Belief in Hell among adults who say religion is not too important

% of adults who say religion is not too important who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201430%61%9%3,790
200731%57%13%3,114
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 say religion is not too important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who …in hell

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Catholic40%51%9%569
Evangelical Protestant59%35%6%174
Jewish10%84%6%166
Mainline Protestant40%49%11%596
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")23%67%9%1,924
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 religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are ages…

Belief in Hell18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe36%36%20%8%969
Don't believe32%34%21%13%2,445
Other/don't know27%39%21%13%329
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 religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Belief in HellYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe23%20%28%23%5%< 1%969
Don't believe21%18%27%26%7%1%2,445
Other/don't know18%19%30%27%7%1%329
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 religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Belief in HellMenWomenSample size
Believe56%44%977
Don't believe56%44%2,477
Other/don't know56%44%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.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who identify as…

Belief in HellWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe74%7%6%9%3%971
Don't believe75%4%7%10%4%2,447
Other/don't know75%2%5%12%5%331
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 religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Belief in HellImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe9%11%80%959
Don't believe14%14%72%2,459
Other/don't know12%14%75%328
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 religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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
Believe35%21%29%16%863
Don't believe23%20%29%28%2,245
Other/don't know30%16%30%24%289
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 religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who have completed…

Belief in HellHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe42%36%14%7%975
Don't believe27%31%25%17%2,466
Other/don't know32%36%18%13%334
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 religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Belief in HellMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe43%10%9%2%36%975
Don't believe42%9%10%4%35%2,465
Other/don't know47%7%11%3%33%332
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 religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Belief in HellParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe29%71%975
Don't believe23%77%2,469
Other/don't know25%75%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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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
Believe31%45%17%1%4%2%977
Don't believe14%30%20%< 1%29%7%2,477
Other/don't know15%34%22%1%8%20%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.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who attend religious services…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe2%33%64%< 1%977
Don't believe3%35%63%< 1%2,477
Other/don't know2%32%66%< 1%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.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who pray…

Belief in HellAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe17%17%12%53%< 1%977
Don't believe11%10%9%70%< 1%2,477
Other/don't know12%16%12%60%1%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.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who attend prayer group…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe3%2%4%91%< 1%977
Don't believe1%2%3%94%< 1%2,477
Other/don't know1%1%3%94%< 1%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.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who meditate…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe16%8%4%71%1%977
Don't believe24%12%6%58%< 1%2,477
Other/don't know22%10%6%60%2%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.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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
Believe28%18%16%36%2%977
Don't believe33%18%14%33%1%2,477
Other/don't know34%15%17%32%1%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.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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
Believe32%16%16%35%1%977
Don't believe44%19%16%21%< 1%2,477
Other/don't know38%19%17%23%4%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.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HellReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe6%13%68%12%1%977
Don't believe3%21%59%16%1%2,477
Other/don't know2%17%62%14%4%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.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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
Believe24%74%1%< 1%977
Don't believe18%80%1%1%2,477
Other/don't know24%73%3%< 1%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.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who read scripture…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe6%6%6%82%< 1%977
Don't believe4%4%6%86%< 1%2,477
Other/don't know2%3%6%89%< 1%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.

Interpreting scripture among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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
Believe11%27%1%53%9%977
Don't believe2%7%< 1%85%6%2,477
Other/don't know3%10%1%68%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.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who …in heaven

Belief in HellBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe90%5%4%977
Don't believe22%72%6%2,477
Other/don't know20%4%76%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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who identify as…

Belief in HellRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe37%19%43%977
Don't believe26%16%58%2,477
Other/don't know28%26%45%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.

Political ideology among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Belief in HellConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe26%43%24%7%977
Don't believe16%38%42%4%2,477
Other/don't know23%40%27%11%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.

Views about size of government among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who would rather have…

Belief in HellSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe52%43%2%3%977
Don't believe51%43%3%3%2,477
Other/don't know49%36%8%8%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.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HellDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe48%47%3%1%977
Don't believe35%61%3%1%2,477
Other/don't know38%52%7%3%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.

Views about abortion among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who say abortion should be…

Belief in HellLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe69%28%3%977
Don't believe84%14%2%2,477
Other/don't know75%19%5%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.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who say homosexuality…

Belief in HellShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe79%17%2%2%977
Don't believe88%9%1%2%2,477
Other/don't know81%12%4%4%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.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HellStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe71%23%6%977
Don't believe84%11%4%2,477
Other/don't know76%17%7%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.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important who say…

Belief in HellStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe38%58%1%2%977
Don't believe25%72%1%2%2,477
Other/don't know29%63%4%4%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.

Views about human evolution among adults who say religion is not too important by belief in hell

% of adults who say religion is not too important 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
Believe51%23%5%19%2%977
Don't believe75%10%4%8%2%2,477
Other/don't know63%12%10%8%7%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.