Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201452%40%8%21,955
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 say that right or wrong depends on the situation by religious group

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who …in hell

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist31%64%5%212
Catholic60%31%9%4,619
Evangelical Protestant80%14%6%3,811
Hindu30%58%12%158
Historically Black Protestant79%14%7%1,290
Jewish19%74%7%633
Mainline Protestant56%33%11%3,901
Mormon59%34%8%267
Muslim73%20%7%178
Orthodox Christian52%33%14%113
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")25%67%8%5,875
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are ages…

Belief in Hell18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe26%34%25%15%10,334
Don't believe27%33%23%16%9,399
Other/don't know19%32%27%23%1,817
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Belief in HellYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe17%16%28%29%10%1%10,334
Don't believe18%17%26%28%10%1%9,399
Other/don't know11%14%26%33%14%2%1,817
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Belief in HellMenWomenSample size
Believe45%55%10,497
Don't believe50%50%9,569
Other/don't know43%57%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who identify as…

Belief in HellWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe58%17%4%18%4%10,407
Don't believe70%7%6%14%4%9,444
Other/don't know65%10%5%15%5%1,838
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Belief in HellImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe16%10%74%10,327
Don't believe16%13%72%9,471
Other/don't know16%11%73%1,840
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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
Believe42%22%23%13%9,140
Don't believe28%20%27%25%8,562
Other/don't know40%18%23%19%1,511
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who have completed…

Belief in HellHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe49%32%12%6%10,447
Don't believe32%30%22%16%9,525
Other/don't know42%29%16%12%1,871
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Belief in HellMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe43%8%14%7%28%10,463
Don't believe44%10%12%5%29%9,529
Other/don't know44%8%14%10%25%1,860
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Belief in HellParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe31%69%10,458
Don't believe25%75%9,545
Other/don't know26%74%1,878
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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
Believe74%20%3%1%1%1%10,497
Don't believe33%25%10%1%28%4%9,569
Other/don't know52%25%8%2%4%9%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say religion is…

Belief in HellVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe62%28%7%3%< 1%10,497
Don't believe24%26%21%28%1%9,569
Other/don't know44%29%14%10%3%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who attend religious services…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe39%38%23%< 1%10,497
Don't believe15%33%52%< 1%9,569
Other/don't know27%35%36%2%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who pray…

Belief in HellAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe62%19%6%12%1%10,497
Don't believe30%14%7%49%1%9,569
Other/don't know48%17%6%26%3%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who attend prayer group…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe26%12%10%52%1%10,497
Don't believe9%5%6%80%< 1%9,569
Other/don't know16%7%8%67%2%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who meditate…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe41%8%4%46%1%10,497
Don't believe33%10%6%50%1%9,569
Other/don't know37%9%6%45%4%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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
Believe60%16%10%13%1%10,497
Don't believe45%17%12%25%1%9,569
Other/don't know53%14%11%18%4%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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
Believe41%16%13%28%1%10,497
Don't believe49%16%14%21%1%9,569
Other/don't know45%16%12%23%4%1,889
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HellReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe36%8%47%7%2%10,497
Don't believe10%18%54%16%2%9,569
Other/don't know20%12%53%8%6%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who read scripture…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe38%13%10%38%1%10,497
Don't believe14%7%8%70%< 1%9,569
Other/don't know25%10%9%54%2%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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
Believe38%34%3%19%6%10,497
Don't believe8%16%1%68%6%9,569
Other/don't know19%20%4%37%20%1,889
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who …in heaven

Belief in HellBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe96%2%2%10,497
Don't believe36%59%5%9,569
Other/don't know48%3%49%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who identify as…

Belief in HellRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe35%18%47%10,497
Don't believe22%18%59%9,569
Other/don't know28%26%46%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Belief in HellConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe35%37%22%7%10,497
Don't believe17%36%42%5%9,569
Other/don't know29%37%24%10%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who would rather have…

Belief in HellSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe45%50%2%4%10,497
Don't believe44%49%3%3%9,569
Other/don't know44%42%6%9%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HellDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe42%52%4%2%10,497
Don't believe32%63%3%2%9,569
Other/don't know36%52%6%6%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say abortion should be…

Belief in HellLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe50%46%4%10,497
Don't believe76%21%3%9,569
Other/don't know58%32%9%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say homosexuality…

Belief in HellShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe61%32%4%3%10,497
Don't believe84%11%2%2%9,569
Other/don't know67%19%6%7%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HellStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe50%42%8%10,497
Don't believe80%15%5%9,569
Other/don't know58%27%15%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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
Believe38%57%2%3%10,497
Don't believe24%72%2%2%9,569
Other/don't know32%57%4%7%1,889
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by belief in hell

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation 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%31%4%37%4%10,497
Don't believe60%17%4%16%2%9,569
Other/don't know36%23%10%22%10%1,889
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.