Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201477%16%7%15,591
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by religious group

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who …in heaven

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic86%9%5%3,398
Evangelical Protestant87%6%7%4,997
Historically Black Protestant93%4%2%502
Jewish61%32%7%228
Mainline Protestant84%9%7%2,822
Mormon97%1%2%418
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")43%47%10%2,566
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who are ages…

Belief in Heaven18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe19%34%28%19%11,731
Don't believe28%36%22%14%2,458
Other/don't know16%35%29%20%1,092
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who are…

Belief in HeavenYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe12%13%29%33%13%1%11,731
Don't believe17%18%28%26%9%1%2,458
Other/don't know10%11%30%34%14%1%1,092
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who are…

Belief in HeavenMenWomenSample size
Believe49%51%11,961
Don't believe65%35%2,493
Other/don't know56%44%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who identify as…

Belief in HeavenWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe73%8%3%13%3%11,814
Don't believe72%5%6%14%3%2,441
Other/don't know76%4%3%13%4%1,100
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who are…

Belief in HeavenImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe12%9%79%11,830
Don't believe17%11%72%2,465
Other/don't know12%8%80%1,116
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.

Income distribution among adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
Believe28%22%31%19%10,366
Don't believe23%20%32%25%2,227
Other/don't know27%20%30%23%925
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who have completed…

Belief in HeavenHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe42%34%16%8%11,907
Don't believe38%31%19%12%2,477
Other/don't know38%35%18%9%1,130
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who are…

Belief in HeavenMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe56%6%11%7%20%11,915
Don't believe48%9%11%3%29%2,476
Other/don't know57%5%13%5%20%1,120
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who are…

Belief in HeavenParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe31%69%11,912
Don't believe27%73%2,486
Other/don't know28%72%1,129
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
Believe78%18%3%< 1%1%< 1%11,961
Don't believe28%22%12%1%34%4%2,493
Other/don't know57%21%6%2%3%11%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say religion is…

Belief in HeavenVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe66%26%6%2%< 1%11,961
Don't believe20%19%24%36%< 1%2,493
Other/don't know47%26%15%9%3%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who attend religious services…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe45%36%19%< 1%11,961
Don't believe14%26%60%< 1%2,493
Other/don't know37%24%38%2%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who pray…

Belief in HeavenAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe66%18%6%10%1%11,961
Don't believe24%10%6%60%< 1%2,493
Other/don't know50%14%6%26%4%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who attend prayer group…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe30%11%9%49%< 1%11,961
Don't believe11%4%4%81%< 1%2,493
Other/don't know26%7%6%59%2%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who meditate…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe41%8%4%46%2%11,961
Don't believe29%8%5%57%1%2,493
Other/don't know38%7%2%48%5%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
Believe64%15%9%11%1%11,961
Don't believe42%14%10%33%1%2,493
Other/don't know58%10%9%19%4%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
Believe42%16%13%27%1%11,961
Don't believe45%15%13%26%1%2,493
Other/don't know50%13%10%23%5%1,137
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 say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HeavenReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe44%6%43%5%2%11,961
Don't believe13%14%57%15%1%2,493
Other/don't know35%10%45%6%4%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
Believe45%53%1%1%11,961
Don't believe31%68%1%1%2,493
Other/don't know46%51%2%1%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who read scripture…

Belief in HeavenAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe43%11%9%36%1%11,961
Don't believe16%5%5%74%< 1%2,493
Other/don't know37%8%7%46%2%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
Believe40%35%3%16%5%11,961
Don't believe10%11%1%73%5%2,493
Other/don't know24%19%5%36%16%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who …in hell

Belief in HeavenBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe80%15%5%11,961
Don't believe10%88%2%2,493
Other/don't know25%22%53%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who identify as…

Belief in HeavenRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe60%15%25%11,961
Don't believe49%23%28%2,493
Other/don't know56%25%19%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who are…

Belief in HeavenConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe54%29%12%5%11,961
Don't believe34%39%20%7%2,493
Other/don't know54%25%11%9%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who would rather have…

Belief in HeavenSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe72%24%2%2%11,961
Don't believe75%22%2%1%2,493
Other/don't know77%16%3%4%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say abortion should be…

Belief in HeavenLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe39%57%3%11,961
Don't believe67%30%3%2,493
Other/don't know43%50%6%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who say homosexuality…

Belief in HeavenShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe50%43%4%3%11,961
Don't believe72%23%3%2%2,493
Other/don't know49%38%7%6%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HeavenStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe38%55%8%11,961
Don't believe65%28%7%2,493
Other/don't know40%48%13%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
Believe54%42%2%2%11,961
Don't believe44%52%2%2%2,493
Other/don't know56%35%5%5%1,137
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 that government aid to the poor does more harm than good by belief in heaven

% of adults who say that government aid to the poor does more harm than good 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
Believe19%29%3%45%4%11,961
Don't believe61%12%4%21%2%2,493
Other/don't know30%16%8%38%8%1,137
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.