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 religious group
% of 50-64 year olds who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
61%
29%
10%
2,277
Evangelical Protestant
82%
11%
7%
2,758
Historically Black Protestant
80%
12%
8%
622
Jewish
19%
75%
6%
236
Mainline Protestant
60%
30%
10%
1,819
Mormon
60%
33%
8%
168
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
27%
64%
9%
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
< 1%
< 1%
5,788
Don't believe
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
< 1%
< 1%
3,597
Other/don't know
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
< 1%
< 1%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
48%
52%
5,788
Don't believe
49%
51%
3,597
Other/don't know
46%
54%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
69%
14%
2%
11%
4%
5,712
Don't believe
78%
6%
2%
11%
3%
3,534
Other/don't know
69%
12%
3%
11%
4%
889
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
11%
5%
84%
5,722
Don't believe
13%
9%
78%
3,578
Other/don't know
14%
6%
80%
902
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
35%
19%
28%
18%
5,157
Don't believe
25%
17%
29%
29%
3,270
Other/don't know
31%
17%
25%
26%
768
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
47%
31%
14%
8%
5,773
Don't believe
32%
28%
22%
18%
3,585
Other/don't know
40%
29%
18%
13%
903
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
60%
4%
20%
6%
10%
5,772
Don't believe
60%
7%
20%
4%
10%
3,579
Other/don't know
58%
5%
19%
5%
13%
903
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
15%
85%
5,774
Don't believe
14%
86%
3,596
Other/don't know
16%
84%
906
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
83%
15%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
5,788
Don't believe
45%
25%
9%
1%
17%
3%
3,597
Other/don't know
64%
21%
5%
2%
2%
6%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who say religion is…
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Table
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Belief in Hell
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
72%
22%
4%
2%
< 1%
5,788
Don't believe
35%
27%
17%
21%
1%
3,597
Other/don't know
56%
28%
9%
5%
2%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
47%
33%
19%
< 1%
5,788
Don't believe
21%
33%
45%
< 1%
3,597
Other/don't know
32%
36%
30%
2%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
72%
16%
5%
7%
< 1%
5,788
Don't believe
41%
15%
6%
36%
1%
3,597
Other/don't know
58%
17%
5%
17%
4%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
35%
10%
9%
46%
< 1%
5,788
Don't believe
14%
5%
6%
75%
< 1%
3,597
Other/don't know
22%
6%
6%
64%
2%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
47%
7%
4%
41%
1%
5,788
Don't believe
40%
9%
4%
45%
1%
3,597
Other/don't know
41%
6%
4%
44%
4%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
68%
12%
8%
11%
1%
5,788
Don't believe
53%
15%
10%
21%
1%
3,597
Other/don't know
59%
13%
10%
15%
3%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
46%
15%
12%
25%
1%
5,788
Don't believe
51%
14%
13%
21%
1%
3,597
Other/don't know
47%
15%
11%
22%
5%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
49%
5%
39%
4%
2%
5,788
Don't believe
18%
16%
51%
13%
2%
3,597
Other/don't know
31%
9%
49%
5%
5%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
45%
53%
2%
1%
5,788
Don't believe
26%
72%
1%
1%
3,597
Other/don't know
34%
60%
3%
3%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
49%
10%
8%
32%
< 1%
5,788
Don't believe
20%
8%
8%
63%
1%
3,597
Other/don't know
34%
9%
8%
47%
2%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
49%
29%
3%
13%
6%
5,788
Don't believe
13%
20%
2%
58%
7%
3,597
Other/don't know
25%
21%
7%
29%
19%
911
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 belief in hell
% of 50-64 year olds who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
95%
3%
3%
5,788
Don't believe
42%
51%
6%
3,597
Other/don't know
51%
4%
44%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
46%
14%
40%
5,788
Don't believe
28%
18%
54%
3,597
Other/don't know
38%
20%
43%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
50%
30%
16%
5%
5,788
Don't believe
24%
35%
34%
6%
3,597
Other/don't know
35%
35%
21%
9%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
58%
36%
3%
3%
5,788
Don't believe
49%
44%
4%
4%
3,597
Other/don't know
51%
35%
7%
7%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
52%
43%
3%
2%
5,788
Don't believe
35%
60%
3%
2%
3,597
Other/don't know
42%
46%
7%
5%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
53%
4%
5,788
Don't believe
73%
23%
4%
3,597
Other/don't know
51%
38%
11%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
47%
46%
4%
3%
5,788
Don't believe
77%
17%
4%
3%
3,597
Other/don't know
58%
26%
7%
9%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
35%
57%
8%
5,788
Don't believe
70%
23%
6%
3,597
Other/don't know
46%
38%
17%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
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
48%
48%
2%
2%
5,788
Don't believe
31%
64%
2%
2%
3,597
Other/don't know
37%
52%
5%
6%
911
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 hell
% of 50-64 year olds who say humans…
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Belief in Hell
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
15%
30%
3%
48%
4%
5,788
Don't believe
50%
22%
5%
21%
3%
3,597
Other/don't know
26%
23%
8%
32%
10%
911
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.