Belief in Heaven among adults who read scripture once or twice a month
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who …in heaven
Chart
Trends
Table
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
83%
11%
6%
3,457
2007
83%
10%
7%
3,543
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 read scripture once or twice a month by religious group
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who …in heaven
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Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
89%
7%
5%
782
Evangelical Protestant
91%
5%
4%
979
Historically Black Protestant
94%
3%
4%
249
Mainline Protestant
84%
9%
7%
791
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
61%
32%
7%
362
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
26%
34%
24%
15%
2,775
Don't believe
29%
37%
22%
12%
404
Other/don't know
15%
36%
30%
20%
213
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
18%
14%
29%
29%
9%
1%
2,775
Don't believe
18%
17%
31%
26%
8%
1%
404
Other/don't know
7%
17%
26%
35%
14%
1%
213
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
46%
54%
2,827
Don't believe
58%
42%
407
Other/don't know
55%
45%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who identify as…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
60%
16%
3%
17%
3%
2,800
Don't believe
66%
7%
5%
19%
3%
399
Other/don't know
59%
13%
3%
22%
3%
215
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
16%
10%
74%
2,789
Don't believe
17%
13%
70%
405
Other/don't know
22%
6%
73%
216
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
38%
21%
25%
15%
2,493
Don't believe
29%
19%
28%
25%
372
Other/don't know
43%
17%
19%
21%
183
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who have completed…
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Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
45%
33%
14%
9%
2,823
Don't believe
33%
28%
20%
19%
406
Other/don't know
38%
31%
19%
13%
220
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
45%
8%
13%
6%
28%
2,819
Don't believe
45%
12%
13%
3%
28%
407
Other/don't know
51%
5%
19%
5%
21%
219
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
32%
68%
2,819
Don't believe
26%
74%
407
Other/don't know
23%
77%
220
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 who read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say they…
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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
79%
18%
2%
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
2,827
Don't believe
41%
29%
7%
< 1%
20%
3%
407
Other/don't know
55%
25%
8%
2%
1%
8%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
69%
26%
3%
1%
< 1%
2,827
Don't believe
40%
32%
14%
14%
1%
407
Other/don't know
54%
31%
10%
3%
2%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who attend religious services…
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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
38%
49%
13%
< 1%
2,827
Don't believe
17%
47%
35%
1%
407
Other/don't know
31%
44%
23%
1%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who pray…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
68%
23%
5%
3%
1%
2,827
Don't believe
39%
22%
8%
30%
1%
407
Other/don't know
55%
20%
10%
13%
2%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who attend prayer group…
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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
18%
23%
15%
43%
< 1%
2,827
Don't believe
11%
18%
11%
60%
< 1%
407
Other/don't know
15%
17%
17%
51%
1%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
37%
14%
4%
43%
2%
2,827
Don't believe
45%
15%
4%
35%
1%
407
Other/don't know
44%
16%
4%
33%
4%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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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
60%
22%
10%
7%
1%
2,827
Don't believe
59%
18%
8%
14%
< 1%
407
Other/don't know
56%
17%
14%
10%
3%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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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
42%
21%
13%
23%
1%
2,827
Don't believe
57%
16%
9%
16%
1%
407
Other/don't know
52%
17%
11%
16%
4%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
38%
10%
44%
6%
2%
2,827
Don't believe
16%
25%
41%
16%
2%
407
Other/don't know
23%
18%
44%
6%
10%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
34%
64%
1%
1%
2,827
Don't believe
25%
72%
2%
1%
407
Other/don't know
29%
65%
4%
2%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
37%
40%
3%
13%
7%
2,827
Don't believe
13%
15%
2%
64%
6%
407
Other/don't know
20%
16%
< 1%
39%
25%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who …in hell
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
78%
17%
6%
2,827
Don't believe
12%
86%
2%
407
Other/don't know
17%
31%
52%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who identify as…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
42%
15%
43%
2,827
Don't believe
24%
15%
61%
407
Other/don't know
23%
33%
44%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who are…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
35%
19%
5%
2,827
Don't believe
21%
35%
42%
2%
407
Other/don't know
28%
40%
20%
13%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
50%
44%
2%
3%
2,827
Don't believe
43%
46%
4%
6%
407
Other/don't know
49%
36%
11%
4%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
46%
49%
3%
1%
2,827
Don't believe
31%
65%
2%
1%
407
Other/don't know
42%
49%
6%
4%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
48%
49%
3%
2,827
Don't believe
66%
31%
3%
407
Other/don't know
60%
34%
6%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
61%
32%
4%
4%
2,827
Don't believe
79%
15%
3%
3%
407
Other/don't know
64%
25%
7%
4%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month who …same-sex marriage
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
49%
42%
9%
2,827
Don't believe
74%
19%
6%
407
Other/don't know
55%
34%
11%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
43%
53%
2%
2%
2,827
Don't believe
22%
73%
3%
1%
407
Other/don't know
34%
55%
5%
6%
223
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 read scripture once or twice a month by belief in heaven
% of adults who read scripture once or twice a month 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
20%
33%
4%
39%
4%
2,827
Don't believe
52%
20%
5%
22%
2%
407
Other/don't know
29%
24%
13%
20%
12%
223
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.