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 say religion is somewhat important by religious group
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in heaven
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Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
82%
12%
6%
2,225
Evangelical Protestant
88%
6%
6%
1,382
Historically Black Protestant
84%
10%
6%
228
Jewish
39%
48%
13%
313
Mainline Protestant
79%
13%
8%
1,990
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
62%
27%
10%
1,498
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are ages…
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Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
26%
35%
26%
13%
5,871
Don't believe
24%
35%
24%
17%
1,568
Other/don't know
21%
31%
28%
20%
735
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among adults who say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
17%
16%
29%
30%
8%
< 1%
5,871
Don't believe
14%
18%
27%
28%
11%
1%
1,568
Other/don't know
12%
14%
25%
34%
13%
1%
735
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Gender composition among adults who say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
51%
49%
5,955
Don't believe
55%
45%
1,590
Other/don't know
51%
49%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…
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Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
70%
8%
4%
15%
3%
5,899
Don't believe
65%
6%
7%
17%
5%
1,560
Other/don't know
70%
7%
4%
13%
6%
749
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
13%
11%
76%
5,883
Don't believe
21%
13%
66%
1,573
Other/don't know
14%
12%
73%
748
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have a household income of…
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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
34%
21%
27%
19%
5,308
Don't believe
27%
19%
28%
26%
1,430
Other/don't know
34%
19%
24%
23%
641
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have completed…
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Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
44%
32%
16%
8%
5,929
Don't believe
31%
26%
23%
20%
1,581
Other/don't know
36%
33%
18%
12%
760
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
44%
10%
12%
5%
28%
5,938
Don't believe
49%
11%
12%
4%
24%
1,585
Other/don't know
44%
10%
16%
5%
25%
757
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
30%
70%
5,935
Don't believe
28%
72%
1,586
Other/don't know
27%
73%
763
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they…
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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
57%
37%
4%
1%
1%
1%
5,955
Don't believe
29%
35%
16%
1%
15%
4%
1,590
Other/don't know
36%
41%
12%
1%
1%
8%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who attend religious services…
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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
14%
56%
29%
< 1%
5,955
Don't believe
8%
52%
40%
< 1%
1,590
Other/don't know
12%
48%
39%
1%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who pray…
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Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
40%
30%
12%
17%
1%
5,955
Don't believe
25%
23%
12%
39%
1%
1,590
Other/don't know
32%
25%
12%
28%
3%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who attend prayer group…
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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
7%
9%
9%
75%
< 1%
5,955
Don't believe
5%
6%
9%
81%
< 1%
1,590
Other/don't know
7%
6%
7%
79%
2%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who meditate…
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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
25%
9%
6%
59%
1%
5,955
Don't believe
37%
13%
8%
43%
1%
1,590
Other/don't know
33%
10%
6%
49%
2%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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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
41%
23%
16%
19%
1%
5,955
Don't believe
45%
18%
13%
23%
1%
1,590
Other/don't know
43%
18%
14%
23%
3%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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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
36%
17%
16%
30%
1%
5,955
Don't believe
49%
16%
14%
19%
1%
1,590
Other/don't know
47%
16%
15%
19%
2%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
15%
12%
63%
9%
2%
5,955
Don't believe
7%
21%
55%
16%
2%
1,590
Other/don't know
8%
18%
60%
9%
5%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say…
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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
28%
71%
1%
1%
5,955
Don't believe
22%
76%
1%
1%
1,590
Other/don't know
22%
74%
2%
2%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who read scripture…
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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
14%
12%
13%
60%
1%
5,955
Don't believe
9%
9%
13%
69%
1%
1,590
Other/don't know
12%
9%
12%
66%
1%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
19%
40%
2%
32%
8%
5,955
Don't believe
4%
12%
1%
76%
7%
1,590
Other/don't know
6%
17%
3%
48%
25%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in hell
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Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
71%
24%
5%
5,955
Don't believe
7%
91%
1%
1,590
Other/don't know
11%
32%
56%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…
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Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
39%
18%
43%
5,955
Don't believe
23%
19%
57%
1,590
Other/don't know
29%
26%
45%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
32%
40%
23%
6%
5,955
Don't believe
18%
37%
41%
4%
1,590
Other/don't know
25%
41%
26%
8%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who would rather have…
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Belief in Heaven
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
53%
42%
2%
3%
5,955
Don't believe
46%
46%
4%
3%
1,590
Other/don't know
49%
36%
6%
9%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say government aid to the poor…
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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
48%
47%
3%
1%
5,955
Don't believe
33%
63%
3%
1%
1,590
Other/don't know
40%
49%
7%
4%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say abortion should be…
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Belief in Heaven
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
62%
34%
3%
5,955
Don't believe
76%
21%
3%
1,590
Other/don't know
65%
25%
10%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say homosexuality…
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Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
74%
20%
3%
3%
5,955
Don't believe
82%
13%
3%
2%
1,590
Other/don't know
74%
15%
6%
5%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …same-sex marriage
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Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
64%
28%
8%
5,955
Don't believe
76%
18%
6%
1,590
Other/don't know
66%
23%
12%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
39%
57%
2%
2%
5,955
Don't believe
25%
70%
2%
3%
1,590
Other/don't know
29%
60%
5%
5%
766
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 say religion is somewhat important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important 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
33%
33%
4%
26%
3%
5,955
Don't believe
62%
16%
5%
15%
2%
1,590
Other/don't know
41%
21%
13%
18%
8%
766
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.