Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201445%50%4%2%8,311
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 somewhat important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic47%48%3%2%2,225
Evangelical Protestant52%44%3%1%1,382
Historically Black Protestant24%67%6%3%228
Jewish24%71%4%1%313
Mainline Protestant49%47%3%1%1,990
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")42%52%4%2%1,498
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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good23%36%26%15%3,646
Does more good than harm28%34%25%13%4,115
Neither/both equally20%44%26%11%280
Don't know22%30%26%23%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good14%14%30%31%10%1%3,646
Does more good than harm19%17%26%29%8%1%4,115
Neither/both equally8%18%37%31%5%1%280
Don't know12%20%20%30%16%3%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good57%43%3,706
Does more good than harm46%54%4,182
Neither/both equally54%46%284
Don't know55%45%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good74%5%4%14%3%3,652
Does more good than harm65%9%5%17%4%4,147
Neither/both equally67%12%4%12%6%273
Don't know58%7%6%24%5%136
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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good12%11%77%3,658
Does more good than harm16%12%72%4,133
Neither/both equally12%10%78%281
Don't know25%11%64%132
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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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%21%31%22%3,286
Does more good than harm39%19%23%18%3,757
Neither/both equally35%22%25%19%235
Don't know46%15%24%15%101
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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good42%33%17%8%3,687
Does more good than harm40%30%17%13%4,160
Neither/both equally36%32%19%13%284
Don't know55%24%14%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.

Marital status among adults who say religion is somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good51%9%12%5%23%3,687
Does more good than harm40%11%13%5%31%4,172
Neither/both equally43%12%19%5%20%284
Don't know36%9%19%10%26%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.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say religion is somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good30%70%3,691
Does more good than harm28%72%4,171
Neither/both equally33%67%283
Don't know26%74%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good54%37%5%< 1%2%1%3,706
Does more good than harm48%38%8%1%4%2%4,182
Neither/both equally49%33%6%3%3%6%284
Don't know45%37%6%6%3%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.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say religion is somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good13%55%32%< 1%3,706
Does more good than harm13%55%31%< 1%4,182
Neither/both equally17%42%41%< 1%284
Don't know13%43%41%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.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say religion is somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good35%30%13%20%1%3,706
Does more good than harm38%27%12%22%1%4,182
Neither/both equally37%26%10%25%1%284
Don't know42%22%14%20%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.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say religion is somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good6%8%9%77%< 1%3,706
Does more good than harm7%8%10%75%< 1%4,182
Neither/both equally9%6%6%77%1%284
Don't know7%5%8%77%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.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say religion is somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good24%9%5%60%1%3,706
Does more good than harm30%11%6%52%1%4,182
Neither/both equally30%11%9%50%< 1%284
Don't know31%10%6%45%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.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say religion is somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good40%23%15%20%1%3,706
Does more good than harm43%21%15%19%1%4,182
Neither/both equally47%14%17%18%3%284
Don't know40%19%10%26%6%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good36%17%16%31%1%3,706
Does more good than harm42%18%15%24%1%4,182
Neither/both equally36%17%14%32%2%284
Don't know39%18%10%29%5%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good15%10%65%9%1%3,706
Does more good than harm12%17%58%12%2%4,182
Neither/both equally12%15%59%6%9%284
Don't know16%12%51%8%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 absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say religion is somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good33%66%1%1%3,706
Does more good than harm21%78%1%1%4,182
Neither/both equally23%70%5%2%284
Don't know25%63%2%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.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say religion is somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good13%10%13%63%1%3,706
Does more good than harm13%13%13%61%1%4,182
Neither/both equally14%8%10%67%1%284
Don't know13%6%6%73%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.

Interpreting scripture among adults who say religion is somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good18%38%2%35%8%3,706
Does more good than harm13%31%1%46%9%4,182
Neither/both equally12%24%3%41%20%284
Don't know10%28%5%26%30%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good80%12%7%3,706
Does more good than harm71%21%8%4,182
Neither/both equally71%13%16%284
Don't know69%12%19%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good62%30%8%3,706
Does more good than harm50%41%8%4,182
Neither/both equally50%35%15%284
Don't know47%29%24%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good55%18%27%3,706
Does more good than harm20%18%62%4,182
Neither/both equally25%33%41%284
Don't know25%34%41%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good42%37%16%5%3,706
Does more good than harm18%41%36%5%4,182
Neither/both equally27%40%25%8%284
Don't know17%36%23%24%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good72%25%1%2%3,706
Does more good than harm35%58%3%4%4,182
Neither/both equally41%31%17%12%284
Don't know34%36%8%21%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good59%37%4%3,706
Does more good than harm72%26%3%4,182
Neither/both equally58%31%12%284
Don't know47%35%18%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good69%24%4%3%3,706
Does more good than harm82%13%2%2%4,182
Neither/both equally71%13%13%3%284
Don't know57%16%10%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 same-sex marriage among adults who say religion is somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good56%35%9%3,706
Does more good than harm77%18%6%4,182
Neither/both equally61%23%16%284
Don't know49%32%19%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good50%45%2%2%3,706
Does more good than harm24%72%1%2%4,182
Neither/both equally23%58%13%5%284
Don't know24%50%6%20%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 somewhat important by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 good34%32%4%28%3%3,706
Does more good than harm44%28%5%21%3%4,182
Neither/both equally32%22%19%17%9%284
Don't know22%22%12%19%25%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.