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 widowed adults by religious group
% of widowed adults who …in heaven
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Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
90%
6%
5%
721
Evangelical Protestant
90%
4%
6%
923
Historically Black Protestant
91%
4%
5%
196
Mainline Protestant
85%
8%
7%
791
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
46%
43%
11%
338
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who are ages…
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Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
< 1%
7%
22%
71%
2,459
Don't believe
< 1%
7%
21%
72%
435
Other/don't know
< 1%
6%
14%
80%
246
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
< 1%
1%
6%
31%
52%
10%
2,459
Don't believe
< 1%
< 1%
7%
29%
46%
18%
435
Other/don't know
< 1%
< 1%
6%
24%
55%
16%
246
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
23%
77%
2,515
Don't believe
35%
65%
446
Other/don't know
29%
71%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who identify as…
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Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
74%
14%
1%
8%
3%
2,489
Don't believe
83%
7%
1%
5%
4%
437
Other/don't know
76%
11%
1%
8%
4%
252
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
8%
10%
82%
2,472
Don't believe
10%
18%
71%
439
Other/don't know
11%
11%
78%
254
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults 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
63%
20%
12%
5%
2,032
Don't believe
44%
22%
20%
13%
378
Other/don't know
53%
20%
18%
10%
195
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who have completed…
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Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
61%
26%
8%
5%
2,504
Don't believe
39%
26%
18%
17%
443
Other/don't know
49%
27%
14%
10%
254
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
7%
93%
2,513
Don't believe
7%
93%
444
Other/don't know
6%
94%
256
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults 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
82%
13%
2%
2%
< 1%
1%
2,515
Don't believe
30%
21%
17%
2%
26%
4%
446
Other/don't know
57%
24%
3%
5%
1%
10%
257
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Importance of religion in one's life among widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who say religion is…
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Belief in Heaven
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
77%
18%
3%
1%
< 1%
2,515
Don't believe
25%
21%
20%
32%
2%
446
Other/don't know
50%
25%
12%
6%
7%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults 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
51%
27%
20%
2%
2,515
Don't believe
20%
25%
55%
< 1%
446
Other/don't know
34%
29%
34%
2%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who pray…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
78%
12%
3%
6%
1%
2,515
Don't believe
31%
9%
4%
55%
1%
446
Other/don't know
54%
17%
6%
18%
4%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults 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
34%
8%
9%
46%
2%
2,515
Don't believe
13%
5%
6%
76%
1%
446
Other/don't know
22%
4%
9%
63%
2%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who meditate…
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Table
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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
60%
7%
2%
28%
3%
2,515
Don't believe
39%
7%
4%
48%
3%
446
Other/don't know
50%
6%
5%
31%
8%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
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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
72%
9%
6%
11%
2%
2,515
Don't believe
44%
10%
10%
33%
3%
446
Other/don't know
59%
11%
6%
18%
6%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Table
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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
45%
11%
11%
29%
3%
2,515
Don't believe
44%
9%
14%
32%
1%
446
Other/don't know
43%
12%
14%
27%
4%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
46%
5%
42%
3%
4%
2,515
Don't believe
15%
13%
55%
12%
4%
446
Other/don't know
24%
13%
51%
9%
3%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults 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
33%
62%
1%
3%
2,515
Don't believe
23%
73%
2%
2%
446
Other/don't know
21%
73%
3%
3%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who read scripture…
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Table
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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%
10%
7%
29%
2%
2,515
Don't believe
17%
4%
9%
69%
< 1%
446
Other/don't know
30%
6%
12%
51%
2%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults 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
50%
27%
5%
11%
7%
2,515
Don't believe
13%
8%
1%
68%
10%
446
Other/don't know
17%
20%
4%
36%
23%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who …in hell
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
71%
19%
10%
2,515
Don't believe
10%
88%
3%
446
Other/don't know
25%
37%
37%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who identify as…
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Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
38%
17%
45%
2,515
Don't believe
24%
17%
58%
446
Other/don't know
32%
13%
55%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
34%
15%
8%
2,515
Don't believe
24%
34%
35%
7%
446
Other/don't know
30%
34%
25%
11%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults 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
51%
39%
4%
6%
2,515
Don't believe
46%
40%
7%
7%
446
Other/don't know
46%
33%
8%
13%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults 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
44%
48%
4%
4%
2,515
Don't believe
33%
60%
4%
4%
446
Other/don't know
38%
47%
8%
7%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults 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
42%
51%
8%
2,515
Don't believe
69%
26%
6%
446
Other/don't know
52%
35%
13%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
46%
5%
6%
2,515
Don't believe
67%
25%
5%
3%
446
Other/don't know
51%
34%
6%
9%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
31%
56%
12%
2,515
Don't believe
59%
30%
11%
446
Other/don't know
43%
40%
17%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults 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
41%
47%
4%
8%
2,515
Don't believe
26%
65%
3%
6%
446
Other/don't know
32%
49%
7%
12%
257
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 widowed adults by belief in heaven
% of widowed adults 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
15%
23%
5%
47%
10%
2,515
Don't believe
58%
9%
2%
24%
7%
446
Other/don't know
25%
20%
11%
31%
13%
257
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.