Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201445%7%40%6%2%19,167
200739%6%48%4%3%20,461
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: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who believe in Hell by religious group

% of adults who believe in Hell who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic35%9%45%9%2%4,475
Evangelical Protestant63%4%28%2%2%6,978
Historically Black Protestant50%5%39%4%2%1,557
Jewish40%11%41%5%4%144
Mainline Protestant37%8%49%5%2%3,327
Mormon68%3%23%4%3%381
Muslim43%9%34%9%4%173
Orthodox Christian31%11%48%7%3%101
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")16%11%60%10%3%1,699
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: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion16%34%29%20%8,938
Philosophy/reason35%33%20%12%1,272
Common sense23%35%26%15%7,206
Science29%40%21%10%972
Don't know20%31%29%21%426
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion11%12%28%35%14%1%8,938
Philosophy/reason22%20%26%23%8%1%1,272
Common sense15%15%29%31%10%1%7,206
Science20%17%32%24%6%1%972
Don't know11%13%27%33%16%< 1%426
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion43%57%9,135
Philosophy/reason53%47%1,285
Common sense50%50%7,312
Science53%47%986
Don't know57%43%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion64%16%2%14%4%9,024
Philosophy/reason58%12%6%20%4%1,276
Common sense65%15%3%14%4%7,236
Science49%10%6%31%4%978
Don't know64%14%2%15%5%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.

Immigrant status among adults who believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion13%7%79%9,015
Philosophy/reason19%13%68%1,264
Common sense12%9%79%7,205
Science31%12%57%971
Don't know16%6%78%438
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who have a household income of…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Religion36%22%27%15%7,885
Philosophy/reason39%19%23%19%1,131
Common sense39%21%25%15%6,438
Science43%22%20%15%859
Don't know39%23%24%14%337
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion44%34%15%8%9,086
Philosophy/reason40%33%17%11%1,279
Common sense49%33%12%6%7,278
Science49%24%16%10%977
Don't know42%36%15%7%442
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion56%4%13%8%19%9,092
Philosophy/reason38%10%11%4%36%1,283
Common sense46%9%14%6%25%7,291
Science40%8%14%3%35%983
Don't know47%4%15%12%22%444
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion31%69%9,098
Philosophy/reason30%70%1,284
Common sense31%69%7,288
Science34%66%981
Don't know29%71%443
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who say they…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieve 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
Religion91%7%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%9,135
Philosophy/reason63%27%6%1%1%1%1,285
Common sense71%23%4%1%1%1%7,312
Science54%34%7%1%3%1%986
Don't know83%13%< 1%3%< 1%< 1%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion90%9%1%< 1%< 1%9,135
Philosophy/reason48%36%11%5%1%1,285
Common sense51%36%9%3%< 1%7,312
Science45%38%11%5%< 1%986
Don't know74%17%3%2%4%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who attend religious services…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion67%24%9%1%9,135
Philosophy/reason29%44%26%1%1,285
Common sense29%43%28%< 1%7,312
Science26%43%31%< 1%986
Don't know46%34%18%3%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion84%11%2%2%1%9,135
Philosophy/reason53%24%9%14%< 1%1,285
Common sense56%21%8%15%1%7,312
Science45%24%7%23%1%986
Don't know73%15%3%7%2%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who attend prayer group…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion49%13%9%28%1%9,135
Philosophy/reason18%12%11%59%< 1%1,285
Common sense18%10%10%62%< 1%7,312
Science17%12%10%60%< 1%986
Don't know30%12%8%45%4%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion54%7%3%34%2%9,135
Philosophy/reason42%9%5%43%1%1,285
Common sense34%8%4%53%1%7,312
Science34%11%4%50%1%986
Don't know49%5%2%39%5%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion79%11%5%4%1%9,135
Philosophy/reason54%19%11%15%1%1,285
Common sense53%18%11%16%1%7,312
Science49%17%14%18%2%986
Don't know70%8%6%11%6%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion48%16%11%24%2%9,135
Philosophy/reason50%16%12%20%1%1,285
Common sense38%17%14%30%1%7,312
Science40%16%16%26%1%986
Don't know47%12%12%24%6%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion52%46%1%1%9,135
Philosophy/reason28%69%1%1%1,285
Common sense30%69%1%1%7,312
Science25%72%1%1%986
Don't know34%54%7%6%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who read scripture…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion67%11%6%15%1%9,135
Philosophy/reason30%15%10%45%< 1%1,285
Common sense28%13%11%47%1%7,312
Science23%13%11%52%1%986
Don't know49%11%10%27%3%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who say the holy scripture is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWord 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
Religion60%29%4%4%4%9,135
Philosophy/reason25%37%2%29%7%1,285
Common sense31%36%3%23%7%7,312
Science33%31%1%30%6%986
Don't know32%29%15%9%15%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion95%2%3%9,135
Philosophy/reason95%3%2%1,285
Common sense96%2%2%7,312
Science93%4%2%986
Don't know93%2%4%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion52%15%33%9,135
Philosophy/reason37%17%46%1,285
Common sense39%18%44%7,312
Science30%20%49%986
Don't know37%30%33%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion57%26%12%6%9,135
Philosophy/reason31%39%25%5%1,285
Common sense36%37%20%7%7,312
Science33%33%29%5%986
Don't know42%30%17%10%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion58%36%2%3%9,135
Philosophy/reason50%45%3%2%1,285
Common sense52%42%2%3%7,312
Science37%61%1%2%986
Don't know48%30%8%14%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who say government aid to the poor…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion53%41%4%2%9,135
Philosophy/reason43%51%5%1%1,285
Common sense49%46%3%1%7,312
Science43%53%2%2%986
Don't know40%38%12%10%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion28%69%3%9,135
Philosophy/reason53%44%3%1,285
Common sense55%41%4%7,312
Science55%41%4%986
Don't know35%51%14%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion34%57%5%4%9,135
Philosophy/reason72%24%3%2%1,285
Common sense64%29%4%3%7,312
Science70%25%2%3%986
Don't know41%38%10%11%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion25%68%7%9,135
Philosophy/reason63%31%6%1,285
Common sense53%38%8%7,312
Science60%33%7%986
Don't know34%48%18%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStricter 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
Religion48%47%2%3%9,135
Philosophy/reason34%62%2%2%1,285
Common sense42%53%2%2%7,312
Science37%59%2%2%986
Don't know35%47%5%13%449
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 believe in Hell by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults who believe in Hell who say humans…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Religion8%27%2%59%5%9,135
Philosophy/reason31%34%4%28%3%1,285
Common sense27%33%4%33%4%7,312
Science41%25%2%28%3%986
Don't know9%27%11%33%19%449
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.