Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201436%59%3%2%12,839
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 do not believe in Hell by religious group

% of adults who do not 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
Buddhist16%79%5%1%192
Catholic41%53%3%2%2,080
Evangelical Protestant51%46%2%1%957
Hindu39%55%7%< 1%118
Historically Black Protestant24%68%5%3%225
Jehovah's Witness30%62%5%3%215
Jewish25%70%4%2%637
Mainline Protestant39%56%3%2%2,056
Mormon60%37%2%1%227
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")33%63%3%2%5,272
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good24%34%24%18%4,212
Does more good than harm26%33%24%16%7,752
Neither/both equally22%37%24%18%427
Don't know23%26%24%27%210
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good15%15%28%29%12%1%4,212
Does more good than harm16%17%26%30%10%1%7,752
Neither/both equally10%18%30%29%12%1%427
Don't know13%17%19%28%19%4%210
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good55%45%4,290
Does more good than harm48%52%7,885
Neither/both equally59%41%441
Don't know55%45%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good73%5%5%14%3%4,225
Does more good than harm70%8%5%13%4%7,790
Neither/both equally64%8%6%17%4%424
Don't know62%11%5%17%4%213
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good15%12%73%4,249
Does more good than harm16%13%71%7,802
Neither/both equally17%12%71%439
Don't know21%15%64%219
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good25%20%31%24%3,766
Does more good than harm30%19%27%25%7,125
Neither/both equally26%22%31%22%369
Don't know40%23%21%15%163
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good40%31%18%11%4,272
Does more good than harm29%29%23%19%7,846
Neither/both equally31%32%21%16%437
Don't know47%24%19%10%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good50%8%11%6%25%4,265
Does more good than harm44%10%13%5%28%7,860
Neither/both equally47%10%12%6%25%438
Don't know39%5%11%11%34%221
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good27%73%4,278
Does more good than harm25%75%7,863
Neither/both equally29%71%441
Don't know15%85%222
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good43%25%9%1%20%3%4,290
Does more good than harm33%24%10%1%29%3%7,885
Neither/both equally37%24%8%2%22%9%441
Don't know50%13%10%3%19%6%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good31%27%19%23%< 1%4,290
Does more good than harm26%25%20%28%1%7,885
Neither/both equally28%26%18%25%3%441
Don't know41%20%15%20%4%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good20%33%47%< 1%4,290
Does more good than harm17%32%51%< 1%7,885
Neither/both equally20%28%52%< 1%441
Don't know26%30%42%2%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good35%15%7%42%< 1%4,290
Does more good than harm31%13%7%48%1%7,885
Neither/both equally39%10%6%44%1%441
Don't know43%12%5%36%4%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good13%6%6%76%< 1%4,290
Does more good than harm11%5%6%78%< 1%7,885
Neither/both equally13%4%6%75%1%441
Don't know21%4%7%67%2%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good32%8%4%54%1%4,290
Does more good than harm36%11%6%47%1%7,885
Neither/both equally42%10%7%41%< 1%441
Don't know50%5%4%36%5%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good48%15%10%25%1%4,290
Does more good than harm47%17%11%24%1%7,885
Neither/both equally54%14%8%22%3%441
Don't know51%15%12%20%3%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good44%15%13%27%1%4,290
Does more good than harm51%16%13%18%1%7,885
Neither/both equally49%16%13%21%2%441
Don't know46%16%9%26%3%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good17%12%58%12%1%4,290
Does more good than harm12%20%48%17%2%7,885
Neither/both equally12%15%52%13%9%441
Don't know18%11%52%9%10%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good31%67%1%1%4,290
Does more good than harm18%80%1%1%7,885
Neither/both equally21%71%7%2%441
Don't know20%69%1%10%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good20%7%7%66%1%4,290
Does more good than harm16%8%8%68%< 1%7,885
Neither/both equally20%7%6%65%1%441
Don't know27%9%5%57%3%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good13%22%1%57%6%4,290
Does more good than harm9%16%1%69%6%7,885
Neither/both equally7%13%3%59%18%441
Don't know19%15%5%43%19%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good43%51%6%4,290
Does more good than harm35%60%5%7,885
Neither/both equally33%54%13%441
Don't know45%44%10%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good50%21%29%4,290
Does more good than harm12%17%71%7,885
Neither/both equally22%35%44%441
Don't know20%45%35%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not believe in Hell who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good36%38%18%7%4,290
Does more good than harm12%33%50%5%7,885
Neither/both equally21%38%27%14%441
Don't know17%35%25%23%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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%23%2%2%4,290
Does more good than harm33%60%3%4%7,885
Neither/both equally46%25%18%11%441
Don't know41%30%5%23%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good63%33%4%4,290
Does more good than harm79%19%3%7,885
Neither/both equally64%24%12%441
Don't know54%32%14%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good72%22%4%2%4,290
Does more good than harm86%10%2%2%7,885
Neither/both equally73%12%10%5%441
Don't know65%14%5%16%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good62%29%8%4,290
Does more good than harm83%13%4%7,885
Neither/both equally69%18%13%441
Don't know61%23%16%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good46%50%2%2%4,290
Does more good than harm17%80%1%2%7,885
Neither/both equally19%59%15%7%441
Don't know24%49%2%26%223
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 do not believe in Hell by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who do not 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 good48%20%4%25%3%4,290
Does more good than harm63%17%4%15%2%7,885
Neither/both equally45%16%11%19%9%441
Don't know36%18%9%22%16%223
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.