Importance of religion in one's life among adults who do not believe in Hell

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201428%26%19%26%1%12,839
200732%31%18%19%1%10,938
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who do not believe in Hell by religious group

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Buddhist32%35%16%14%3%192
Catholic43%38%14%5%1%2,080
Evangelical Protestant59%31%6%3%< 1%957
Hindu20%54%18%7%< 1%118
Historically Black Protestant72%22%3%2%1%225
Jehovah's Witness91%8%< 1%< 1%< 1%215
Jewish26%39%24%12%< 1%637
Mainline Protestant39%39%16%5%1%2,056
Mormon82%14%4%< 1%< 1%227
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")6%15%27%51%1%5,272
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important16%30%30%24%3,514
Somewhat important23%35%25%17%3,243
Not too important32%34%21%13%2,445
Not at all important32%36%19%13%3,303
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important9%12%25%36%16%2%3,514
Somewhat important14%16%27%30%11%1%3,243
Not too important21%18%27%26%7%1%2,445
Not at all important20%20%27%24%8%1%3,303
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important39%61%3,606
Somewhat important48%52%3,302
Not too important56%44%2,477
Not at all important63%37%3,353
Don't know49%51%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important61%12%3%20%4%3,547
Somewhat important70%6%5%15%4%3,258
Not too important75%4%7%10%4%2,447
Not at all important79%3%5%9%3%3,306
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important20%10%70%3,561
Somewhat important16%13%71%3,268
Not too important14%14%72%2,459
Not at all important12%14%75%3,322
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important37%21%24%18%3,103
Somewhat important28%19%29%24%2,939
Not too important23%20%29%28%2,245
Not at all important24%17%31%28%3,063
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important41%29%16%14%3,585
Somewhat important34%29%21%16%3,285
Not too important27%31%25%17%2,466
Not at all important28%31%24%17%3,342
Don't know26%40%21%13%100
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important53%6%14%9%19%3,588
Somewhat important49%10%12%5%24%3,293
Not too important42%9%10%4%35%2,465
Not at all important40%12%11%3%34%3,341
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important29%71%3,596
Somewhat important28%72%3,294
Not too important23%77%2,469
Not at all important22%78%3,344
Don't know15%85%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve 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
Very important77%17%2%1%2%1%3,606
Somewhat important39%40%10%1%7%2%3,302
Not too important14%30%20%< 1%29%7%2,477
Not at all important9%10%9%1%65%5%3,353
Don't know46%19%4%8%17%7%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important52%32%16%< 1%3,606
Somewhat important11%54%34%< 1%3,302
Not too important3%35%63%< 1%2,477
Not at all important1%9%90%< 1%3,353
Don't know18%21%51%10%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important75%15%3%6%1%3,606
Somewhat important32%26%13%27%1%3,302
Not too important11%10%9%70%< 1%2,477
Not at all important6%3%3%89%< 1%3,353
Don't know55%9%2%23%11%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important35%11%10%43%1%3,606
Somewhat important6%7%9%79%< 1%3,302
Not too important1%2%3%94%< 1%2,477
Not at all important1%< 1%1%97%< 1%3,353
Don't know11%6%9%67%7%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important55%8%3%31%2%3,606
Somewhat important32%12%7%48%1%3,302
Not too important24%12%6%58%< 1%2,477
Not at all important23%8%5%64%1%3,353
Don't know61%12%1%20%7%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important73%12%7%7%1%3,606
Somewhat important43%20%15%21%1%3,302
Not too important33%18%14%33%1%2,477
Not at all important35%14%9%40%2%3,353
Don't know65%11%3%17%4%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important55%13%10%20%2%3,606
Somewhat important44%16%15%24%1%3,302
Not too important44%19%16%21%< 1%2,477
Not at all important48%15%13%22%1%3,353
Don't know61%17%4%13%5%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important39%11%39%7%3%3,606
Somewhat important8%18%61%12%1%3,302
Not too important3%21%59%16%1%2,477
Not at all important1%19%53%25%1%3,353
Don't know21%13%47%6%12%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important33%64%2%2%3,606
Somewhat important21%77%1%1%3,302
Not too important18%80%1%1%2,477
Not at all important17%82%1%1%3,353
Don't know24%70%4%2%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important47%14%8%30%1%3,606
Somewhat important10%9%13%67%1%3,302
Not too important4%4%6%86%< 1%2,477
Not at all important2%2%3%92%< 1%3,353
Don't know22%4%9%57%8%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord 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
Very important29%34%3%25%8%3,606
Somewhat important7%24%1%60%8%3,302
Not too important2%7%< 1%85%6%2,477
Not at all important1%2%< 1%94%3%3,353
Don't know10%13%2%62%13%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important67%27%6%3,606
Somewhat important50%42%7%3,302
Not too important22%72%6%2,477
Not at all important7%91%2%3,353
Don't know34%51%16%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important31%24%45%3,606
Somewhat important28%18%53%3,302
Not too important26%16%58%2,477
Not at all important19%18%63%3,353
Don't know18%35%47%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important33%32%26%9%3,606
Somewhat important21%41%34%5%3,302
Not too important16%38%42%4%2,477
Not at all important12%31%50%6%3,353
Don't know24%24%38%14%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important46%46%3%4%3,606
Somewhat important48%45%3%4%3,302
Not too important51%43%3%3%2,477
Not at all important46%47%4%3%3,353
Don't know48%38%7%6%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important39%55%3%2%3,606
Somewhat important38%58%3%1%3,302
Not too important35%61%3%1%2,477
Not at all important31%64%3%1%3,353
Don't know20%60%12%8%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important51%44%5%3,606
Somewhat important74%23%3%3,302
Not too important84%14%2%2,477
Not at all important85%12%3%3,353
Don't know67%13%20%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important64%29%4%3%3,606
Somewhat important82%12%3%3%3,302
Not too important88%9%1%2%2,477
Not at all important91%6%2%1%3,353
Don't know65%16%10%9%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important55%36%9%3,606
Somewhat important76%18%6%3,302
Not too important84%11%4%2,477
Not at all important89%8%4%3,353
Don't know62%21%17%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter 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
Very important34%59%3%4%3,606
Somewhat important29%66%2%3%3,302
Not too important25%72%1%2%2,477
Not at all important20%76%2%2%3,353
Don't know24%60%6%10%101
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 do not believe in Hell by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important23%29%5%38%5%3,606
Somewhat important51%24%5%18%3%3,302
Not too important75%10%4%8%2%2,477
Not at all important84%6%2%7%1%3,353
Don't know50%16%13%15%6%101
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.