Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201437%57%6%3,212
200742%46%11%1,845
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 Hell among adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious group

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic56%39%5%626
Evangelical Protestant68%24%8%255
Jewish7%83%10%124
Mainline Protestant52%42%6%424
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")16%77%6%1,392
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Belief in Hell18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe29%40%21%10%972
Don't believe29%36%20%14%1,973
Other/don't know29%33%20%18%211
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HellYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe20%17%32%24%6%1%972
Don't believe19%18%29%24%9%1%1,973
Other/don't know16%16%29%25%11%2%211
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HellMenWomenSample size
Believe53%47%986
Don't believe59%41%2,004
Other/don't know58%42%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Belief in HellWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe49%10%6%31%4%978
Don't believe69%5%8%16%4%1,976
Other/don't know61%9%8%19%4%215
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HellImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe31%12%57%971
Don't believe23%13%64%1,978
Other/don't know27%13%60%214
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…

Belief in HellLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe43%22%20%15%859
Don't believe25%17%29%29%1,820
Other/don't know33%15%18%34%183
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Belief in HellHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe49%24%16%10%977
Don't believe25%27%26%22%1,991
Other/don't know33%24%23%19%220
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HellMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe40%8%14%3%35%983
Don't believe46%10%9%3%31%1,989
Other/don't know47%10%10%6%27%217
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HellParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe34%66%981
Don't believe27%73%2,000
Other/don't know21%79%218
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they…

Belief in HellBelieve 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
Believe54%34%7%1%3%1%986
Don't believe19%21%11%< 1%45%4%2,004
Other/don't know35%29%11%1%10%14%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Belief in HellVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe45%38%11%5%< 1%986
Don't believe14%21%21%44%< 1%2,004
Other/don't know28%26%25%18%3%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe26%43%31%< 1%986
Don't believe9%30%61%< 1%2,004
Other/don't know17%32%47%3%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Belief in HellAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe45%24%7%23%1%986
Don't believe17%11%7%64%< 1%2,004
Other/don't know34%14%8%42%3%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe17%12%10%60%< 1%986
Don't believe5%3%5%87%< 1%2,004
Other/don't know11%6%6%74%3%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe34%11%4%50%1%986
Don't believe26%10%6%57%1%2,004
Other/don't know32%8%6%48%6%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe49%17%14%18%2%986
Don't believe39%16%12%31%1%2,004
Other/don't know48%12%12%25%3%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe40%16%16%26%1%986
Don't believe50%17%13%19%< 1%2,004
Other/don't know56%10%11%17%5%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Belief in HellThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe25%72%1%1%986
Don't believe18%81%< 1%1%2,004
Other/don't know23%72%1%3%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe23%13%11%52%1%986
Don't believe7%5%7%80%< 1%2,004
Other/don't know15%4%13%64%4%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HellWord 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
Believe33%31%1%30%6%986
Don't believe5%8%< 1%82%5%2,004
Other/don't know11%13%2%52%22%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Belief in HellBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe93%4%2%986
Don't believe22%74%3%2,004
Other/don't know37%4%60%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Belief in HellRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe30%20%49%986
Don't believe18%16%66%2,004
Other/don't know27%19%54%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HellConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe33%33%29%5%986
Don't believe14%35%48%3%2,004
Other/don't know27%33%27%12%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Belief in HellSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe37%61%1%2%986
Don't believe41%53%3%3%2,004
Other/don't know36%47%10%6%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HellDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe43%53%2%2%986
Don't believe28%68%3%1%2,004
Other/don't know36%55%4%5%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Belief in HellLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe55%41%4%986
Don't believe81%16%3%2,004
Other/don't know64%28%8%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Belief in HellShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe70%25%2%3%986
Don't believe89%8%2%2%2,004
Other/don't know74%18%4%3%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HellStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe60%33%7%986
Don't believe85%12%3%2,004
Other/don't know66%24%10%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Belief in HellStricter 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
Believe37%59%2%2%986
Don't believe19%78%1%2%2,004
Other/don't know30%63%3%3%222
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 science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say science is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say humans…

Belief in HellEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe41%25%2%28%3%986
Don't believe76%10%3%9%1%2,004
Other/don't know58%15%6%17%4%222
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.