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 50-64 year olds by religious group
% of 50-64 year olds who …in heaven
Chart
Table
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Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
84%
11%
6%
2,277
Evangelical Protestant
87%
6%
7%
2,758
Historically Black Protestant
91%
4%
5%
622
Jewish
35%
54%
10%
236
Mainline Protestant
79%
12%
9%
1,819
Mormon
95%
3%
2%
168
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
40%
51%
10%
1,838
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
< 1%
< 1%
7,356
Don't believe
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
< 1%
< 1%
2,135
Other/don't know
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
< 1%
< 1%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
46%
54%
7,356
Don't believe
57%
43%
2,135
Other/don't know
51%
49%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who identify as…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
70%
13%
2%
11%
4%
7,249
Don't believe
79%
5%
2%
9%
4%
2,104
Other/don't know
74%
9%
4%
10%
4%
782
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who are…
Chart
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Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
12%
6%
82%
7,284
Don't believe
14%
9%
78%
2,121
Other/don't know
12%
6%
82%
797
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who have a household income of…
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Belief in Heaven
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
34%
19%
27%
19%
6,559
Don't believe
20%
15%
31%
34%
1,949
Other/don't know
29%
19%
26%
26%
687
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who have completed…
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Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
46%
31%
15%
9%
7,332
Don't believe
28%
27%
24%
21%
2,128
Other/don't know
38%
29%
20%
13%
801
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
60%
4%
20%
6%
10%
7,332
Don't believe
62%
7%
19%
3%
9%
2,127
Other/don't know
59%
6%
19%
3%
14%
795
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
15%
85%
7,338
Don't believe
15%
85%
2,134
Other/don't know
17%
83%
804
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 God among 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who say they…
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Belief in Heaven
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Believe
80%
17%
2%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
7,356
Don't believe
31%
23%
11%
1%
30%
5%
2,135
Other/don't know
55%
24%
8%
2%
3%
9%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who say religion is…
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Belief in Heaven
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
68%
24%
5%
2%
< 1%
7,356
Don't believe
24%
20%
22%
33%
1%
2,135
Other/don't know
48%
28%
14%
8%
3%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who attend religious services…
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
44%
36%
20%
< 1%
7,356
Don't believe
16%
27%
57%
< 1%
2,135
Other/don't know
31%
30%
37%
2%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who pray…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
70%
17%
5%
8%
1%
7,356
Don't believe
28%
12%
5%
53%
1%
2,135
Other/don't know
53%
16%
6%
22%
3%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who attend prayer group…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
31%
9%
9%
50%
< 1%
7,356
Don't believe
12%
4%
4%
80%
< 1%
2,135
Other/don't know
22%
8%
6%
63%
1%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who meditate…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
46%
8%
4%
41%
1%
7,356
Don't believe
38%
8%
5%
48%
1%
2,135
Other/don't know
41%
7%
4%
45%
4%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
67%
13%
9%
11%
1%
7,356
Don't believe
48%
14%
10%
27%
1%
2,135
Other/don't know
58%
12%
9%
17%
3%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
46%
16%
12%
25%
1%
7,356
Don't believe
53%
13%
12%
20%
1%
2,135
Other/don't know
50%
13%
10%
23%
4%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
44%
6%
42%
5%
2%
7,356
Don't believe
14%
18%
50%
15%
2%
2,135
Other/don't know
33%
11%
45%
6%
5%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who say…
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Belief in Heaven
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
57%
2%
1%
7,356
Don't believe
27%
70%
2%
1%
2,135
Other/don't know
37%
58%
2%
2%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who read scripture…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
45%
11%
9%
35%
1%
7,356
Don't believe
16%
5%
6%
72%
< 1%
2,135
Other/don't know
34%
9%
8%
47%
2%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is…
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Belief in Heaven
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
30%
3%
17%
6%
7,356
Don't believe
10%
10%
1%
73%
5%
2,135
Other/don't know
22%
16%
6%
37%
19%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who …in hell
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
76%
18%
6%
7,356
Don't believe
8%
90%
2%
2,135
Other/don't know
23%
26%
51%
805
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.
Party affiliation among 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who identify as…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
43%
15%
42%
7,356
Don't believe
27%
17%
56%
2,135
Other/don't know
37%
21%
41%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
45%
32%
18%
5%
7,356
Don't believe
23%
32%
41%
4%
2,135
Other/don't know
39%
29%
21%
11%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who would rather have…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
56%
38%
3%
3%
7,356
Don't believe
50%
43%
4%
3%
2,135
Other/don't know
54%
34%
5%
7%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who say government aid to the poor…
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Belief in Heaven
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
49%
46%
3%
2%
7,356
Don't believe
33%
62%
4%
1%
2,135
Other/don't know
44%
45%
7%
4%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who say abortion should be…
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Belief in Heaven
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
48%
48%
4%
7,356
Don't believe
77%
20%
3%
2,135
Other/don't know
54%
38%
8%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
52%
40%
5%
3%
7,356
Don't believe
78%
17%
3%
2%
2,135
Other/don't know
57%
29%
6%
9%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who …same-sex marriage
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
51%
8%
7,356
Don't believe
73%
22%
6%
2,135
Other/don't know
47%
40%
13%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who say…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
45%
50%
2%
3%
7,356
Don't believe
28%
68%
2%
2%
2,135
Other/don't know
36%
52%
5%
7%
805
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 50-64 year olds by belief in heaven
% of 50-64 year olds who say humans…
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Belief in Heaven
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
18%
31%
3%
43%
4%
7,356
Don't believe
64%
13%
4%
18%
2%
2,135
Other/don't know
30%
18%
10%
34%
8%
805
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.