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 believe in God and are fairly certain by religious group
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who …in heaven
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Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
81%
13%
6%
1,854
Evangelical Protestant
86%
8%
6%
827
Historically Black Protestant
84%
10%
5%
175
Jewish
44%
45%
10%
231
Mainline Protestant
72%
17%
11%
1,550
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
54%
35%
11%
1,614
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.
Age distribution among adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are ages…
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Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
27%
36%
24%
14%
4,406
Don't believe
21%
37%
26%
16%
1,598
Other/don't know
14%
35%
28%
23%
670
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
17%
17%
29%
28%
9%
1%
4,406
Don't believe
11%
18%
29%
31%
9%
2%
1,598
Other/don't know
9%
13%
27%
35%
14%
1%
670
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
51%
49%
4,475
Don't believe
54%
46%
1,618
Other/don't know
50%
50%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who identify as…
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Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
64%
7%
4%
22%
3%
4,443
Don't believe
71%
5%
5%
15%
4%
1,596
Other/don't know
71%
5%
3%
17%
4%
692
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
20%
10%
70%
4,415
Don't believe
18%
12%
70%
1,603
Other/don't know
20%
9%
71%
686
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain 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
38%
19%
25%
18%
3,956
Don't believe
24%
20%
28%
28%
1,449
Other/don't know
30%
23%
24%
23%
579
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who have completed…
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Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
47%
30%
14%
9%
4,454
Don't believe
28%
30%
22%
19%
1,615
Other/don't know
38%
27%
22%
13%
691
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
46%
10%
11%
5%
27%
4,460
Don't believe
49%
10%
13%
4%
23%
1,610
Other/don't know
48%
10%
13%
6%
23%
696
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
31%
69%
4,461
Don't believe
27%
73%
1,616
Other/don't know
26%
74%
697
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain 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
31%
49%
16%
3%
< 1%
4,475
Don't believe
16%
35%
29%
19%
1%
1,618
Other/don't know
20%
48%
24%
6%
2%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain 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
24%
45%
31%
< 1%
4,475
Don't believe
9%
37%
54%
< 1%
1,618
Other/don't know
12%
39%
48%
1%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who pray…
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Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
39%
26%
13%
22%
< 1%
4,475
Don't believe
22%
20%
11%
47%
1%
1,618
Other/don't know
28%
25%
11%
33%
2%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who attend prayer group…
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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
13%
9%
9%
69%
< 1%
4,475
Don't believe
6%
5%
5%
84%
< 1%
1,618
Other/don't know
4%
5%
6%
83%
1%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who meditate…
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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
29%
11%
5%
54%
1%
4,475
Don't believe
36%
14%
6%
43%
1%
1,618
Other/don't know
31%
12%
7%
48%
1%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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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
43%
20%
15%
21%
1%
4,475
Don't believe
44%
18%
15%
22%
1%
1,618
Other/don't know
40%
18%
18%
21%
3%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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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
38%
18%
17%
26%
1%
4,475
Don't believe
50%
16%
15%
18%
1%
1,618
Other/don't know
47%
14%
16%
21%
2%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
18%
12%
57%
11%
2%
4,475
Don't believe
5%
19%
58%
16%
2%
1,618
Other/don't know
9%
18%
59%
10%
4%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain 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
26%
72%
1%
1%
4,475
Don't believe
22%
77%
1%
1%
1,618
Other/don't know
22%
74%
3%
2%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who read scripture…
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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
18%
11%
10%
60%
1%
4,475
Don't believe
8%
8%
10%
74%
< 1%
1,618
Other/don't know
10%
9%
10%
71%
1%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain 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
19%
35%
1%
37%
8%
4,475
Don't believe
4%
9%
< 1%
80%
6%
1,618
Other/don't know
6%
14%
3%
56%
21%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who …in hell
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Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
67%
27%
6%
4,475
Don't believe
5%
94%
1%
1,618
Other/don't know
10%
32%
58%
699
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 adults who believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who identify as…
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Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
35%
19%
46%
4,475
Don't believe
27%
17%
56%
1,618
Other/don't know
29%
23%
49%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
29%
39%
26%
6%
4,475
Don't believe
18%
37%
42%
3%
1,618
Other/don't know
23%
42%
28%
7%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who would rather have…
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Belief in Heaven
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
48%
47%
2%
3%
4,475
Don't believe
50%
44%
3%
3%
1,618
Other/don't know
47%
41%
5%
7%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain 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
45%
51%
3%
2%
4,475
Don't believe
37%
60%
3%
1%
1,618
Other/don't know
38%
52%
5%
5%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain 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
60%
37%
3%
4,475
Don't believe
77%
20%
3%
1,618
Other/don't know
65%
27%
8%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who say homosexuality…
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Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
75%
19%
3%
2%
4,475
Don't believe
84%
11%
2%
3%
1,618
Other/don't know
76%
15%
4%
5%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who …same-sex marriage
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Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
65%
27%
8%
4,475
Don't believe
80%
14%
5%
1,618
Other/don't know
69%
21%
11%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain who say…
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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
37%
59%
2%
3%
4,475
Don't believe
26%
70%
2%
1%
1,618
Other/don't know
28%
62%
4%
5%
699
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 believe in God and are fairly certain by belief in heaven
% of adults who believe in God and are fairly certain 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
39%
30%
5%
22%
3%
4,475
Don't believe
67%
14%
5%
12%
2%
1,618
Other/don't know
47%
18%
12%
16%
7%
699
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.