Views about government aid to the poor among adults who pray daily

% of adults who pray daily who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201447%47%4%2%19,336
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 pray daily by religious group

% of adults who pray daily who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Buddhist22%74%4%< 1%110
Catholic45%49%4%2%4,335
Evangelical Protestant56%37%4%2%6,852
Hindu33%57%7%2%102
Historically Black Protestant27%66%5%2%1,538
Jehovah's Witness31%61%5%3%221
Jewish41%52%2%5%213
Mainline Protestant49%45%4%2%3,342
Mormon67%29%3%1%571
Muslim34%58%5%3%164
Orthodox Christian46%49%4%< 1%100
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")35%57%5%3%1,333
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good16%34%30%21%9,148
Does more good than harm18%34%29%20%8,509
Neither/both equally15%36%26%22%809
Don't know9%30%28%33%428
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good10%11%29%35%15%1%9,148
Does more good than harm11%13%28%34%13%2%8,509
Neither/both equally6%14%31%33%14%1%809
Don't know5%8%25%33%24%4%428
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good44%56%9,351
Does more good than harm37%63%8,704
Neither/both equally42%58%836
Don't know42%58%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good72%9%3%13%3%9,200
Does more good than harm53%21%3%18%5%8,607
Neither/both equally59%16%3%17%5%813
Don't know58%15%2%20%6%419
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good12%8%80%9,246
Does more good than harm18%10%73%8,575
Neither/both equally19%7%74%824
Don't know19%8%73%428
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good28%22%31%19%8,028
Does more good than harm47%20%21%13%7,604
Neither/both equally43%22%24%11%668
Don't know54%15%21%9%310
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good40%34%17%8%9,305
Does more good than harm45%31%14%11%8,651
Neither/both equally38%36%16%10%829
Don't know58%22%12%7%436
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good59%4%12%8%17%9,309
Does more good than harm45%7%17%9%22%8,667
Neither/both equally50%6%15%10%18%829
Don't know44%6%15%16%19%438
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good31%69%9,315
Does more good than harm30%70%8,675
Neither/both equally33%67%831
Don't know24%76%442
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good88%10%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%9,351
Does more good than harm82%14%2%1%1%< 1%8,704
Neither/both equally85%10%2%1%< 1%2%836
Don't know81%11%3%3%1%< 1%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good81%15%2%1%< 1%9,351
Does more good than harm76%18%3%2%1%8,704
Neither/both equally79%13%2%3%2%836
Don't know77%13%2%4%4%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good58%29%13%< 1%9,351
Does more good than harm51%32%17%< 1%8,704
Neither/both equally55%28%16%1%836
Don't know54%24%20%2%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who attend prayer group…

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 good41%13%10%36%1%9,351
Does more good than harm37%12%10%40%1%8,704
Neither/both equally43%13%10%33%1%836
Don't know42%7%7%42%2%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good53%6%3%36%2%9,351
Does more good than harm57%8%3%31%2%8,704
Neither/both equally64%4%4%26%2%836
Don't know57%3%2%28%9%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good77%12%5%5%1%9,351
Does more good than harm74%12%6%7%1%8,704
Neither/both equally82%9%4%3%2%836
Don't know73%11%3%10%3%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good49%16%10%23%2%9,351
Does more good than harm52%15%11%21%1%8,704
Neither/both equally54%14%9%20%4%836
Don't know48%14%11%21%5%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good55%5%33%4%2%9,351
Does more good than harm46%9%37%6%2%8,704
Neither/both equally49%7%32%3%10%836
Don't know44%5%32%6%13%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good51%46%1%1%9,351
Does more good than harm31%67%2%1%8,704
Neither/both equally39%54%6%1%836
Don't know31%56%2%11%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good59%12%7%21%1%9,351
Does more good than harm54%12%8%25%1%8,704
Neither/both equally63%11%4%21%1%836
Don't know56%7%4%30%3%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good48%32%4%11%5%9,351
Does more good than harm42%31%3%18%7%8,704
Neither/both equally39%25%9%12%15%836
Don't know46%17%10%14%12%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good87%6%6%9,351
Does more good than harm85%9%6%8,704
Neither/both equally80%7%13%836
Don't know81%6%12%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good76%17%7%9,351
Does more good than harm68%25%8%8,704
Neither/both equally66%19%15%836
Don't know60%20%21%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good62%15%23%9,351
Does more good than harm24%19%58%8,704
Neither/both equally35%29%36%836
Don't know33%32%35%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good60%24%10%5%9,351
Does more good than harm31%36%26%7%8,704
Neither/both equally40%32%14%13%836
Don't know32%29%17%22%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good73%23%2%2%9,351
Does more good than harm34%59%3%4%8,704
Neither/both equally46%31%15%9%836
Don't know38%35%7%20%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good32%64%3%9,351
Does more good than harm51%45%4%8,704
Neither/both equally36%53%11%836
Don't know28%51%21%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good42%51%4%3%9,351
Does more good than harm58%35%4%4%8,704
Neither/both equally42%35%17%7%836
Don't know36%39%6%19%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good30%62%7%9,351
Does more good than harm50%43%8%8,704
Neither/both equally32%50%18%836
Don't know29%49%23%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good55%40%2%3%9,351
Does more good than harm30%64%2%4%8,704
Neither/both equally30%50%13%7%836
Don't know31%38%4%28%445
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 pray daily by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who pray daily 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 good12%27%3%54%5%9,351
Does more good than harm21%31%4%40%4%8,704
Neither/both equally11%24%7%45%13%836
Don't know9%20%6%36%28%445
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.