Belief in Heaven among adults in the Silent generation
% of adults in the Silent generation who …in heaven
Chart
Trends
Table
Share
Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
75%
16%
8%
5,989
2007
75%
15%
10%
7,853
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 in the Silent generation by religious group
% of adults in the Silent generation who …in heaven
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Table
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Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
86%
7%
6%
1,361
Evangelical Protestant
88%
5%
7%
1,611
Historically Black Protestant
91%
4%
5%
249
Jewish
30%
60%
10%
195
Mainline Protestant
76%
13%
10%
1,478
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
24%
63%
12%
731
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who are ages…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
4,248
Don't believe
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
1,197
Other/don't know
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
100%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who are…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
39%
61%
4,248
Don't believe
58%
42%
1,197
Other/don't know
45%
55%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who identify as…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
81%
9%
1%
7%
2%
4,202
Don't believe
88%
3%
1%
5%
3%
1,185
Other/don't know
83%
6%
1%
9%
2%
536
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
8%
9%
82%
4,199
Don't believe
11%
16%
73%
1,188
Other/don't know
12%
10%
78%
540
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who have a household income of…
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Table
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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
47%
24%
20%
9%
3,415
Don't believe
28%
20%
32%
20%
1,013
Other/don't know
45%
24%
19%
13%
412
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who have completed…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
57%
25%
10%
8%
4,235
Don't believe
32%
22%
22%
24%
1,193
Other/don't know
41%
27%
18%
14%
542
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who are…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
52%
2%
11%
32%
3%
4,235
Don't believe
60%
4%
14%
18%
3%
1,194
Other/don't know
53%
1%
18%
25%
2%
539
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who are…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
3%
97%
4,245
Don't believe
4%
96%
1,194
Other/don't know
2%
98%
542
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 adults in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who say they…
Chart
Table
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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
82%
14%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
4,248
Don't believe
25%
20%
13%
2%
34%
6%
1,197
Other/don't know
57%
25%
6%
4%
1%
7%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who say religion is…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
79%
16%
3%
1%
1%
4,248
Don't believe
22%
23%
19%
35%
1%
1,197
Other/don't know
51%
27%
12%
5%
4%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
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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
61%
23%
16%
1%
4,248
Don't believe
16%
25%
59%
1%
1,197
Other/don't know
38%
26%
34%
1%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
77%
13%
3%
6%
1%
4,248
Don't believe
24%
9%
5%
60%
2%
1,197
Other/don't know
55%
16%
5%
18%
5%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
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
37%
8%
9%
44%
1%
4,248
Don't believe
12%
3%
5%
80%
1%
1,197
Other/don't know
24%
5%
7%
61%
2%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation 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
62%
7%
3%
25%
3%
4,248
Don't believe
32%
8%
6%
52%
2%
1,197
Other/don't know
51%
8%
4%
32%
5%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
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
73%
10%
6%
9%
2%
4,248
Don't believe
39%
11%
10%
37%
3%
1,197
Other/don't know
61%
10%
8%
17%
5%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
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%
12%
12%
28%
3%
4,248
Don't believe
44%
13%
14%
28%
2%
1,197
Other/don't know
49%
12%
11%
23%
5%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
49%
5%
39%
4%
4%
4,248
Don't believe
10%
14%
55%
17%
4%
1,197
Other/don't know
30%
11%
45%
8%
6%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who say…
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Table
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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
40%
56%
2%
3%
4,248
Don't believe
23%
74%
2%
1%
1,197
Other/don't know
35%
60%
2%
3%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
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
52%
9%
7%
30%
2%
4,248
Don't believe
15%
5%
7%
72%
1%
1,197
Other/don't know
33%
8%
8%
48%
2%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who say the holy scripture is…
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Table
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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
48%
30%
5%
11%
6%
4,248
Don't believe
7%
10%
2%
72%
9%
1,197
Other/don't know
19%
22%
5%
32%
22%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
72%
19%
9%
4,248
Don't believe
7%
91%
2%
1,197
Other/don't know
20%
34%
45%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who identify as…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
48%
13%
40%
4,248
Don't believe
26%
13%
61%
1,197
Other/don't know
42%
15%
44%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
52%
29%
14%
6%
4,248
Don't believe
26%
31%
38%
5%
1,197
Other/don't know
40%
30%
20%
10%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation 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
61%
31%
3%
5%
4,248
Don't believe
48%
40%
6%
6%
1,197
Other/don't know
57%
27%
7%
10%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who say government aid to the poor…
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Table
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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
51%
41%
4%
4%
4,248
Don't believe
34%
59%
4%
3%
1,197
Other/don't know
46%
43%
5%
6%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who say abortion should be…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
39%
54%
7%
4,248
Don't believe
77%
18%
5%
1,197
Other/don't know
48%
41%
10%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who say homosexuality…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
40%
51%
4%
5%
4,248
Don't believe
73%
20%
4%
4%
1,197
Other/don't know
54%
33%
6%
7%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
28%
62%
10%
4,248
Don't believe
65%
27%
9%
1,197
Other/don't know
41%
45%
15%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation 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
46%
43%
3%
7%
4,248
Don't believe
28%
65%
3%
4%
1,197
Other/don't know
41%
45%
5%
9%
544
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 in the Silent generation by belief in heaven
% of adults in the Silent generation 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
14%
25%
4%
47%
10%
4,248
Don't believe
64%
9%
5%
17%
5%
1,197
Other/don't know
24%
22%
9%
31%
13%
544
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.