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 religious group
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in hell
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Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
58%
34%
7%
2,225
Evangelical Protestant
73%
19%
8%
1,382
Historically Black Protestant
70%
22%
8%
228
Jewish
15%
77%
8%
313
Mainline Protestant
57%
33%
10%
1,990
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
46%
45%
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are ages…
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Belief in Hell
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
28%
36%
25%
11%
4,179
Don't believe
23%
35%
25%
17%
3,243
Other/don't know
18%
31%
31%
20%
752
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…
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Belief in Hell
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
18%
16%
29%
29%
7%
< 1%
4,179
Don't believe
14%
16%
27%
30%
11%
1%
3,243
Other/don't know
11%
13%
26%
37%
12%
1%
752
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…
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Belief in Hell
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
54%
46%
4,227
Don't believe
48%
52%
3,302
Other/don't know
48%
52%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…
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Belief in Hell
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
69%
8%
4%
16%
4%
4,190
Don't believe
70%
6%
5%
15%
4%
3,258
Other/don't know
69%
7%
7%
11%
5%
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.
Immigrant status among adults who say religion is somewhat important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…
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Belief in Hell
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
13%
11%
77%
4,170
Don't believe
16%
13%
71%
3,268
Other/don't know
16%
11%
73%
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.
Income distribution among adults who say religion is somewhat important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have a household income of…
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Belief in Hell
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
35%
21%
26%
17%
3,790
Don't believe
28%
19%
29%
24%
2,939
Other/don't know
35%
19%
24%
22%
650
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have completed…
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Belief in Hell
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
46%
33%
14%
7%
4,208
Don't believe
34%
29%
21%
16%
3,285
Other/don't know
38%
33%
17%
12%
777
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…
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Belief in Hell
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
43%
10%
13%
5%
30%
4,215
Don't believe
49%
10%
12%
5%
24%
3,293
Other/don't know
44%
10%
15%
8%
23%
772
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…
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Belief in Hell
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
31%
69%
4,212
Don't believe
28%
72%
3,294
Other/don't know
26%
74%
778
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they…
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Belief in Hell
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Believe
60%
34%
4%
1%
1%
1%
4,227
Don't believe
39%
40%
10%
1%
7%
2%
3,302
Other/don't know
40%
40%
9%
2%
2%
6%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who attend religious services…
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Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
15%
55%
30%
< 1%
4,227
Don't believe
11%
54%
34%
< 1%
3,302
Other/don't know
11%
52%
35%
1%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who pray…
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Belief in Hell
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
30%
12%
17%
< 1%
4,227
Don't believe
32%
26%
13%
27%
1%
3,302
Other/don't know
32%
27%
11%
26%
5%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who attend prayer group…
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Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
8%
9%
9%
73%
< 1%
4,227
Don't believe
6%
7%
9%
79%
< 1%
3,302
Other/don't know
5%
5%
8%
81%
1%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who meditate…
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Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
25%
9%
5%
61%
1%
4,227
Don't believe
32%
12%
7%
48%
1%
3,302
Other/don't know
28%
9%
8%
53%
2%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
23%
16%
19%
1%
4,227
Don't believe
43%
20%
15%
21%
1%
3,302
Other/don't know
41%
19%
15%
22%
2%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
35%
17%
16%
31%
1%
4,227
Don't believe
44%
16%
15%
24%
1%
3,302
Other/don't know
40%
19%
15%
24%
2%
782
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 hell
% 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 Hell
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
17%
11%
61%
9%
2%
4,227
Don't believe
8%
18%
61%
12%
1%
3,302
Other/don't know
10%
14%
62%
7%
7%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say…
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Belief in Hell
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
30%
68%
1%
1%
4,227
Don't believe
21%
77%
1%
1%
3,302
Other/don't know
24%
72%
3%
2%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who read scripture…
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Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
15%
13%
13%
59%
1%
4,227
Don't believe
10%
9%
13%
67%
1%
3,302
Other/don't know
11%
10%
14%
64%
1%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is…
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Belief in Hell
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
22%
41%
2%
28%
7%
4,227
Don't believe
7%
24%
1%
60%
8%
3,302
Other/don't know
9%
22%
3%
41%
25%
782
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 belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in heaven
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Belief in Hell
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
96%
2%
2%
4,227
Don't believe
50%
42%
7%
3,302
Other/don't know
45%
2%
53%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…
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Belief in Hell
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
41%
18%
41%
4,227
Don't believe
28%
18%
53%
3,302
Other/don't know
32%
25%
42%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…
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Belief in Hell
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
34%
38%
22%
6%
4,227
Don't believe
21%
41%
34%
5%
3,302
Other/don't know
29%
41%
22%
8%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who would rather have…
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Belief in Hell
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
54%
41%
2%
3%
4,227
Don't believe
48%
45%
3%
4%
3,302
Other/don't know
52%
34%
6%
8%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say government aid to the poor…
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Belief in Hell
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
50%
45%
3%
1%
4,227
Don't believe
38%
58%
3%
1%
3,302
Other/don't know
42%
48%
6%
5%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say abortion should be…
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Belief in Hell
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
60%
37%
3%
4,227
Don't believe
74%
23%
3%
3,302
Other/don't know
61%
29%
10%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say homosexuality…
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Belief in Hell
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
72%
23%
3%
3%
4,227
Don't believe
82%
12%
3%
3%
3,302
Other/don't know
71%
15%
8%
6%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …same-sex marriage
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Belief in Hell
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
61%
31%
8%
4,227
Don't believe
76%
18%
6%
3,302
Other/don't know
60%
27%
14%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say…
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Belief in Hell
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
55%
2%
2%
4,227
Don't believe
29%
66%
2%
3%
3,302
Other/don't know
32%
58%
5%
5%
782
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 hell
% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say humans…
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Belief in Hell
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
31%
34%
4%
28%
3%
4,227
Don't believe
51%
24%
5%
18%
3%
3,302
Other/don't know
37%
23%
12%
19%
9%
782
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.