Importance of religion in one's life among adults who do not believe in Heaven

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201417%19%24%39%1%7,973
200723%25%22%29%1%6,275
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who do not believe in Heaven by religious group

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Buddhist30%32%20%16%3%151
Catholic27%38%23%12%< 1%709
Evangelical Protestant68%20%7%5%< 1%503
Jewish21%35%28%16%< 1%461
Mainline Protestant26%36%28%10%1%861
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")4%11%26%59%1%4,429
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who do not believe in Heaven by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important17%32%33%19%1,274
Somewhat important24%35%24%17%1,568
Not too important33%34%21%13%1,882
Not at all important32%36%19%13%3,074
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 Heaven by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important9%13%27%37%12%2%1,274
Somewhat important14%18%27%28%11%1%1,568
Not too important21%20%26%25%7%1%1,882
Not at all important21%20%28%23%8%1%3,074
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 Heaven by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important46%54%1,305
Somewhat important55%45%1,590
Not too important60%40%1,902
Not at all important64%36%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important60%11%3%23%4%1,280
Somewhat important65%6%7%17%5%1,560
Not too important73%5%9%10%3%1,879
Not at all important79%3%5%9%3%3,073
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 Heaven by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important24%8%68%1,290
Somewhat important21%13%66%1,573
Not too important15%15%70%1,887
Not at all important12%13%75%3,083
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important34%21%25%20%1,120
Somewhat important27%19%28%26%1,430
Not too important21%20%29%30%1,726
Not at all important24%17%31%29%2,857
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 Heaven by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important38%28%18%16%1,292
Somewhat important31%26%23%20%1,581
Not too important26%30%25%18%1,896
Not at all important27%31%24%17%3,107
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 Heaven by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important54%7%15%5%19%1,298
Somewhat important49%11%12%4%24%1,585
Not too important42%9%11%3%36%1,893
Not at all important40%12%12%3%34%3,106
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 Heaven by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important30%70%1,302
Somewhat important28%72%1,586
Not too important22%78%1,895
Not at all important22%78%3,107
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve 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
Very important69%20%4%1%5%2%1,305
Somewhat important29%35%16%1%15%4%1,590
Not too important10%25%21%1%37%7%1,902
Not at all important7%9%8%1%70%5%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important53%28%18%1%1,305
Somewhat important8%52%40%< 1%1,590
Not too important2%34%64%< 1%1,902
Not at all important1%8%91%< 1%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important71%13%4%11%1%1,305
Somewhat important25%23%12%39%1%1,590
Not too important8%8%7%77%< 1%1,902
Not at all important4%2%2%91%< 1%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important41%11%10%37%1%1,305
Somewhat important5%6%9%81%< 1%1,590
Not too important1%2%2%95%< 1%1,902
Not at all important1%< 1%1%98%< 1%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important57%8%4%28%4%1,305
Somewhat important37%13%8%43%1%1,590
Not too important23%13%6%57%1%1,902
Not at all important22%8%5%64%1%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important73%12%6%9%1%1,305
Somewhat important45%18%13%23%1%1,590
Not too important33%18%14%35%1%1,902
Not at all important33%15%9%41%2%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important60%10%10%18%2%1,305
Somewhat important49%16%14%19%1%1,590
Not too important45%20%15%20%< 1%1,902
Not at all important48%16%13%22%1%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important43%11%33%9%3%1,305
Somewhat important7%21%55%16%2%1,590
Not too important2%21%58%17%1%1,902
Not at all important1%20%52%26%1%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important40%56%2%2%1,305
Somewhat important22%76%1%1%1,590
Not too important18%80%1%1%1,902
Not at all important17%82%1%1%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important51%13%8%27%1%1,305
Somewhat important9%9%13%69%1%1,590
Not too important3%3%6%87%< 1%1,902
Not at all important2%2%3%93%< 1%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord 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
Very important32%25%3%32%8%1,305
Somewhat important4%12%1%76%7%1,590
Not too important1%4%< 1%89%5%1,902
Not at all important1%2%< 1%95%3%3,116
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 do not believe in Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important23%73%4%1,305
Somewhat important7%91%1%1,590
Not too important3%96%1%1,902
Not at all important2%98%1%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important32%25%43%1,305
Somewhat important23%19%57%1,590
Not too important25%15%60%1,902
Not at all important19%18%64%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

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

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important36%28%28%8%1,305
Somewhat important18%37%41%4%1,590
Not too important15%38%43%5%1,902
Not at all important12%30%51%6%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important48%46%3%3%1,305
Somewhat important46%46%4%3%1,590
Not too important50%44%3%4%1,902
Not at all important46%47%4%3%3,116
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who do not believe in Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important41%55%3%1%1,305
Somewhat important33%63%3%1%1,590
Not too important35%60%4%1%1,902
Not at all important31%64%3%1%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important47%49%5%1,305
Somewhat important76%21%3%1,590
Not too important85%13%2%1,902
Not at all important86%12%3%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important58%36%3%4%1,305
Somewhat important82%13%3%2%1,590
Not too important87%9%2%2%1,902
Not at all important91%6%2%1%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important50%43%7%1,305
Somewhat important76%18%6%1,590
Not too important85%12%3%1,902
Not at all important89%7%3%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter 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
Very important33%62%3%2%1,305
Somewhat important25%70%2%3%1,590
Not too important24%73%1%2%1,902
Not at all important20%76%2%2%3,116
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 Heaven by importance of religion

% of adults who do not believe in Heaven who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important29%22%4%41%3%1,305
Somewhat important62%16%5%15%2%1,590
Not too important79%8%4%8%1%1,902
Not at all important85%5%2%6%1%3,116
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.