Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201457%31%12%874
200758%28%15%1,186
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: Believe, Don't believe

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are ages…

Belief in Hell18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe16%32%28%24%481
Don't believe12%32%28%28%264
Other/don't know4%22%37%37%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.

Generational cohort among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Belief in HellYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe11%8%28%35%15%2%481
Don't believe9%6%29%34%20%2%264
Other/don't know2%3%21%44%26%4%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.

Gender composition among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Belief in HellMenWomenSample size
Believe48%52%490
Don't believe43%57%273
Other/don't know43%57%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Belief in HellWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe94%1%2%1%3%485
Don't believe96%2%< 1%1%2%269
Other/don't know95%3%2%< 1%< 1%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.

Immigrant status among lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Belief in HellImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe3%7%90%485
Don't believe3%9%88%271
Other/don't know7%9%83%110
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who have a household income of…

Belief in HellLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe22%22%31%25%425
Don't believe22%19%32%27%243
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who have completed…

Belief in HellHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe38%32%18%11%487
Don't believe35%27%22%16%272
Other/don't know38%28%16%18%109
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Belief in HellMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe58%3%12%7%19%490
Don't believe59%7%10%9%15%271
Other/don't know60%5%9%15%11%109
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Belief in HellParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe26%74%490
Don't believe29%71%272
Other/don't know18%82%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say they…

Belief in HellBelieve 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
Believe71%25%2%1%1%< 1%490
Don't believe47%41%5%< 1%4%3%273
Other/don't know63%26%4%3%< 1%4%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say religion is…

Belief in HellVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe51%39%8%1%1%490
Don't believe37%42%16%4%< 1%273
Other/don't know50%37%13%< 1%< 1%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who attend religious services…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe27%51%22%< 1%490
Don't believe24%52%23%1%273
Other/don't know29%47%21%3%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who pray…

Belief in HellAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe49%31%7%12%1%490
Don't believe43%26%10%20%1%273
Other/don't know51%22%2%20%5%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who attend prayer group…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe14%8%10%68%< 1%490
Don't believe9%8%9%74%< 1%273
Other/don't know14%7%9%69%1%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who meditate…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe24%11%4%60%1%490
Don't believe36%6%5%52%1%273
Other/don't know38%5%7%45%5%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe50%22%11%15%2%490
Don't believe52%16%13%19%1%273
Other/don't know58%12%16%11%3%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe37%19%14%29%1%490
Don't believe44%19%12%25%1%273
Other/don't know42%17%9%26%7%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HellReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe33%7%53%7%1%490
Don't believe14%11%65%6%3%273
Other/don't know32%8%48%4%9%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say…

Belief in HellThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe32%67%1%< 1%490
Don't believe21%77%< 1%1%273
Other/don't know26%68%4%2%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who read scripture…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe22%13%15%50%< 1%490
Don't believe16%9%18%56%< 1%273
Other/don't know20%18%13%45%4%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HellWord 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
Believe23%47%2%22%6%490
Don't believe8%28%< 1%52%11%273
Other/don't know13%33%3%26%24%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who …in heaven

Belief in HellBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe96%3%1%490
Don't believe64%26%10%273
Other/don't know52%2%46%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who identify as…

Belief in HellRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe47%13%40%490
Don't believe40%14%46%273
Other/don't know36%21%43%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who are…

Belief in HellConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe38%37%22%3%490
Don't believe27%43%24%6%273
Other/don't know35%39%18%8%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who would rather have…

Belief in HellSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe65%29%2%3%490
Don't believe58%33%6%4%273
Other/don't know65%17%11%7%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HellDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe52%44%3%1%490
Don't believe43%51%3%3%273
Other/don't know37%39%18%6%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say abortion should be…

Belief in HellLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe60%38%2%490
Don't believe72%24%4%273
Other/don't know67%27%6%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say homosexuality…

Belief in HellShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe67%28%3%2%490
Don't believe81%13%4%2%273
Other/don't know63%23%10%5%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HellStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe58%35%7%490
Don't believe76%17%7%273
Other/don't know55%35%10%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say…

Belief in HellStricter 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
Believe38%58%2%2%490
Don't believe34%60%2%4%273
Other/don't know30%63%4%3%111
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 lutherans in the Mainline Tradition by belief in hell

% of lutherans in the Mainline Tradition who say humans…

Belief in HellEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe21%40%2%34%3%490
Don't believe43%31%4%17%5%273
Other/don't know26%29%10%23%12%111
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.