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 ages 65 and older by religious group
% of adults ages 65 and older who …in hell
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Table
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Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
60%
30%
10%
2,131
Evangelical Protestant
80%
11%
8%
2,399
Historically Black Protestant
78%
11%
10%
401
Jewish
18%
72%
10%
320
Mainline Protestant
50%
36%
14%
2,272
Mormon
49%
43%
8%
146
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
14%
76%
10%
1,225
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
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Belief in Hell
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
28%
66%
6%
4,880
Don't believe
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
30%
63%
7%
3,434
Other/don't know
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
25%
66%
9%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
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Table
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Belief in Hell
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
42%
58%
4,880
Don't believe
49%
51%
3,434
Other/don't know
40%
60%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who identify as…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Hell
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
80%
11%
1%
6%
2%
4,826
Don't believe
85%
4%
1%
7%
2%
3,395
Other/don't know
80%
8%
2%
7%
3%
992
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
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Table
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Belief in Hell
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
7%
8%
84%
4,832
Don't believe
11%
15%
74%
3,405
Other/don't know
9%
10%
81%
992
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who have a household income of…
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Belief in Hell
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
44%
25%
21%
10%
4,004
Don't believe
33%
21%
28%
18%
2,899
Other/don't know
46%
18%
23%
13%
735
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who have completed…
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Table
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Belief in Hell
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
55%
26%
11%
8%
4,866
Don't believe
39%
24%
19%
18%
3,426
Other/don't know
47%
26%
14%
13%
1,006
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
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Belief in Hell
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
54%
2%
13%
28%
4%
4,867
Don't believe
57%
4%
13%
22%
4%
3,425
Other/don't know
50%
1%
15%
29%
5%
1,003
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
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Table
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Belief in Hell
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
3%
97%
4,875
Don't believe
2%
98%
3,430
Other/don't know
4%
96%
1,011
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who say they…
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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
86%
11%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
4,880
Don't believe
44%
25%
8%
1%
18%
4%
3,434
Other/don't know
64%
22%
4%
5%
1%
5%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who say religion is…
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Belief in Hell
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
80%
15%
3%
1%
1%
4,880
Don't believe
38%
26%
14%
20%
1%
3,434
Other/don't know
64%
22%
7%
3%
3%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who attend religious services…
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Table
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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
61%
23%
15%
1%
4,880
Don't believe
27%
28%
45%
< 1%
3,434
Other/don't know
46%
27%
25%
2%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who pray…
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Table
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Belief in Hell
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
78%
12%
3%
5%
1%
4,880
Don't believe
42%
14%
5%
38%
1%
3,434
Other/don't know
64%
14%
4%
13%
5%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who attend prayer group…
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Table
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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
40%
10%
9%
41%
1%
4,880
Don't believe
14%
4%
7%
74%
1%
3,434
Other/don't know
25%
7%
9%
56%
4%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who meditate…
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Table
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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
61%
7%
3%
26%
3%
4,880
Don't believe
41%
8%
5%
44%
2%
3,434
Other/don't know
53%
8%
4%
28%
7%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older 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
74%
10%
5%
9%
2%
4,880
Don't believe
50%
12%
10%
25%
2%
3,434
Other/don't know
64%
12%
6%
14%
5%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
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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%
12%
11%
27%
3%
4,880
Don't believe
44%
13%
14%
27%
2%
3,434
Other/don't know
46%
12%
11%
24%
7%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older 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
54%
5%
36%
3%
3%
4,880
Don't believe
18%
12%
54%
12%
4%
3,434
Other/don't know
32%
6%
48%
6%
8%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who say…
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Table
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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
44%
52%
2%
2%
4,880
Don't believe
25%
71%
1%
2%
3,434
Other/don't know
32%
63%
2%
4%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older 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
55%
10%
7%
26%
2%
4,880
Don't believe
21%
6%
7%
64%
1%
3,434
Other/don't know
40%
10%
7%
41%
3%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who say the holy scripture is…
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Table
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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
53%
28%
5%
8%
6%
4,880
Don't believe
12%
23%
2%
54%
9%
3,434
Other/don't know
28%
28%
6%
19%
19%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who …in heaven
Chart
Table
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Belief in Hell
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
95%
2%
3%
4,880
Don't believe
43%
48%
8%
3,434
Other/don't know
60%
3%
37%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who identify as…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Hell
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
49%
12%
39%
4,880
Don't believe
31%
15%
53%
3,434
Other/don't know
42%
15%
42%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
55%
27%
13%
5%
4,880
Don't believe
29%
34%
32%
6%
3,434
Other/don't know
46%
30%
15%
9%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who would rather have…
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Table
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Belief in Hell
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
62%
31%
2%
5%
4,880
Don't believe
51%
39%
5%
5%
3,434
Other/don't know
56%
28%
6%
10%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Hell
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
52%
41%
4%
3%
4,880
Don't believe
38%
56%
3%
3%
3,434
Other/don't know
41%
45%
6%
7%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who say abortion should be…
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Table
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Belief in Hell
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
37%
58%
6%
4,880
Don't believe
68%
26%
6%
3,434
Other/don't know
47%
39%
13%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
36%
56%
4%
4%
4,880
Don't believe
70%
22%
4%
4%
3,434
Other/don't know
49%
35%
7%
9%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older who …same-sex marriage
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Table
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Belief in Hell
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
24%
67%
9%
4,880
Don't believe
61%
30%
9%
3,434
Other/don't know
34%
48%
18%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older 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%
42%
3%
6%
4,880
Don't believe
32%
61%
3%
5%
3,434
Other/don't know
42%
42%
4%
12%
1,013
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 ages 65 and older by belief in hell
% of adults ages 65 and older 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
13%
24%
4%
51%
9%
4,880
Don't believe
46%
19%
5%
24%
7%
3,434
Other/don't know
19%
26%
9%
30%
16%
1,013
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.