Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201460%32%8%19,186
200759%30%11%16,980
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 Hell among adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by religious group

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who …in hell

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist36%60%4%102
Catholic65%27%7%3,868
Evangelical Protestant83%10%7%5,851
Historically Black Protestant81%14%5%454
Jewish29%65%6%336
Mainline Protestant63%27%10%3,687
Mormon63%30%7%524
Orthodox Christian63%34%3%120
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")26%66%8%3,541
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are ages…

Belief in Hell18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe17%34%29%20%11,167
Don't believe23%34%25%18%6,029
Other/don't know12%33%29%26%1,596
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Belief in HellYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe11%12%29%35%13%1%11,167
Don't believe15%15%27%30%12%1%6,029
Other/don't know7%11%27%35%18%2%1,596
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Belief in HellMenWomenSample size
Believe54%46%11,370
Don't believe58%42%6,143
Other/don't know52%48%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who identify as…

Belief in HellWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe81%6%2%8%3%11,222
Don't believe79%4%4%9%3%6,037
Other/don't know80%4%3%7%5%1,616
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Belief in HellImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe7%8%85%11,263
Don't believe11%13%76%6,097
Other/don't know9%9%82%1,643
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who have a household income of…

Belief in HellLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe26%22%32%20%9,964
Don't believe24%20%30%26%5,444
Other/don't know26%20%30%25%1,349
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who have completed…

Belief in HellHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe38%36%18%9%11,315
Don't believe33%33%20%14%6,118
Other/don't know33%33%20%13%1,657
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Belief in HellMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe59%5%11%7%19%11,334
Don't believe49%8%11%5%26%6,119
Other/don't know59%5%13%8%16%1,647
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Belief in HellParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe30%70%11,329
Don't believe25%75%6,125
Other/don't know26%74%1,658
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say they…

Belief in HellBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Believe82%15%2%< 1%1%< 1%11,370
Don't believe39%25%9%1%23%4%6,143
Other/don't know60%21%6%1%3%8%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say religion is…

Belief in HellVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe69%24%5%2%< 1%11,370
Don't believe27%26%21%25%1%6,143
Other/don't know50%27%12%8%3%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who attend religious services…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe49%33%17%< 1%11,370
Don't believe18%31%51%< 1%6,143
Other/don't know36%31%31%2%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who pray…

Belief in HellAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe70%16%5%8%1%11,370
Don't believe33%14%7%46%< 1%6,143
Other/don't know53%16%5%22%3%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who attend prayer group…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe34%11%10%45%< 1%11,370
Don't believe11%5%6%78%< 1%6,143
Other/don't know23%7%7%61%2%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who meditate…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe43%7%4%45%2%11,370
Don't believe34%10%5%51%1%6,143
Other/don't know40%7%5%43%4%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe67%14%8%10%1%11,370
Don't believe47%15%11%26%1%6,143
Other/don't know58%14%9%16%3%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe44%17%12%25%1%11,370
Don't believe46%16%14%23%1%6,143
Other/don't know47%16%13%21%3%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HellReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe49%6%39%4%2%11,370
Don't believe14%15%56%13%1%6,143
Other/don't know32%10%48%5%5%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say…

Belief in HellThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe50%48%1%1%11,370
Don't believe28%70%1%1%6,143
Other/don't know40%56%2%2%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who read scripture…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe48%12%9%31%1%11,370
Don't believe18%7%8%67%1%6,143
Other/don't know35%10%9%45%1%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HellWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Believe41%36%3%15%5%11,370
Don't believe9%20%1%64%6%6,143
Other/don't know22%26%5%30%16%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who …in heaven

Belief in HellBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe95%2%3%11,370
Don't believe40%55%5%6,143
Other/don't know47%4%49%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who identify as…

Belief in HellRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe63%13%23%11,370
Don't believe43%21%36%6,143
Other/don't know55%22%22%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who are…

Belief in HellConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe58%29%9%4%11,370
Don't believe31%42%21%5%6,143
Other/don't know49%34%10%7%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HellDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe67%28%3%1%11,370
Don't believe55%41%3%1%6,143
Other/don't know61%29%6%4%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say abortion should be…

Belief in HellLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe37%60%3%11,370
Don't believe69%27%4%6,143
Other/don't know45%47%8%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say homosexuality…

Belief in HellShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe44%48%4%3%11,370
Don't believe76%18%4%3%6,143
Other/don't know52%32%8%7%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HellStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe34%59%7%11,370
Don't believe69%25%6%6,143
Other/don't know41%45%14%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say…

Belief in HellStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe54%42%2%2%11,370
Don't believe39%56%2%2%6,143
Other/don't know50%40%5%5%1,673
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 would rather have a smaller government with fewer services by belief in hell

% of adults who would rather have a smaller government with fewer services who say humans…

Belief in HellEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe16%30%3%48%4%11,370
Don't believe54%19%4%20%3%6,143
Other/don't know25%24%10%33%9%1,673
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.