Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201450%44%4%2%19,167
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who believe in Hell by religious group

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

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic49%46%3%2%4,475
Evangelical Protestant57%37%4%2%6,978
Historically Black Protestant28%66%4%2%1,557
Jewish48%46%3%3%144
Mainline Protestant53%41%4%2%3,327
Mormon67%28%4%1%381
Muslim32%60%4%4%173
Orthodox Christian56%42%2%< 1%101
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")43%51%4%2%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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good19%35%28%18%9,845
Does more good than harm24%35%26%16%7,925
Neither/both equally20%37%25%18%695
Don't know14%28%27%31%349
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good12%13%29%33%12%1%9,845
Does more good than harm15%15%28%31%10%1%7,925
Neither/both equally11%16%30%31%11%1%695
Don't know7%14%20%33%23%3%349
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good51%49%10,022
Does more good than harm43%57%8,069
Neither/both equally45%55%717
Don't know45%55%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good73%8%3%13%3%9,903
Does more good than harm52%22%3%18%5%7,992
Neither/both equally61%16%2%17%5%703
Don't know59%12%3%20%6%343
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good11%8%80%9,908
Does more good than harm17%9%74%7,934
Neither/both equally16%7%77%702
Don't know21%5%74%349
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Does more harm than good28%22%31%19%8,729
Does more good than harm48%21%20%11%7,077
Neither/both equally45%23%22%10%589
Don't know53%16%22%9%255
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good43%34%16%7%9,973
Does more good than harm49%31%12%8%8,024
Neither/both equally43%36%13%8%712
Don't know61%24%11%4%353
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good57%5%11%6%20%9,986
Does more good than harm42%8%15%7%28%8,037
Neither/both equally44%7%18%8%23%713
Don't know45%5%18%14%19%357
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good31%69%9,985
Does more good than harm31%69%8,039
Neither/both equally31%69%713
Don't know26%74%357
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who say they…

Views about government aid to the poorBelieve 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
Does more harm than good80%16%2%< 1%1%< 1%10,022
Does more good than harm77%18%3%1%1%1%8,069
Neither/both equally84%11%1%2%1%1%717
Don't know76%16%3%4%< 1%< 1%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good69%24%5%2%< 1%10,022
Does more good than harm67%24%6%2%< 1%8,069
Neither/both equally72%20%5%2%1%717
Don't know73%18%4%2%4%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good48%34%18%< 1%10,022
Does more good than harm44%35%20%< 1%8,069
Neither/both equally49%28%22%1%717
Don't know48%26%23%3%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good69%16%5%9%< 1%10,022
Does more good than harm68%17%5%10%1%8,069
Neither/both equally72%16%4%8%1%717
Don't know70%15%6%6%4%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good33%12%10%45%< 1%10,022
Does more good than harm31%12%9%46%1%8,069
Neither/both equally37%12%8%42%1%717
Don't know37%6%8%47%3%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who meditate…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good42%8%4%46%2%10,022
Does more good than harm45%8%3%41%1%8,069
Neither/both equally52%4%3%39%2%717
Don't know46%4%2%38%9%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good66%15%9%10%1%10,022
Does more good than harm65%14%9%11%1%8,069
Neither/both equally70%12%7%9%3%717
Don't know64%12%6%14%4%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good43%16%12%27%2%10,022
Does more good than harm44%16%13%26%1%8,069
Neither/both equally47%13%9%27%3%717
Don't know42%16%14%22%5%359
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 believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good48%6%40%5%2%10,022
Does more good than harm42%8%41%7%2%8,069
Neither/both equally47%8%35%3%7%717
Don't know45%5%32%6%12%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who say…

Views about government aid to the poorThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good48%49%1%1%10,022
Does more good than harm30%68%1%1%8,069
Neither/both equally35%58%6%1%717
Don't know32%57%2%8%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who read scripture…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good47%12%9%33%1%10,022
Does more good than harm45%13%9%32%1%8,069
Neither/both equally54%10%7%30%< 1%717
Don't know50%8%4%35%3%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorWord 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
Does more harm than good44%34%3%13%5%10,022
Does more good than harm43%32%2%17%6%8,069
Neither/both equally41%27%9%11%13%717
Don't know47%17%11%13%12%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good95%2%3%10,022
Does more good than harm95%2%2%8,069
Neither/both equally92%2%6%717
Don't know95%1%4%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good61%15%24%10,022
Does more good than harm26%18%56%8,069
Neither/both equally34%28%37%717
Don't know35%33%32%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good57%27%11%5%10,022
Does more good than harm32%37%24%6%8,069
Neither/both equally40%34%15%12%717
Don't know36%26%15%22%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good73%24%2%2%10,022
Does more good than harm34%60%2%4%8,069
Neither/both equally44%36%12%8%717
Don't know36%39%4%21%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good36%61%3%10,022
Does more good than harm50%46%4%8,069
Neither/both equally38%54%8%717
Don't know26%52%22%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good46%48%4%3%10,022
Does more good than harm59%35%3%3%8,069
Neither/both equally44%35%15%6%717
Don't know35%41%5%19%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good34%59%7%10,022
Does more good than harm50%43%7%8,069
Neither/both equally35%49%16%717
Don't know30%47%23%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who say…

Views about government aid to the poorStricter 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
Does more harm than good55%41%2%2%10,022
Does more good than harm33%63%2%3%8,069
Neither/both equally32%51%11%6%717
Don't know32%36%4%27%359
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 views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who believe in Hell who say humans…

Views about government aid to the poorEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good17%28%2%48%4%10,022
Does more good than harm22%31%3%40%4%8,069
Neither/both equally13%26%7%43%11%717
Don't know12%19%7%36%26%359
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.