Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201459%35%3%2%3,142
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good14%31%31%24%1,900
Does more good than harm18%29%32%22%1,020
Neither/both equally6%33%37%24%102
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good9%9%27%38%16%1%1,900
Does more good than harm11%11%24%37%15%1%1,020
Neither/both equally2%13%23%43%15%3%102
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good53%47%1,936
Does more good than harm42%58%1,038
Neither/both equally44%56%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good89%3%< 1%4%4%1,920
Does more good than harm79%6%2%6%8%1,026
Neither/both equally80%2%< 1%12%6%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.

Immigrant status among baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good3%4%94%1,921
Does more good than harm4%4%92%1,021
Neither/both equally5%1%94%103
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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%23%35%18%1,684
Does more good than harm51%20%20%9%932
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good43%36%15%6%1,923
Does more good than harm55%31%9%5%1,035
Neither/both equally51%37%8%4%103
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good65%3%11%8%13%1,929
Does more good than harm47%7%19%11%16%1,036
Neither/both equally52%4%16%18%11%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good29%71%1,932
Does more good than harm25%75%1,032
Neither/both equally28%72%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good90%8%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,936
Does more good than harm86%11%1%1%< 1%1%1,038
Neither/both equally93%4%< 1%1%< 1%1%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good80%16%2%1%1%1,936
Does more good than harm76%22%1%1%< 1%1,038
Neither/both equally86%13%1%< 1%< 1%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good57%30%12%1%1,936
Does more good than harm48%36%16%1%1,038
Neither/both equally62%23%14%1%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good79%13%3%4%1%1,936
Does more good than harm78%14%3%5%< 1%1,038
Neither/both equally82%11%3%4%< 1%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good45%13%10%32%1%1,936
Does more good than harm38%12%10%39%1%1,038
Neither/both equally48%13%10%28%1%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good43%6%2%47%2%1,936
Does more good than harm47%6%2%43%2%1,038
Neither/both equally56%7%1%35%1%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good76%11%6%6%1%1,936
Does more good than harm72%13%7%8%< 1%1,038
Neither/both equally77%11%3%4%5%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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%16%12%28%2%1,936
Does more good than harm46%17%11%26%1%1,038
Neither/both equally42%12%15%28%3%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good61%4%31%2%2%1,936
Does more good than harm50%6%39%3%1%1,038
Neither/both equally61%1%27%2%9%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good58%39%1%1%1,936
Does more good than harm35%63%2%1%1,038
Neither/both equally53%43%4%1%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good63%11%7%19%1%1,936
Does more good than harm57%14%8%21%1%1,038
Neither/both equally72%10%10%8%< 1%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good61%25%4%6%4%1,936
Does more good than harm52%29%2%12%5%1,038
Neither/both equally65%13%10%4%8%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good87%6%7%1,936
Does more good than harm91%4%5%1,038
Neither/both equally83%4%13%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good85%8%6%1,936
Does more good than harm85%10%5%1,038
Neither/both equally90%5%5%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good75%10%15%1,936
Does more good than harm37%18%46%1,038
Neither/both equally60%25%15%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good71%19%6%4%1,936
Does more good than harm42%35%17%6%1,038
Neither/both equally56%27%10%7%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good81%16%1%2%1,936
Does more good than harm45%49%3%4%1,038
Neither/both equally56%22%14%8%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good26%71%3%1,936
Does more good than harm42%54%4%1,038
Neither/both equally29%65%6%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good28%66%4%3%1,936
Does more good than harm45%48%5%3%1,038
Neither/both equally31%48%17%4%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good20%75%5%1,936
Does more good than harm36%56%8%1,038
Neither/both equally19%65%16%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good61%36%2%2%1,936
Does more good than harm38%56%2%4%1,038
Neither/both equally42%41%13%3%104
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 baptists in the Evangelical Tradition by views about government aid to the poor

% of baptists in the Evangelical Tradition 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 good10%23%1%62%4%1,936
Does more good than harm15%27%3%49%4%1,038
Neither/both equally3%28%3%58%8%104
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.