Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201446%49%4%2%2,883
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by religious group

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic46%49%4%2%730
Evangelical Protestant57%38%3%2%781
Historically Black Protestant30%65%4%1%182
Mainline Protestant49%46%3%2%627
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")35%57%6%2%233
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good21%36%26%17%1,276
Does more good than harm25%33%24%17%1,381
Neither/both equally12%35%31%22%114
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good14%13%31%30%12%1%1,276
Does more good than harm16%17%25%29%11%1%1,381
Neither/both equally10%7%31%37%16%1%114
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good52%48%1,303
Does more good than harm43%57%1,402
Neither/both equally46%54%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good70%8%5%12%3%1,288
Does more good than harm56%16%6%18%4%1,389
Neither/both equally68%9%6%11%7%118
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good16%7%77%1,288
Does more good than harm21%10%69%1,381
Neither/both equally14%6%80%118
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good27%20%32%21%1,139
Does more good than harm38%22%23%17%1,257
Neither/both equally37%24%21%18%100
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good40%33%18%10%1,295
Does more good than harm37%31%18%14%1,395
Neither/both equally35%39%15%11%117
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good54%6%11%6%23%1,298
Does more good than harm45%8%12%7%28%1,399
Neither/both equally53%6%14%13%14%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good33%67%1,298
Does more good than harm30%70%1,398
Neither/both equally30%70%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good78%17%2%1%1%1%1,303
Does more good than harm70%21%4%1%3%1%1,402
Neither/both equally82%13%2%1%2%1%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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%26%3%2%1%1,303
Does more good than harm63%30%5%2%1%1,402
Neither/both equally69%18%5%6%3%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good39%55%6%< 1%1,303
Does more good than harm33%58%8%1%1,402
Neither/both equally28%63%9%< 1%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good69%20%5%6%1%1,303
Does more good than harm64%20%8%8%1%1,402
Neither/both equally75%13%3%10%< 1%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good38%10%8%42%2%1,303
Does more good than harm41%11%8%38%2%1,402
Neither/both equally43%10%11%35%1%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good64%15%14%6%1%1,303
Does more good than harm57%19%13%10%1%1,402
Neither/both equally70%12%12%4%2%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good42%17%15%25%2%1,303
Does more good than harm45%16%19%20%1%1,402
Neither/both equally45%20%11%21%3%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good43%7%41%6%2%1,303
Does more good than harm33%14%43%9%1%1,402
Neither/both equally34%12%35%8%12%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good44%54%1%1%1,303
Does more good than harm28%71%1%< 1%1,402
Neither/both equally41%54%4%1%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good38%17%24%20%1%1,303
Does more good than harm30%18%27%24%< 1%1,402
Neither/both equally34%23%17%25%1%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good36%40%3%15%6%1,303
Does more good than harm33%35%2%24%6%1,402
Neither/both equally28%25%9%22%16%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good87%8%5%1,303
Does more good than harm81%14%5%1,402
Neither/both equally81%8%11%119
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 adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good76%19%6%1,303
Does more good than harm61%31%8%1,402
Neither/both equally57%24%19%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good62%14%23%1,303
Does more good than harm23%18%59%1,402
Neither/both equally35%28%38%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good56%30%9%5%1,303
Does more good than harm27%40%28%5%1,402
Neither/both equally34%44%16%6%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good70%26%1%2%1,303
Does more good than harm34%60%3%3%1,402
Neither/both equally55%27%9%9%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good40%56%4%1,303
Does more good than harm61%36%3%1,402
Neither/both equally52%36%11%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good49%42%5%4%1,303
Does more good than harm68%25%3%4%1,402
Neither/both equally60%20%11%10%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good39%53%8%1,303
Does more good than harm59%34%7%1,402
Neither/both equally40%40%20%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good53%44%2%2%1,303
Does more good than harm28%69%1%2%1,402
Neither/both equally32%56%8%4%119
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 attend prayer groups several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year 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 good19%30%3%43%5%1,303
Does more good than harm27%33%4%33%3%1,402
Neither/both equally15%29%12%37%6%119
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.