Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201433%62%4%2%3,966
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 say religion is not at all important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic38%57%3%2%160
Mainline Protestant42%55%3%< 1%136
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")33%62%3%2%3,232
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 say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good33%38%18%12%1,191
Does more good than harm32%35%20%12%2,526
Neither/both equally22%45%16%17%133
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good22%20%29%21%8%< 1%1,191
Does more good than harm21%20%27%25%7%1%2,526
Neither/both equally15%13%39%19%13%1%133
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good68%32%1,211
Does more good than harm60%40%2,558
Neither/both equally69%31%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good77%4%4%12%3%1,190
Does more good than harm77%5%5%9%4%2,522
Neither/both equally67%3%5%19%5%134
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good12%13%76%1,193
Does more good than harm12%13%75%2,529
Neither/both equally15%15%71%137
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good25%19%31%24%1,077
Does more good than harm27%18%27%28%2,346
Neither/both equally28%26%27%19%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.

Educational distribution among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good40%32%17%11%1,206
Does more good than harm27%31%25%18%2,550
Neither/both equally40%27%18%15%137
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good40%10%9%3%38%1,203
Does more good than harm37%12%13%3%34%2,549
Neither/both equally41%10%9%4%35%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good24%76%1,205
Does more good than harm22%78%2,549
Neither/both equally20%80%139
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 say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good16%13%11%1%51%8%1,211
Does more good than harm11%12%10%< 1%60%6%2,558
Neither/both equally24%12%10%< 1%50%4%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good3%11%86%< 1%1,211
Does more good than harm1%9%90%< 1%2,558
Neither/both equally8%9%82%1%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good9%4%3%83%< 1%1,211
Does more good than harm7%4%3%85%< 1%2,558
Neither/both equally20%5%3%71%1%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good3%1%2%95%< 1%1,211
Does more good than harm2%1%1%96%< 1%2,558
Neither/both equally8%< 1%5%86%1%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good22%6%4%67%1%1,211
Does more good than harm24%9%5%61%1%2,558
Neither/both equally28%5%10%58%< 1%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good35%12%9%42%2%1,211
Does more good than harm36%15%9%38%2%2,558
Neither/both equally44%15%3%34%4%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good42%14%11%32%< 1%1,211
Does more good than harm50%15%14%20%1%2,558
Neither/both equally51%10%10%24%4%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good3%15%63%19%1%1,211
Does more good than harm1%21%49%26%2%2,558
Neither/both equally5%16%57%15%7%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good25%74%1%1%1,211
Does more good than harm14%85%1%< 1%2,558
Neither/both equally14%79%7%< 1%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good6%2%2%89%< 1%1,211
Does more good than harm3%3%4%90%< 1%2,558
Neither/both equally7%1%5%84%3%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good3%6%< 1%85%6%1,211
Does more good than harm2%3%< 1%91%3%2,558
Neither/both equally7%4%1%75%13%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good21%71%8%1,211
Does more good than harm14%80%6%2,558
Neither/both equally18%73%10%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good15%77%7%1,211
Does more good than harm10%86%5%2,558
Neither/both equally13%77%10%139
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 say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good42%25%33%1,211
Does more good than harm9%15%77%2,558
Neither/both equally24%35%40%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good28%39%23%10%1,211
Does more good than harm6%27%61%5%2,558
Neither/both equally12%44%28%16%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good74%22%2%2%1,211
Does more good than harm32%61%4%4%2,558
Neither/both equally49%21%19%11%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good76%20%3%1,211
Does more good than harm86%12%2%2,558
Neither/both equally65%22%12%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good81%14%4%2%1,211
Does more good than harm92%6%1%1%2,558
Neither/both equally77%13%8%2%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good75%18%7%1,211
Does more good than harm90%6%3%2,558
Neither/both equally75%18%7%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good42%54%2%2%1,211
Does more good than harm13%84%1%1%2,558
Neither/both equally19%58%13%9%139
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say religion is not at all important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is not at all important 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 good72%9%3%13%3%1,211
Does more good than harm82%7%3%7%1%2,558
Neither/both equally55%13%6%15%11%139
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.