| Survey year | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 85% | 8% | 7% | 641 |
| 2007 | 83% | 8% | 10% | 869 |
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Learn More: Believe
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are ages…
| Belief in Heaven | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 12% | 28% | 29% | 30% | 525 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…
| Belief in Heaven | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 10% | 5% | 26% | 36% | 21% | 3% | 525 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…
| Belief in Heaven | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 43% | 57% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who identify as…
| Belief in Heaven | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 95% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 534 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…
| Belief in Heaven | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 3% | 8% | 89% | 535 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who have a household income of…
| Belief in Heaven | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 19% | 22% | 33% | 25% | 465 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who have completed…
| Belief in Heaven | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 32% | 34% | 21% | 13% | 534 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…
| Belief in Heaven | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 61% | 4% | 9% | 10% | 16% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…
| Belief in Heaven | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 25% | 75% | 539 |
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.
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say they…
| 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 | 72% | 26% | 2% | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say religion is…
| Belief in Heaven | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 61% | 33% | 5% | 1% | < 1% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who attend religious services…
| 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 | 35% | 51% | 14% | < 1% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who pray…
| Belief in Heaven | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 57% | 27% | 6% | 9% | < 1% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who attend prayer group…
| 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 | 17% | 9% | 13% | 61% | < 1% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who meditate…
| 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 | 31% | 11% | 4% | 53% | 1% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| 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 | 58% | 20% | 10% | 11% | 1% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| 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% | 22% | 11% | 24% | 1% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Belief in Heaven | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 34% | 7% | 52% | 5% | 2% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say…
| 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 | 30% | 69% | 1% | < 1% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who read scripture…
| 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 | 26% | 14% | 15% | 44% | < 1% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say the holy scripture is…
| 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 | 22% | 44% | 2% | 25% | 8% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …in hell
| Belief in Heaven | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 67% | 25% | 9% | 539 |
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.
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who identify as…
| Belief in Heaven | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 45% | 10% | 44% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who are…
| Belief in Heaven | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 35% | 41% | 22% | 3% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who would rather have…
| Belief in Heaven | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 65% | 30% | 4% | 2% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say government aid to the poor…
| Belief in Heaven | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 50% | 44% | 5% | 1% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say abortion should be…
| Belief in Heaven | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 64% | 34% | 2% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say homosexuality…
| Belief in Heaven | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 71% | 24% | 3% | 2% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who …same-sex marriage
| Belief in Heaven | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believe | 62% | 31% | 7% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say…
| 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 | 35% | 62% | 2% | 1% | 539 |
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 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by belief in heaven
% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who say humans…
| 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 | 19% | 42% | 4% | 33% | 3% | 539 |
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.
