

Belief in HeavenHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe39%32%18%12%4,658
Don't believe23%24%27%26%856
Other/don't know33%28%22%16%531
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Belief in HeavenMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe54%5%12%10%19%4,658
Don't believe58%8%14%6%14%859
Other/don't know59%7%12%8%14%531
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Belief in HeavenParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe27%73%4,672
Don't believe24%76%856
Other/don't know22%78%534
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants 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
Believe73%23%2%1%< 1%1%4,683
Don't believe32%36%17%2%11%3%861
Other/don't know50%34%7%2%1%7%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who say religion is…

Belief in HeavenVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe58%34%6%1%1%4,683
Don't believe26%36%28%10%1%861
Other/don't know44%36%17%1%3%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who attend religious services…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe35%43%21%< 1%4,683
Don't believe19%44%37%< 1%861
Other/don't know27%38%33%2%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who pray…

Belief in HeavenAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe58%23%7%11%1%4,683
Don't believe33%19%10%37%2%861
Other/don't know46%21%9%19%5%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who attend prayer group…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe21%11%10%58%< 1%4,683
Don't believe11%6%7%75%< 1%861
Other/don't know17%7%7%67%3%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who meditate…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe36%9%5%49%1%4,683
Don't believe33%12%6%47%2%861
Other/don't know36%10%5%45%4%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants 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
Believe58%18%11%12%1%4,683
Don't believe45%17%13%24%1%861
Other/don't know50%16%11%19%4%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants 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
Believe42%17%14%26%1%4,683
Don't believe48%16%16%19%2%861
Other/don't know45%15%15%21%4%539
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 Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HeavenReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe33%9%50%6%2%4,683
Don't believe12%19%56%11%2%861
Other/don't know20%12%56%4%8%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants 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
Believe33%64%1%1%4,683
Don't believe26%71%2%1%861
Other/don't know29%66%4%1%539
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 Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who read scripture…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe33%14%12%41%1%4,683
Don't believe17%10%13%60%1%861
Other/don't know22%11%9%54%3%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HeavenWord 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
Believe28%40%3%21%8%4,683
Don't believe7%16%1%67%9%861
Other/don't know9%24%5%39%24%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who …in hell

Belief in HeavenBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe72%21%7%4,683
Don't believe12%86%2%861
Other/don't know16%29%55%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…

Belief in HeavenRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe46%16%38%4,683
Don't believe34%14%51%861
Other/don't know38%22%40%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who are…

Belief in HeavenConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe39%37%18%6%4,683
Don't believe24%40%33%3%861
Other/don't know33%36%23%8%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who would rather have…

Belief in HeavenSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe60%34%3%4%4,683
Don't believe52%41%5%2%861
Other/don't know61%24%7%8%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HeavenDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe50%44%4%2%4,683
Don't believe37%59%3%1%861
Other/don't know41%46%7%6%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who say abortion should be…

Belief in HeavenLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe58%38%4%4,683
Don't believe79%18%3%861
Other/don't know61%29%11%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who say homosexuality…

Belief in HeavenShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe64%28%5%3%4,683
Don't believe78%15%3%4%861
Other/don't know69%23%5%3%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HeavenStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe54%38%8%4,683
Don't believe74%21%5%861
Other/don't know60%29%11%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants 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
Believe41%54%2%2%4,683
Don't believe26%70%1%3%861
Other/don't know35%54%6%5%539
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 by belief in heaven

% of Mainline Protestants 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
Believe24%35%4%32%5%4,683
Don't believe58%16%7%17%2%861
Other/don't know31%20%12%22%15%539
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.