Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201488%6%6%11,754
200786%6%8%10,833
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Heaven among adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious group

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic93%4%3%2,203
Evangelical Protestant87%5%7%5,299
Historically Black Protestant93%3%3%929
Jehovah's Witness48%38%14%194
Jewish79%16%6%126
Mainline Protestant90%5%6%1,825
Mormon98%1%1%428
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")80%13%7%441
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Believe, Don't believe

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Belief in Heaven18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe16%33%29%21%10,109
Don't believe17%32%35%17%670
Other/don't know8%35%34%23%704
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HeavenYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe10%12%27%35%14%1%10,109
Don't believe9%12%28%40%9%2%670
Other/don't know4%9%30%41%15%2%704
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HeavenMenWomenSample size
Believe41%59%10,345
Don't believe43%57%685
Other/don't know44%56%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Belief in HeavenWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe64%15%2%15%4%10,218
Don't believe60%11%2%23%4%670
Other/don't know72%10%3%12%4%710
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HeavenImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe14%8%78%10,206
Don't believe21%9%70%682
Other/don't know13%5%82%715
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…

Belief in HeavenLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe37%21%27%15%8,906
Don't believe35%22%26%17%596
Other/don't know30%21%31%18%582
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Belief in HeavenHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe44%33%15%8%10,288
Don't believe42%29%16%13%679
Other/don't know38%31%20%12%718
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HeavenMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe55%4%13%8%19%10,295
Don't believe56%5%13%6%20%682
Other/don't know65%2%16%5%12%720
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HeavenParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe31%69%10,295
Don't believe29%71%683
Other/don't know34%66%719
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they…

Belief in HeavenBelieve 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
Believe90%9%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%10,345
Don't believe78%12%4%< 1%4%2%685
Other/don't know87%8%2%2%1%1%724
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Belief in HeavenVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe89%10%1%< 1%< 1%10,345
Don't believe78%14%4%3%1%685
Other/don't know86%9%2%1%2%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe66%25%9%1%10,345
Don't believe61%24%14%< 1%685
Other/don't know72%16%11%1%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Belief in HeavenAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe84%11%2%3%1%10,345
Don't believe76%10%3%10%1%685
Other/don't know85%9%1%3%1%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe47%13%9%30%1%10,345
Don't believe50%11%8%31%1%685
Other/don't know57%10%8%23%1%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe54%7%3%34%2%10,345
Don't believe53%7%3%32%4%685
Other/don't know58%5%2%30%6%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe79%11%5%5%1%10,345
Don't believe75%8%5%10%2%685
Other/don't know81%7%4%5%3%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe48%16%11%23%2%10,345
Don't believe54%13%12%19%2%685
Other/don't know57%12%8%18%6%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Belief in HeavenThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe49%48%1%1%10,345
Don't believe53%44%1%2%685
Other/don't know62%34%2%1%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe65%11%6%17%1%10,345
Don't believe63%9%5%21%1%685
Other/don't know76%7%3%13%2%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HeavenWord 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
Believe56%31%4%5%4%10,345
Don't believe46%28%3%19%5%685
Other/don't know49%24%9%7%10%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Belief in HeavenBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe84%11%5%10,345
Don't believe31%66%3%685
Other/don't know41%15%44%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Belief in HeavenRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe49%17%34%10,345
Don't believe43%25%32%685
Other/don't know54%23%23%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HeavenConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe54%27%13%6%10,345
Don't believe48%23%19%11%685
Other/don't know60%18%8%14%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Belief in HeavenSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe56%38%3%3%10,345
Don't believe54%41%3%2%685
Other/don't know65%25%4%5%724
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HeavenDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe51%43%4%2%10,345
Don't believe49%48%2%1%685
Other/don't know56%34%7%3%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Belief in HeavenLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe30%66%4%10,345
Don't believe33%64%3%685
Other/don't know21%74%5%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Belief in HeavenShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe37%54%5%4%10,345
Don't believe41%54%3%3%685
Other/don't know29%58%6%7%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HeavenStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe28%65%7%10,345
Don't believe33%61%6%685
Other/don't know18%72%10%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Belief in HeavenStricter 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
Believe46%48%3%3%10,345
Don't believe39%55%2%4%685
Other/don't know52%35%5%8%724
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 their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say religion is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say humans…

Belief in HeavenEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe9%28%2%56%5%10,345
Don't believe14%20%4%60%3%685
Other/don't know8%16%4%64%8%724
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.