Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201456%37%7%13,339
200762%29%9%14,306
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Hell among adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services by religious group

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who …in hell

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist34%62%4%134
Catholic62%30%8%2,884
Evangelical Protestant82%13%5%2,210
Hindu29%60%11%103
Historically Black Protestant82%11%7%1,326
Jehovah's Witness6%92%2%109
Jewish19%75%7%442
Mainline Protestant59%33%8%1,908
Mormon60%30%11%119
Muslim77%18%5%163
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")29%64%6%3,419
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are ages…

Belief in Hell18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe28%35%24%13%6,574
Don't believe28%34%23%15%5,611
Other/don't know22%31%28%18%917
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are…

Belief in HellYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe18%17%28%28%8%1%6,574
Don't believe17%18%27%28%9%1%5,611
Other/don't know13%13%27%34%11%1%917
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are…

Belief in HellMenWomenSample size
Believe40%60%6,682
Don't believe44%56%5,710
Other/don't know38%62%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who identify as…

Belief in HellWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe41%26%4%26%4%6,626
Don't believe62%10%6%19%4%5,655
Other/don't know50%18%5%24%4%929
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are…

Belief in HellImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe24%10%66%6,544
Don't believe21%13%67%5,638
Other/don't know25%11%65%919
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who have a household income of…

Belief in HellLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe54%20%18%9%5,844
Don't believe33%19%26%23%5,163
Other/don't know52%15%18%15%758
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who have completed…

Belief in HellHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe55%29%10%6%6,643
Don't believe33%26%22%18%5,680
Other/don't know50%25%14%12%937
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are…

Belief in HellMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe37%9%16%7%32%6,659
Don't believe43%10%13%4%29%5,687
Other/don't know38%9%14%9%31%933
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are…

Belief in HellParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe34%66%6,658
Don't believe27%73%5,696
Other/don't know28%72%941
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say they…

Belief in HellBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Believe75%20%3%1%1%1%6,682
Don't believe34%24%10%1%28%3%5,710
Other/don't know55%26%8%2%3%6%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say religion is…

Belief in HellVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe68%24%6%3%< 1%6,682
Don't believe29%25%18%27%1%5,710
Other/don't know53%26%12%7%1%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who attend religious services…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe42%37%20%1%6,682
Don't believe18%34%47%< 1%5,710
Other/don't know31%36%32%1%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who pray…

Belief in HellAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe66%17%5%11%< 1%6,682
Don't believe33%13%7%46%1%5,710
Other/don't know54%17%6%21%2%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who attend prayer group…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe31%13%10%46%1%6,682
Don't believe12%6%6%76%< 1%5,710
Other/don't know20%7%8%63%2%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who meditate…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe44%9%4%42%2%6,682
Don't believe34%10%6%49%1%5,710
Other/don't know42%8%5%42%3%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe63%15%9%12%1%6,682
Don't believe47%17%11%24%1%5,710
Other/don't know56%13%10%17%4%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe42%16%13%27%1%6,682
Don't believe49%16%13%21%1%5,710
Other/don't know49%14%10%22%4%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HellReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe41%8%42%8%2%6,682
Don't believe14%19%48%17%2%5,710
Other/don't know25%12%48%10%5%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say…

Belief in HellThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe27%71%1%1%6,682
Don't believe18%81%1%1%5,710
Other/don't know20%76%1%3%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who read scripture…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe44%13%9%34%1%6,682
Don't believe16%8%7%68%1%5,710
Other/don't know32%10%8%49%2%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HellWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Believe48%29%3%16%5%6,682
Don't believe13%16%1%64%6%5,710
Other/don't know28%20%3%33%16%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who …in heaven

Belief in HellBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe96%3%2%6,682
Don't believe38%58%5%5,710
Other/don't know52%2%46%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who identify as…

Belief in HellRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe22%19%59%6,682
Don't believe11%16%73%5,710
Other/don't know13%25%62%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who are…

Belief in HellConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe30%35%27%7%6,682
Don't believe13%28%54%5%5,710
Other/don't know21%33%34%12%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HellDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe29%66%3%2%6,682
Don't believe18%79%2%1%5,710
Other/don't know23%69%4%4%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say abortion should be…

Belief in HellLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe49%47%4%6,682
Don't believe76%22%2%5,710
Other/don't know60%32%8%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say homosexuality…

Belief in HellShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe61%33%3%3%6,682
Don't believe86%11%2%2%5,710
Other/don't know71%19%4%6%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HellStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe50%43%7%6,682
Don't believe82%14%5%5,710
Other/don't know64%24%13%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say…

Belief in HellStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe33%63%1%3%6,682
Don't believe17%80%1%2%5,710
Other/don't know24%65%3%8%947
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 would rather have a bigger government with more services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a bigger government with more services who say humans…

Belief in HellEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe24%30%3%40%4%6,682
Don't believe61%17%3%18%2%5,710
Other/don't know36%21%7%26%12%947
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.