Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201473%19%7%19,186
200772%18%10%16,980
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by religious group

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who …in heaven

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist52%40%8%102
Catholic87%9%4%3,868
Evangelical Protestant87%6%7%5,851
Historically Black Protestant90%7%3%454
Jewish50%41%9%336
Mainline Protestant81%11%8%3,687
Mormon96%2%3%524
Orthodox Christian83%9%8%120
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")37%53%9%3,541
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are ages…

Belief in Heaven18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe17%34%29%21%13,745
Don't believe27%34%24%15%3,620
Other/don't know15%35%29%22%1,427
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Belief in HeavenYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe11%11%28%35%14%1%13,745
Don't believe17%18%26%28%9%1%3,620
Other/don't know9%11%29%35%14%2%1,427
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Belief in HeavenMenWomenSample size
Believe52%48%14,019
Don't believe66%34%3,677
Other/don't know57%43%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who identify as…

Belief in HeavenWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe81%6%2%8%3%13,833
Don't believe78%4%5%10%4%3,601
Other/don't know81%4%2%8%5%1,441
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.

Immigrant status among adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Belief in HeavenImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe7%9%84%13,895
Don't believe12%13%75%3,644
Other/don't know8%9%84%1,464
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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
Believe26%22%32%21%12,233
Don't believe23%19%31%28%3,306
Other/don't know26%21%29%25%1,218
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who have completed…

Belief in HeavenHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe38%35%18%10%13,951
Don't believe31%33%21%15%3,660
Other/don't know33%34%20%12%1,479
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Belief in HeavenMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe58%5%11%7%19%13,971
Don't believe46%9%12%3%29%3,664
Other/don't know59%5%13%5%18%1,465
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Belief in HeavenParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe29%71%13,965
Don't believe24%76%3,665
Other/don't know28%72%1,482
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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
Believe79%17%2%< 1%1%< 1%14,019
Don't believe25%21%12%1%36%5%3,677
Other/don't know55%21%8%1%4%11%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is…

Belief in HeavenVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe65%26%6%2%< 1%14,019
Don't believe17%19%25%39%1%3,677
Other/don't know45%26%16%10%3%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who attend religious services…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe46%35%19%< 1%14,019
Don't believe12%24%63%< 1%3,677
Other/don't know35%27%37%2%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who pray…

Belief in HeavenAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe66%18%6%10%1%14,019
Don't believe22%9%5%63%1%3,677
Other/don't know50%13%6%27%3%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who attend prayer group…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe30%11%9%50%< 1%14,019
Don't believe10%4%4%83%< 1%3,677
Other/don't know25%7%6%60%2%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who meditate…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe42%7%4%45%2%14,019
Don't believe30%10%5%53%1%3,677
Other/don't know38%8%3%46%4%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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
Believe65%15%9%11%1%14,019
Don't believe43%14%10%32%1%3,677
Other/don't know56%13%9%18%4%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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
Believe44%17%13%25%1%14,019
Don't believe49%16%14%21%1%3,677
Other/don't know51%15%11%20%4%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

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

Belief in HeavenReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe44%7%42%5%2%14,019
Don't believe10%17%55%16%1%3,677
Other/don't know33%11%45%5%5%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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
Believe46%52%1%1%14,019
Don't believe27%71%1%1%3,677
Other/don't know44%52%2%1%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who read scripture…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe44%11%9%35%1%14,019
Don't believe14%5%6%74%< 1%3,677
Other/don't know36%8%7%48%2%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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
Believe36%37%3%19%6%14,019
Don't believe7%9%1%78%5%3,677
Other/don't know23%19%5%37%17%1,490
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who …in hell

Belief in HeavenBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe78%17%5%14,019
Don't believe7%91%2%3,677
Other/don't know26%21%53%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who identify as…

Belief in HeavenRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe60%15%25%14,019
Don't believe41%21%38%3,677
Other/don't know56%23%21%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Belief in HeavenConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe54%32%10%4%14,019
Don't believe28%41%25%6%3,677
Other/don't know51%31%11%8%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

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

Belief in HeavenDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe65%30%3%1%14,019
Don't believe53%42%3%1%3,677
Other/don't know64%27%6%4%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

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

Belief in HeavenLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe41%56%3%14,019
Don't believe74%23%3%3,677
Other/don't know46%47%7%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say homosexuality…

Belief in HeavenShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe49%43%4%3%14,019
Don't believe77%17%3%2%3,677
Other/don't know52%35%7%6%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

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

Belief in HeavenStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe39%53%7%14,019
Don't believe72%23%6%3,677
Other/don't know42%46%12%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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
Believe52%44%2%2%14,019
Don't believe37%59%2%2%3,677
Other/don't know52%39%5%5%1,490
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 smaller government with fewer services by belief in heaven

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services 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
Believe18%31%3%44%4%14,019
Don't believe66%10%4%17%2%3,677
Other/don't know29%18%9%36%8%1,490
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.