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.
Age distribution among Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
36%
38%
20%
7%
3,320
Don't believe
33%
36%
19%
12%
5,550
Other/don't know
29%
36%
21%
13%
955
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
22%
21%
30%
22%
4%
< 1%
3,320
Don't believe
21%
21%
27%
23%
7%
1%
5,550
Other/don't know
18%
19%
28%
26%
8%
1%
955
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Gender composition among Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
52%
48%
3,389
Don't believe
60%
40%
5,628
Other/don't know
58%
42%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
58%
14%
9%
13%
5%
3,317
Don't believe
73%
4%
8%
10%
4%
5,536
Other/don't know
69%
6%
7%
12%
6%
959
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
19%
12%
70%
3,303
Don't believe
14%
14%
72%
5,572
Other/don't know
14%
13%
74%
969
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
42%
20%
23%
15%
2,946
Don't believe
24%
19%
29%
28%
5,107
Other/don't know
35%
20%
22%
23%
821
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who have completed…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
47%
32%
13%
8%
3,368
Don't believe
26%
30%
25%
19%
5,608
Other/don't know
34%
34%
19%
12%
994
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
37%
11%
12%
3%
37%
3,369
Don't believe
41%
11%
11%
3%
34%
5,605
Other/don't know
40%
8%
11%
4%
37%
979
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
31%
69%
3,371
Don't believe
23%
77%
5,614
Other/don't know
24%
76%
997
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 God among Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who say they…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Believe
54%
30%
9%
1%
4%
2%
3,389
Don't believe
13%
16%
12%
1%
53%
6%
5,628
Other/don't know
29%
24%
15%
2%
10%
20%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who say religion is…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
33%
35%
20%
11%
1%
3,389
Don't believe
7%
15%
25%
52%
1%
5,628
Other/don't know
14%
27%
31%
24%
4%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
14%
37%
49%
1%
3,389
Don't believe
4%
21%
75%
< 1%
5,628
Other/don't know
7%
26%
65%
2%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
42%
18%
10%
29%
1%
3,389
Don't believe
11%
6%
5%
78%
< 1%
5,628
Other/don't know
23%
12%
9%
52%
5%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
13%
7%
8%
71%
1%
3,389
Don't believe
3%
2%
3%
91%
< 1%
5,628
Other/don't know
6%
4%
4%
83%
3%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
32%
8%
4%
54%
2%
3,389
Don't believe
28%
11%
6%
55%
1%
5,628
Other/don't know
33%
8%
5%
49%
4%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
48%
15%
12%
24%
2%
3,389
Don't believe
37%
16%
11%
34%
2%
5,628
Other/don't know
44%
14%
10%
27%
4%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
14%
12%
29%
1%
3,389
Don't believe
50%
17%
13%
19%
1%
5,628
Other/don't know
53%
16%
11%
17%
3%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
18%
13%
56%
10%
3%
3,389
Don't believe
2%
21%
53%
21%
2%
5,628
Other/don't know
5%
21%
54%
14%
6%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who say…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
23%
74%
1%
1%
3,389
Don't believe
17%
81%
1%
1%
5,628
Other/don't know
22%
73%
3%
3%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
22%
9%
7%
61%
1%
3,389
Don't believe
5%
4%
6%
85%
< 1%
5,628
Other/don't know
11%
6%
7%
74%
3%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
23%
24%
2%
43%
9%
3,389
Don't believe
2%
4%
< 1%
90%
5%
5,628
Other/don't know
4%
9%
2%
63%
22%
1,006
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
66%
30%
4%
3,389
Don't believe
3%
97%
1%
5,628
Other/don't know
9%
28%
63%
1,006
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.
Party affiliation among Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who identify as…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
27%
25%
47%
3,389
Don't believe
19%
18%
63%
5,628
Other/don't know
23%
31%
46%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
24%
38%
29%
9%
3,389
Don't believe
13%
33%
49%
5%
5,628
Other/don't know
19%
38%
29%
13%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who would rather have…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
45%
49%
2%
4%
3,389
Don't believe
45%
47%
4%
3%
5,628
Other/don't know
44%
39%
7%
10%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
40%
54%
4%
2%
3,389
Don't believe
30%
65%
4%
1%
5,628
Other/don't know
35%
51%
7%
6%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who say abortion should be…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
60%
35%
5%
3,389
Don't believe
84%
13%
3%
5,628
Other/don't know
71%
21%
8%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
71%
22%
3%
3%
3,389
Don't believe
90%
7%
2%
1%
5,628
Other/don't know
75%
13%
5%
7%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
64%
28%
8%
3,389
Don't believe
87%
9%
4%
5,628
Other/don't know
71%
16%
13%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who say…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
34%
60%
2%
3%
3,389
Don't believe
20%
76%
2%
2%
5,628
Other/don't know
28%
60%
5%
7%
1,006
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 Non-Christians by belief in heaven
% of Non-Christians who say humans…
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Belief in Heaven
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
38%
26%
4%
28%
4%
3,389
Don't believe
80%
8%
3%
8%
1%
5,628
Other/don't know
54%
14%
14%
11%
7%
1,006
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.