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 moderates by religious group
% of moderates who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
85%
10%
4%
2,619
Evangelical Protestant
90%
5%
5%
2,236
Historically Black Protestant
93%
4%
3%
672
Jewish
46%
42%
12%
262
Mainline Protestant
79%
13%
8%
2,290
Mormon
90%
5%
5%
172
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
39%
50%
11%
2,681
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 moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
24%
34%
26%
16%
7,974
Don't believe
28%
36%
22%
14%
2,604
Other/don't know
21%
33%
26%
20%
864
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 moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
15%
14%
28%
31%
10%
1%
7,974
Don't believe
18%
19%
28%
26%
8%
1%
2,604
Other/don't know
12%
16%
26%
32%
12%
1%
864
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 moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
43%
57%
8,111
Don't believe
64%
36%
2,639
Other/don't know
55%
45%
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.
Racial and ethnic composition among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
64%
14%
4%
14%
4%
8,028
Don't believe
71%
5%
6%
14%
4%
2,600
Other/don't know
71%
8%
4%
12%
5%
881
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 moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
13%
10%
77%
8,028
Don't believe
16%
12%
72%
2,613
Other/don't know
12%
9%
79%
892
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 moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
36%
21%
26%
17%
7,165
Don't believe
23%
20%
30%
27%
2,384
Other/don't know
30%
19%
25%
26%
750
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 moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
40%
34%
16%
10%
8,085
Don't believe
30%
30%
23%
16%
2,633
Other/don't know
30%
35%
20%
16%
898
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 moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
47%
7%
12%
8%
26%
8,086
Don't believe
45%
9%
12%
4%
30%
2,630
Other/don't know
47%
8%
12%
6%
26%
896
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 moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
31%
69%
8,079
Don't believe
25%
75%
2,629
Other/don't know
24%
76%
899
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.
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 moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
58%
30%
8%
3%
< 1%
8,111
Don't believe
14%
22%
27%
36%
1%
2,639
Other/don't know
30%
35%
22%
11%
2%
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.
Attendance at religious services among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
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
38%
40%
21%
< 1%
8,111
Don't believe
9%
29%
61%
< 1%
2,639
Other/don't know
20%
37%
42%
1%
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.
Frequency of prayer among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
61%
20%
7%
12%
1%
8,111
Don't believe
18%
10%
6%
65%
1%
2,639
Other/don't know
39%
18%
8%
32%
3%
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.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates 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
23%
11%
10%
55%
< 1%
8,111
Don't believe
7%
3%
4%
86%
< 1%
2,639
Other/don't know
14%
5%
7%
73%
1%
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.
Frequency of meditation among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who meditate…
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
39%
9%
5%
46%
1%
8,111
Don't believe
29%
10%
6%
54%
1%
2,639
Other/don't know
40%
8%
5%
45%
2%
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.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates 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
60%
16%
11%
12%
1%
8,111
Don't believe
41%
15%
11%
31%
1%
2,639
Other/don't know
49%
16%
13%
19%
3%
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.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates 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
41%
17%
15%
26%
1%
8,111
Don't believe
48%
17%
14%
20%
1%
2,639
Other/don't know
52%
16%
12%
18%
2%
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.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates 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
33%
9%
49%
7%
2%
8,111
Don't believe
6%
18%
55%
19%
2%
2,639
Other/don't know
15%
18%
54%
9%
4%
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.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who say…
Chart
Table
Share
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
29%
69%
1%
1%
8,111
Don't believe
21%
77%
1%
1%
2,639
Other/don't know
23%
73%
3%
1%
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.
Frequency of reading scripture among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates 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
36%
13%
10%
41%
1%
8,111
Don't believe
10%
6%
8%
77%
< 1%
2,639
Other/don't know
20%
10%
8%
60%
2%
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.
Interpreting scripture among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
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
30%
38%
2%
23%
7%
8,111
Don't believe
5%
8%
1%
81%
5%
2,639
Other/don't know
7%
19%
3%
50%
21%
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.
Belief in Hell among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
74%
21%
5%
8,111
Don't believe
7%
92%
1%
2,639
Other/don't know
15%
27%
59%
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.
Party affiliation among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
34%
17%
49%
8,111
Don't believe
28%
20%
52%
2,639
Other/don't know
29%
24%
46%
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.
Views about size of government among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
50%
43%
3%
4%
8,111
Don't believe
59%
34%
4%
3%
2,639
Other/don't know
50%
34%
9%
8%
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.
Views about government aid to the poor among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
53%
4%
2%
8,111
Don't believe
39%
56%
4%
1%
2,639
Other/don't know
34%
52%
9%
5%
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.
Views about abortion among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
56%
40%
4%
8,111
Don't believe
78%
19%
3%
2,639
Other/don't know
68%
26%
6%
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.
Views about homosexuality among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
67%
25%
4%
3%
8,111
Don't believe
86%
10%
2%
1%
2,639
Other/don't know
74%
15%
6%
5%
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.
Views about same-sex marriage among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
57%
35%
7%
8,111
Don't believe
82%
14%
5%
2,639
Other/don't know
68%
21%
11%
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.
Views about environmental regulation among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who say…
Chart
Table
Share
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
34%
62%
2%
2%
8,111
Don't believe
26%
68%
3%
3%
2,639
Other/don't know
27%
63%
5%
5%
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.
Views about human evolution among moderates by belief in heaven
% of moderates who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
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
26%
34%
4%
34%
3%
8,111
Don't believe
71%
12%
4%
12%
2%
2,639
Other/don't know
45%
21%
12%
15%
7%
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.