Belief in Hell among widowed adults

% of widowed adults who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201461%28%11%3,218
200759%25%17%3,705
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, Don't believe

Belief in Hell among widowed adults by religious group

% of widowed adults who …in hell

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic61%27%12%721
Evangelical Protestant82%12%6%923
Historically Black Protestant81%11%8%196
Mainline Protestant52%32%15%791
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")26%63%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.

Learn More: Believe, Don't believe

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among widowed adults by belief in hell

% of widowed adults who are ages…

Belief in Hell18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe< 1%7%23%70%1,814
Don't believe< 1%6%20%74%959
Other/don't know< 1%6%17%77%367
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 hell

% of widowed adults who are…

Belief in HellYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe< 1%1%6%32%51%10%1,814
Don't believe< 1%1%6%29%50%14%959
Other/don't know< 1%< 1%6%23%55%15%367
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 hell

% of widowed adults who are…

Belief in HellMenWomenSample size
Believe25%75%1,847
Don't believe26%74%990
Other/don't know22%78%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who identify as…

Belief in HellWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe72%16%1%7%3%1,829
Don't believe82%6%2%8%3%975
Other/don't know74%10%2%10%4%374
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 hell

% of widowed adults who are…

Belief in HellImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe7%8%84%1,818
Don't believe9%18%73%973
Other/don't know10%10%79%374
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 hell

% of widowed adults who have a household income of…

Belief in HellLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe64%20%12%4%1,516
Don't believe50%23%17%11%815
Other/don't know65%16%12%7%274
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 hell

% of widowed adults who have completed…

Belief in HellHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe62%26%7%5%1,840
Don't believe47%28%14%12%984
Other/don't know57%24%11%8%377
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 hell

% of widowed adults who are…

Belief in HellParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe8%92%1,845
Don't believe5%95%988
Other/don't know6%94%380
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 widowed adults by belief in hell

% of widowed adults who say they…

Belief in HellBelieve 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
Believe87%10%1%1%< 1%< 1%1,847
Don't believe52%24%8%2%11%3%990
Other/don't know66%19%3%6%< 1%6%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who say religion is…

Belief in HellVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe81%16%2%1%< 1%1,847
Don't believe45%25%14%15%1%990
Other/don't know68%23%4%2%3%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who attend religious services…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe56%25%18%2%1,847
Don't believe26%32%42%1%990
Other/don't know47%27%24%3%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who pray…

Belief in HellAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe80%12%3%4%1%1,847
Don't believe52%13%4%30%2%990
Other/don't know69%13%3%11%4%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who attend prayer group…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe39%9%9%41%2%1,847
Don't believe16%6%7%70%1%990
Other/don't know23%6%10%56%5%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who meditate…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe61%6%2%27%3%1,847
Don't believe46%8%4%40%2%990
Other/don't know57%7%3%24%8%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe74%8%6%10%2%1,847
Don't believe54%10%10%24%2%990
Other/don't know66%12%5%12%5%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe46%12%11%27%4%1,847
Don't believe43%10%14%32%2%990
Other/don't know42%9%11%32%5%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HellReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe52%4%37%3%4%1,847
Don't believe21%11%55%9%3%990
Other/don't know27%8%53%5%8%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who say…

Belief in HellThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe37%58%2%3%1,847
Don't believe22%74%2%2%990
Other/don't know22%71%2%5%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who read scripture…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe57%10%7%25%2%1,847
Don't believe26%7%8%58%1%990
Other/don't know47%8%8%35%2%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HellWord 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
Believe57%24%5%8%6%1,847
Don't believe17%24%2%44%12%990
Other/don't know32%24%7%20%17%381
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 belief in hell

% of widowed adults who …in heaven

Belief in HellBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe95%2%3%1,847
Don't believe55%36%9%990
Other/don't know74%3%23%381
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 widowed adults by belief in hell

% of widowed adults who identify as…

Belief in HellRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe38%16%46%1,847
Don't believe30%18%52%990
Other/don't know40%17%43%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who are…

Belief in HellConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe46%33%14%7%1,847
Don't believe29%35%27%9%990
Other/don't know38%37%16%9%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who would rather have…

Belief in HellSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe52%39%4%5%1,847
Don't believe49%38%6%7%990
Other/don't know45%36%8%10%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HellDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe46%46%5%4%1,847
Don't believe37%56%4%3%990
Other/don't know35%48%6%11%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who say abortion should be…

Belief in HellLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe37%56%7%1,847
Don't believe61%32%7%990
Other/don't know51%35%14%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who say homosexuality…

Belief in HellShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe37%53%4%5%1,847
Don't believe67%24%5%4%990
Other/don't know46%33%9%12%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HellStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe25%64%11%1,847
Don't believe58%30%11%990
Other/don't know33%45%22%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who say…

Belief in HellStricter 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
Believe43%45%4%8%1,847
Don't believe30%60%3%6%990
Other/don't know38%41%5%16%381
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 hell

% of widowed adults who say humans…

Belief in HellEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe13%22%4%51%10%1,847
Don't believe39%17%5%30%8%990
Other/don't know16%24%9%34%17%381
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.