Views about government aid to the poor among adults who attend services weekly or more

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201449%44%4%2%13,155
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who attend services weekly or more by religious group

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic46%47%4%2%3,092
Evangelical Protestant58%36%4%2%5,177
Historically Black Protestant27%67%4%2%1,070
Jehovah's Witness29%61%6%4%207
Jewish38%54%2%6%148
Mainline Protestant47%46%4%2%2,192
Mormon68%27%3%1%514
Muslim27%64%6%2%105
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")39%51%6%4%284
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good16%32%28%25%6,486
Does more good than harm18%32%28%23%5,526
Neither/both equally16%35%24%25%541
Don't know10%24%28%38%290
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good10%10%27%34%17%1%6,486
Does more good than harm12%11%26%33%15%2%5,526
Neither/both equally8%14%29%31%16%1%541
Don't know5%7%21%33%29%5%290
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good46%54%6,636
Does more good than harm39%61%5,658
Neither/both equally43%57%559
Don't know41%59%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good74%8%2%13%3%6,531
Does more good than harm51%23%3%19%4%5,598
Neither/both equally59%14%2%20%5%547
Don't know57%16%1%19%7%282
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good13%8%79%6,569
Does more good than harm19%9%71%5,578
Neither/both equally21%7%72%548
Don't know21%7%71%293
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who have a household income of…

Views about government aid to the poorLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Does more harm than good26%22%33%19%5,655
Does more good than harm44%19%23%13%4,843
Neither/both equally42%20%27%11%443
Don't know48%19%25%8%210
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good39%32%19%10%6,605
Does more good than harm44%29%15%12%5,618
Neither/both equally40%32%17%11%554
Don't know60%20%14%7%297
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good64%2%9%7%17%6,612
Does more good than harm50%5%14%9%22%5,627
Neither/both equally57%5%11%9%17%555
Don't know54%3%13%17%13%300
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good32%68%6,610
Does more good than harm30%70%5,632
Neither/both equally33%67%556
Don't know27%73%299
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who say they…

Views about government aid to the poorBelieve 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
Does more harm than good90%9%1%1%< 1%< 1%6,636
Does more good than harm83%13%2%1%1%1%5,658
Neither/both equally86%11%1%1%< 1%1%559
Don't know85%9%1%5%< 1%< 1%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who say religion is…

Views about government aid to the poorVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good91%8%< 1%1%< 1%6,636
Does more good than harm88%10%1%< 1%< 1%5,658
Neither/both equally86%9%1%2%2%559
Don't know89%6%1%1%3%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good85%11%1%2%1%6,636
Does more good than harm82%12%2%3%1%5,658
Neither/both equally86%10%< 1%3%< 1%559
Don't know82%11%2%1%4%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who attend prayer group…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good59%13%8%19%1%6,636
Does more good than harm56%13%8%21%1%5,658
Neither/both equally63%13%6%17%1%559
Don't know56%7%7%26%4%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who meditate…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good55%7%3%33%2%6,636
Does more good than harm59%8%3%28%2%5,658
Neither/both equally66%2%2%27%3%559
Don't know60%4%3%24%9%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good81%10%4%4%1%6,636
Does more good than harm78%11%4%5%1%5,658
Neither/both equally84%6%5%3%3%559
Don't know75%10%2%8%4%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good49%17%10%22%2%6,636
Does more good than harm52%16%10%21%1%5,658
Neither/both equally49%14%9%23%4%559
Don't know52%11%12%21%5%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about government aid to the poorReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good66%4%25%4%2%6,636
Does more good than harm57%8%29%4%2%5,658
Neither/both equally58%4%24%3%11%559
Don't know53%1%26%5%15%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who say…

Views about government aid to the poorThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good57%41%1%1%6,636
Does more good than harm34%63%2%1%5,658
Neither/both equally40%54%6%1%559
Don't know36%55%3%7%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who read scripture…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good71%9%5%13%1%6,636
Does more good than harm67%11%5%16%1%5,658
Neither/both equally73%7%4%13%2%559
Don't know65%11%3%18%4%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who say the holy scripture is…

Views about government aid to the poorWord 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
Does more harm than good54%32%4%6%4%6,636
Does more good than harm50%31%3%11%6%5,658
Neither/both equally46%27%10%7%10%559
Don't know54%17%14%5%10%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good88%6%7%6,636
Does more good than harm87%8%5%5,658
Neither/both equally82%5%13%559
Don't know88%3%9%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good79%14%7%6,636
Does more good than harm72%21%7%5,658
Neither/both equally70%15%15%559
Don't know62%18%20%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good65%14%21%6,636
Does more good than harm27%19%55%5,658
Neither/both equally40%29%31%559
Don't know34%33%34%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good66%23%8%4%6,636
Does more good than harm35%35%23%7%5,658
Neither/both equally46%29%11%14%559
Don't know37%27%14%22%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good75%21%2%2%6,636
Does more good than harm35%58%3%4%5,658
Neither/both equally46%31%14%9%559
Don't know41%34%7%18%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who say abortion should be…

Views about government aid to the poorLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good24%73%3%6,636
Does more good than harm43%52%5%5,658
Neither/both equally26%65%10%559
Don't know22%60%19%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good33%59%4%3%6,636
Does more good than harm50%42%4%4%5,658
Neither/both equally32%41%19%8%559
Don't know27%49%3%21%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good22%72%6%6,636
Does more good than harm41%51%7%5,658
Neither/both equally25%57%18%559
Don't know25%57%18%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who say…

Views about government aid to the poorStricter 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
Does more harm than good57%38%2%3%6,636
Does more good than harm30%64%2%4%5,658
Neither/both equally31%47%15%7%559
Don't know33%36%2%28%302
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 attend services weekly or more by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend services weekly or more who say humans…

Views about government aid to the poorEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good10%24%2%59%5%6,636
Does more good than harm16%30%3%46%5%5,658
Neither/both equally9%25%5%49%12%559
Don't know10%16%7%42%25%302
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.