Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201448%47%4%2%24,337
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.

Learn More: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who believe in Heaven by religious group

% of adults who believe in Heaven who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic47%47%4%2%6,083
Evangelical Protestant55%39%4%2%7,452
Historically Black Protestant27%67%4%2%1,761
Jehovah's Witness31%58%5%6%126
Jewish44%52%2%2%288
Mainline Protestant50%44%4%2%4,683
Mormon66%30%3%1%626
Muslim30%63%4%4%202
Orthodox Christian50%48%2%< 1%138
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")42%53%3%2%2,430
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.

Learn More: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good19%34%28%19%11,731
Does more good than harm23%34%27%17%10,740
Neither/both equally19%37%25%19%900
Don't know15%26%28%31%478
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good12%13%29%33%13%1%11,731
Does more good than harm15%14%27%31%11%1%10,740
Neither/both equally10%15%31%32%12%1%900
Don't know9%12%20%34%22%3%478
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good49%51%11,961
Does more good than harm41%59%10,957
Neither/both equally44%56%925
Don't know42%58%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good73%8%3%13%3%11,814
Does more good than harm55%20%3%18%4%10,845
Neither/both equally62%14%3%17%4%903
Don't know56%15%4%20%5%467
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good12%9%79%11,830
Does more good than harm17%10%73%10,780
Neither/both equally16%8%76%909
Don't know21%7%72%478
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who have a household income of…

Views about government aid to the poorLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Does more harm than good28%22%31%19%10,366
Does more good than harm46%20%21%13%9,620
Neither/both equally43%22%23%12%754
Don't know53%16%22%9%344
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good42%34%16%8%11,907
Does more good than harm47%31%13%9%10,890
Neither/both equally42%35%14%9%918
Don't know62%22%11%5%487
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good56%6%11%7%20%11,915
Does more good than harm42%8%15%8%27%10,911
Neither/both equally47%7%16%9%21%920
Don't know43%5%16%15%21%488
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good31%69%11,912
Does more good than harm30%70%10,919
Neither/both equally31%69%921
Don't know24%76%492
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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who say they…

Views about government aid to the poorBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Does more harm than good78%18%3%< 1%1%< 1%11,961
Does more good than harm74%21%3%1%1%1%10,957
Neither/both equally79%15%2%2%< 1%2%925
Don't know75%16%3%5%1%< 1%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who say religion is…

Views about government aid to the poorVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good66%26%6%2%< 1%11,961
Does more good than harm64%26%7%3%< 1%10,957
Neither/both equally68%23%5%2%1%925
Don't know72%19%4%2%3%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who attend religious services…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good45%36%19%< 1%11,961
Does more good than harm41%37%21%< 1%10,957
Neither/both equally46%31%22%1%925
Don't know49%27%21%3%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good66%18%6%10%1%11,961
Does more good than harm65%18%6%11%1%10,957
Neither/both equally70%16%5%9%1%925
Don't know69%13%6%8%4%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who attend prayer group…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good30%11%9%49%< 1%11,961
Does more good than harm28%11%10%50%1%10,957
Neither/both equally33%11%9%46%1%925
Don't know35%6%8%48%3%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who meditate…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good41%8%4%46%2%11,961
Does more good than harm44%9%4%41%1%10,957
Neither/both equally51%5%4%38%1%925
Don't know49%4%2%35%9%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good64%15%9%11%1%11,961
Does more good than harm63%15%9%12%1%10,957
Neither/both equally70%12%8%9%2%925
Don't know62%12%6%16%5%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good42%16%13%27%1%11,961
Does more good than harm45%16%13%24%1%10,957
Neither/both equally46%13%11%26%4%925
Don't know42%15%12%26%6%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about government aid to the poorReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good44%6%43%5%2%11,961
Does more good than harm38%10%43%7%2%10,957
Neither/both equally43%8%37%4%8%925
Don't know41%6%36%6%12%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who say…

Views about government aid to the poorThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good45%53%1%1%11,961
Does more good than harm28%70%1%1%10,957
Neither/both equally34%59%6%1%925
Don't know28%61%2%10%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who read scripture…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good43%11%9%36%1%11,961
Does more good than harm41%13%9%36%1%10,957
Neither/both equally48%11%7%33%1%925
Don't know48%9%4%36%3%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who say the holy scripture is…

Views about government aid to the poorWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good40%35%3%16%5%11,961
Does more good than harm37%32%2%22%6%10,957
Neither/both equally36%26%8%17%13%925
Don't know43%19%12%13%13%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good80%15%5%11,961
Does more good than harm73%21%5%10,957
Neither/both equally74%14%12%925
Don't know69%18%14%494
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good60%15%25%11,961
Does more good than harm24%18%58%10,957
Neither/both equally34%29%37%925
Don't know32%36%32%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good54%29%12%5%11,961
Does more good than harm29%38%27%6%10,957
Neither/both equally38%35%15%12%925
Don't know32%28%15%25%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good72%24%2%2%11,961
Does more good than harm34%60%3%4%10,957
Neither/both equally44%34%13%9%925
Don't know36%41%4%19%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who say abortion should be…

Views about government aid to the poorLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good39%57%3%11,961
Does more good than harm54%42%4%10,957
Neither/both equally42%49%9%925
Don't know29%50%21%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good50%43%4%3%11,961
Does more good than harm63%30%3%3%10,957
Neither/both equally49%30%15%7%925
Don't know38%37%6%19%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good38%55%8%11,961
Does more good than harm55%38%7%10,957
Neither/both equally40%43%17%925
Don't know32%45%23%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who say…

Views about government aid to the poorStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good54%42%2%2%11,961
Does more good than harm30%65%2%3%10,957
Neither/both equally29%53%12%6%925
Don't know33%37%3%27%494
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Heaven who say humans…

Views about government aid to the poorEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good19%29%3%45%4%11,961
Does more good than harm25%31%3%36%4%10,957
Neither/both equally15%27%8%39%11%925
Don't know11%19%8%33%28%494
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.