Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201434%62%3%1%7,973
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who do not believe in Heaven by religious group

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Buddhist16%80%4%1%151
Catholic40%56%3%1%709
Evangelical Protestant61%35%2%2%503
Jewish19%75%4%2%461
Mainline Protestant37%59%3%1%861
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")32%64%3%1%4,429
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good28%36%22%14%2,458
Does more good than harm28%34%23%15%5,039
Neither/both equally25%36%24%14%246
Don't know24%29%21%25%111
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good17%18%28%26%9%1%2,458
Does more good than harm18%18%26%27%9%1%5,039
Neither/both equally13%19%29%28%10%1%246
Don't know11%22%20%23%18%5%111
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good65%35%2,493
Does more good than harm54%46%5,104
Neither/both equally68%32%255
Don't know68%32%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good72%5%6%14%3%2,441
Does more good than harm72%6%6%12%4%5,043
Neither/both equally64%8%7%18%4%246
Don't know72%3%9%11%6%118
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good17%11%72%2,465
Does more good than harm16%13%71%5,054
Neither/both equally17%13%70%253
Don't know19%17%64%120
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who have a household income of…

Views about government aid to the poorLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Does more harm than good23%20%32%25%2,227
Does more good than harm26%18%28%28%4,642
Neither/both equally28%20%30%21%219
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good38%31%19%12%2,477
Does more good than harm25%29%26%21%5,085
Neither/both equally31%29%24%16%252
Don't know35%29%22%14%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good48%9%11%3%29%2,476
Does more good than harm43%11%13%3%30%5,088
Neither/both equally42%10%10%4%33%255
Don't know40%7%9%10%33%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good27%73%2,486
Does more good than harm24%76%5,089
Neither/both equally25%75%255
Don't know13%87%120
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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say they…

Views about government aid to the poorBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Does more harm than good28%22%12%1%34%4%2,493
Does more good than harm19%19%12%< 1%44%5%5,104
Neither/both equally24%17%12%2%36%9%255
Don't know28%9%12%2%38%11%121
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 adults who do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say religion is…

Views about government aid to the poorVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good20%19%24%36%< 1%2,493
Does more good than harm15%20%23%41%1%5,104
Neither/both equally15%16%26%40%3%255
Don't know16%17%22%38%7%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who attend religious services…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good14%26%60%< 1%2,493
Does more good than harm10%26%63%< 1%5,104
Neither/both equally11%21%69%< 1%255
Don't know9%26%63%3%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good24%10%6%60%< 1%2,493
Does more good than harm19%9%5%66%1%5,104
Neither/both equally24%7%5%63%2%255
Don't know27%10%4%55%4%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who attend prayer group…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good11%4%4%81%< 1%2,493
Does more good than harm7%3%4%85%< 1%5,104
Neither/both equally10%4%3%82%1%255
Don't know12%2%7%77%3%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who meditate…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good29%8%5%57%1%2,493
Does more good than harm32%11%6%50%1%5,104
Neither/both equally34%12%7%46%1%255
Don't know36%7%8%46%4%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good42%14%10%33%1%2,493
Does more good than harm42%16%11%29%2%5,104
Neither/both equally47%13%5%30%4%255
Don't know43%16%12%27%3%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good45%15%13%26%1%2,493
Does more good than harm52%16%14%17%1%5,104
Neither/both equally50%18%9%21%3%255
Don't know42%18%15%22%3%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about government aid to the poorReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good13%14%57%15%1%2,493
Does more good than harm7%22%48%21%2%5,104
Neither/both equally6%16%53%15%10%255
Don't know10%6%59%14%11%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say…

Views about government aid to the poorThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good31%68%1%1%2,493
Does more good than harm17%81%1%1%5,104
Neither/both equally19%73%7%2%255
Don't know24%69%2%5%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who read scripture…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good16%5%5%74%< 1%2,493
Does more good than harm10%6%8%77%< 1%5,104
Neither/both equally14%4%6%75%1%255
Don't know14%5%10%71%1%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say the holy scripture is…

Views about government aid to the poorWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good10%11%1%73%5%2,493
Does more good than harm5%7%1%83%4%5,104
Neither/both equally3%6%1%72%16%255
Don't know9%7%1%61%22%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good10%88%2%2,493
Does more good than harm5%94%1%5,104
Neither/both equally5%91%3%255
Don't know5%89%5%121
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good49%23%28%2,493
Does more good than harm10%15%75%5,104
Neither/both equally20%33%47%255
Don't know18%36%45%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good34%39%20%7%2,493
Does more good than harm9%30%57%4%5,104
Neither/both equally16%35%34%14%255
Don't know17%35%27%21%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good75%22%2%1%2,493
Does more good than harm32%60%4%3%5,104
Neither/both equally49%22%18%11%255
Don't know48%20%6%26%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say abortion should be…

Views about government aid to the poorLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good67%30%3%2,493
Does more good than harm83%14%2%5,104
Neither/both equally69%18%14%255
Don't know67%23%11%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good72%23%3%2%2,493
Does more good than harm89%8%1%2%5,104
Neither/both equally77%13%7%3%255
Don't know71%10%4%16%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good65%28%7%2,493
Does more good than harm87%10%3%5,104
Neither/both equally70%18%12%255
Don't know71%13%16%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say…

Views about government aid to the poorStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good44%52%2%2%2,493
Does more good than harm14%84%1%2%5,104
Neither/both equally20%61%14%5%255
Don't know15%58%1%26%121
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 do not believe in Heaven by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say humans…

Views about government aid to the poorEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good61%12%4%21%2%2,493
Does more good than harm75%10%3%11%1%5,104
Neither/both equally58%10%11%13%8%255
Don't know55%11%7%14%13%121
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.