Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201469%24%7%15,190
200773%18%9%18,234
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

Belief in Heaven among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious group

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist46%46%8%111
Catholic83%11%6%3,428
Evangelical Protestant90%5%5%2,407
Historically Black Protestant94%4%3%751
Jewish38%52%10%414
Mainline Protestant78%13%9%2,990
Mormon91%3%6%162
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")40%51%10%4,142
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 adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Belief in Heaven18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe22%34%27%17%9,884
Don't believe27%35%22%16%3,858
Other/don't know19%33%27%21%1,172
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HeavenYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe14%14%28%32%11%1%9,884
Don't believe17%19%26%27%10%1%3,858
Other/don't know11%13%27%34%13%2%1,172
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HeavenMenWomenSample size
Believe47%53%10,049
Don't believe58%42%3,910
Other/don't know54%46%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Belief in HeavenWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe67%14%3%13%4%9,929
Don't believe74%5%6%12%3%3,859
Other/don't know72%7%3%12%6%1,195
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HeavenImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe12%10%78%9,914
Don't believe14%12%74%3,866
Other/don't know12%11%77%1,208
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…

Belief in HeavenLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe38%21%26%16%8,778
Don't believe25%20%29%26%3,520
Other/don't know35%20%22%22%1,005
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Belief in HeavenHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe47%33%13%7%9,998
Don't believe33%31%22%14%3,894
Other/don't know42%32%16%11%1,219
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HeavenMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe46%8%13%7%25%10,017
Don't believe43%11%12%4%29%3,900
Other/don't know46%10%13%7%24%1,212
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HeavenParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe30%70%10,022
Don't believe25%75%3,898
Other/don't know24%76%1,226
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they…

Belief in HeavenBelieve 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
Believe68%25%4%1%1%1%10,049
Don't believe19%22%13%1%40%5%3,910
Other/don't know38%30%12%2%5%13%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Belief in HeavenVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe49%38%10%4%< 1%10,049
Don't believe11%21%27%41%1%3,910
Other/don't know25%35%23%14%3%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe27%44%28%< 1%10,049
Don't believe6%26%67%< 1%3,910
Other/don't know14%33%51%2%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Belief in HeavenAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe54%22%8%15%1%10,049
Don't believe16%9%6%68%1%3,910
Other/don't know34%16%9%37%4%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe16%9%9%64%< 1%10,049
Don't believe4%3%3%90%< 1%3,910
Other/don't know8%5%5%80%2%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe34%8%4%52%1%10,049
Don't believe28%9%6%57%1%3,910
Other/don't know31%9%5%53%3%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe53%18%12%16%1%10,049
Don't believe37%15%11%36%1%3,910
Other/don't know43%15%13%25%3%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe38%17%14%30%1%10,049
Don't believe44%16%15%24%1%3,910
Other/don't know46%15%12%25%2%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Belief in HeavenThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe28%70%1%1%10,049
Don't believe19%79%1%1%3,910
Other/don't know23%74%2%1%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe26%12%11%50%1%10,049
Don't believe7%4%6%82%< 1%3,910
Other/don't know13%8%7%70%2%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HeavenWord 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
Believe28%35%2%27%8%10,049
Don't believe3%7%1%84%5%3,910
Other/don't know7%15%2%52%24%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Belief in HeavenBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe72%22%6%10,049
Don't believe5%94%1%3,910
Other/don't know14%28%57%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Belief in HeavenRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe37%18%44%10,049
Don't believe26%18%56%3,910
Other/don't know29%27%44%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HeavenConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe34%38%21%7%10,049
Don't believe18%36%41%6%3,910
Other/don't know27%38%23%12%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Belief in HeavenSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe52%43%2%3%10,049
Don't believe51%42%4%3%3,910
Other/don't know51%33%6%10%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HeavenDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe48%47%3%2%10,049
Don't believe37%58%3%2%3,910
Other/don't know42%46%7%5%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Belief in HeavenLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe58%38%4%10,049
Don't believe80%17%3%3,910
Other/don't know65%25%10%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Belief in HeavenShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe68%25%4%3%10,049
Don't believe85%11%2%2%3,910
Other/don't know71%18%6%6%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HeavenStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe57%35%8%10,049
Don't believe81%14%5%3,910
Other/don't know63%23%14%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Belief in HeavenStricter 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
Believe41%54%2%3%10,049
Don't believe27%70%2%2%3,910
Other/don't know34%56%4%6%1,231
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 say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in heaven

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say humans…

Belief in HeavenEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe28%32%4%32%4%10,049
Don't believe72%10%4%12%2%3,910
Other/don't know43%16%12%18%10%1,231
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.