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 very important by religious group
% of adults who say religion is very important who …in heaven
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Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
91%
5%
4%
4,220
Evangelical Protestant
89%
5%
7%
6,904
Historically Black Protestant
95%
3%
3%
1,641
Jehovah's Witness
50%
37%
12%
224
Jewish
61%
29%
10%
279
Mainline Protestant
88%
6%
7%
3,317
Mormon
98%
1%
1%
559
Muslim
95%
2%
2%
154
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
77%
16%
7%
826
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 very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who are ages…
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Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
17%
33%
29%
22%
15,868
Don't believe
17%
32%
33%
19%
1,274
Other/don't know
9%
35%
32%
24%
1,130
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 very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
10%
12%
27%
34%
15%
2%
15,868
Don't believe
9%
13%
27%
37%
12%
2%
1,274
Other/don't know
5%
9%
30%
38%
16%
2%
1,130
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 very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
42%
58%
16,237
Don't believe
46%
54%
1,305
Other/don't know
44%
56%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…
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Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
61%
17%
2%
16%
4%
16,019
Don't believe
60%
11%
3%
23%
4%
1,280
Other/don't know
66%
10%
2%
17%
5%
1,143
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 very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
15%
8%
76%
16,011
Don't believe
24%
8%
68%
1,290
Other/don't know
16%
7%
77%
1,164
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 very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
39%
21%
25%
15%
13,902
Don't believe
34%
21%
25%
20%
1,120
Other/don't know
35%
20%
26%
19%
918
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 very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who have completed…
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Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
45%
32%
14%
8%
16,148
Don't believe
38%
28%
18%
16%
1,292
Other/don't know
40%
28%
19%
13%
1,171
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 very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
52%
5%
14%
9%
20%
16,162
Don't believe
54%
7%
15%
5%
19%
1,298
Other/don't know
61%
3%
14%
7%
16%
1,171
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 very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
31%
69%
16,174
Don't believe
30%
70%
1,302
Other/don't know
31%
69%
1,172
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 very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
89%
9%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
16,237
Don't believe
69%
20%
4%
1%
5%
2%
1,305
Other/don't know
83%
11%
2%
2%
< 1%
2%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Attendance at religious services among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
60%
29%
11%
1%
16,237
Don't believe
53%
28%
18%
1%
1,305
Other/don't know
61%
23%
14%
1%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of prayer among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who pray…
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Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
82%
13%
2%
2%
1%
16,237
Don't believe
71%
13%
4%
11%
1%
1,305
Other/don't know
83%
9%
2%
3%
3%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
42%
13%
10%
34%
1%
16,237
Don't believe
41%
11%
10%
37%
1%
1,305
Other/don't know
46%
10%
9%
33%
2%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of meditation among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
53%
8%
3%
34%
2%
16,237
Don't believe
57%
8%
4%
28%
4%
1,305
Other/don't know
55%
6%
2%
30%
6%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
76%
12%
6%
5%
1%
16,237
Don't believe
73%
12%
6%
9%
1%
1,305
Other/don't know
78%
8%
6%
5%
3%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
48%
16%
11%
23%
2%
16,237
Don't believe
60%
10%
10%
18%
2%
1,305
Other/don't know
57%
11%
8%
18%
5%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
56%
6%
32%
4%
3%
16,237
Don't believe
43%
11%
33%
9%
3%
1,305
Other/don't know
54%
9%
27%
3%
7%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
42%
55%
2%
1%
16,237
Don't believe
40%
56%
2%
2%
1,305
Other/don't know
48%
47%
3%
2%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
59%
13%
8%
20%
1%
16,237
Don't believe
51%
13%
8%
27%
1%
1,305
Other/don't know
62%
10%
6%
19%
2%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Interpreting scripture among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
51%
32%
4%
8%
5%
16,237
Don't believe
32%
25%
3%
32%
8%
1,305
Other/don't know
38%
23%
8%
14%
17%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who …in hell
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Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
81%
14%
6%
16,237
Don't believe
23%
73%
4%
1,305
Other/don't know
36%
18%
46%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Party affiliation among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…
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Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
44%
17%
39%
16,237
Don't believe
32%
25%
43%
1,305
Other/don't know
44%
24%
32%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Political ideology among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
48%
30%
16%
6%
16,237
Don't believe
36%
28%
28%
8%
1,305
Other/don't know
51%
23%
14%
12%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about size of government among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
52%
41%
3%
4%
16,237
Don't believe
48%
46%
3%
3%
1,305
Other/don't know
55%
30%
6%
9%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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%
46%
4%
2%
16,237
Don't believe
41%
55%
3%
1%
1,305
Other/don't know
48%
40%
8%
5%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about abortion among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
36%
59%
5%
16,237
Don't believe
47%
49%
5%
1,305
Other/don't know
32%
61%
7%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about homosexuality among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
45%
46%
5%
4%
16,237
Don't believe
58%
36%
3%
4%
1,305
Other/don't know
41%
46%
7%
7%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very important who …same-sex marriage
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Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
35%
57%
8%
16,237
Don't believe
50%
43%
7%
1,305
Other/don't know
30%
56%
14%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about environmental regulation among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
44%
50%
3%
4%
16,237
Don't believe
33%
62%
3%
2%
1,305
Other/don't know
46%
42%
5%
8%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about human evolution among adults who say religion is very important by belief in heaven
% of adults who say religion is very 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
13%
30%
3%
49%
5%
16,237
Don't believe
29%
22%
4%
41%
3%
1,305
Other/don't know
13%
18%
8%
50%
11%
1,183
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.