Belief in Hell among adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201426%66%8%12,132
200728%60%11%9,963
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by religious group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …in hell

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist23%72%5%202
Catholic44%48%8%2,068
Evangelical Protestant59%34%8%636
Hindu25%69%6%119
Historically Black Protestant66%25%9%177
Jewish7%87%6%513
Mainline Protestant37%54%9%1,841
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")15%78%7%5,713
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are ages…

Belief in Hell18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe31%35%24%10%2,726
Don't believe29%35%22%14%8,346
Other/don't know24%35%26%14%880
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Belief in HellYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe20%19%28%28%6%< 1%2,726
Don't believe18%18%27%27%9%1%8,346
Other/don't know15%17%27%31%9%1%880
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Belief in HellMenWomenSample size
Believe54%46%2,756
Don't believe57%43%8,467
Other/don't know52%48%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who identify as…

Belief in HellWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe64%10%5%17%4%2,719
Don't believe75%4%6%11%4%8,355
Other/don't know72%6%5%12%6%881
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Belief in HellImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe15%12%73%2,720
Don't believe14%13%73%8,396
Other/don't know11%13%76%892
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men 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%20%27%18%2,478
Don't believe23%18%30%28%7,711
Other/don't know32%19%25%24%768
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who have completed…

Belief in HellHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe40%35%16%9%2,745
Don't believe26%30%25%19%8,435
Other/don't know33%35%17%15%902
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Belief in HellMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe42%11%12%4%32%2,748
Don't believe44%11%11%4%30%8,437
Other/don't know42%9%13%5%31%900
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Belief in HellParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe30%70%2,750
Don't believe24%76%8,442
Other/don't know25%75%907
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men 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
Believe48%36%11%< 1%3%2%2,756
Don't believe19%25%13%1%38%5%8,467
Other/don't know28%32%15%1%8%15%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say religion is…

Belief in HellVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe29%43%19%8%< 1%2,756
Don't believe11%24%26%38%1%8,467
Other/don't know17%34%26%20%2%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who attend religious services…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe15%42%43%< 1%2,756
Don't believe7%29%64%< 1%8,467
Other/don't know10%34%55%1%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who pray…

Belief in HellAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe38%21%11%30%< 1%2,756
Don't believe18%11%7%63%1%8,467
Other/don't know26%18%8%44%3%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who attend prayer group…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe8%6%7%78%< 1%2,756
Don't believe3%3%4%90%< 1%8,467
Other/don't know4%3%5%86%1%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who meditate…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe29%10%4%56%1%2,756
Don't believe29%11%6%53%1%8,467
Other/don't know30%10%6%51%2%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men 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
Believe45%18%13%23%1%2,756
Don't believe41%17%12%30%1%8,467
Other/don't know43%16%12%27%2%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men 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
Believe43%16%13%27%1%2,756
Don't believe50%17%14%19%< 1%8,467
Other/don't know46%18%14%20%2%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HellReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe12%13%62%11%1%2,756
Don't believe4%21%55%19%1%8,467
Other/don't know5%16%61%12%7%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men 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
Believe25%73%1%1%2,756
Don't believe18%80%1%1%8,467
Other/don't know20%75%3%1%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who read scripture…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe14%9%9%67%< 1%2,756
Don't believe6%5%7%81%< 1%8,467
Other/don't know9%6%9%75%1%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …in heaven

Belief in HellBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe93%5%3%2,756
Don't believe21%74%5%8,467
Other/don't know28%4%68%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who identify as…

Belief in HellRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe33%19%48%2,756
Don't believe22%16%62%8,467
Other/don't know25%24%51%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who are…

Belief in HellConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe26%40%29%6%2,756
Don't believe15%35%46%5%8,467
Other/don't know21%40%30%9%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who would rather have…

Belief in HellSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe52%43%2%3%2,756
Don't believe48%46%3%3%8,467
Other/don't know48%37%7%8%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HellDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe44%51%3%2%2,756
Don't believe32%64%3%1%8,467
Other/don't know37%53%6%4%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say abortion should be…

Belief in HellLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe67%30%3%2,756
Don't believe83%14%3%8,467
Other/don't know73%21%6%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who say homosexuality…

Belief in HellShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe79%16%3%2%2,756
Don't believe89%7%2%1%8,467
Other/don't know81%11%5%3%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HellStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe72%21%7%2,756
Don't believe86%10%4%8,467
Other/don't know74%16%10%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men 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
Believe35%61%2%2%2,756
Don't believe22%74%2%2%8,467
Other/don't know29%63%5%3%909
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 their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men by belief in hell

% of adults who say their holy scripture is not the word of God, but written by men 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
Believe43%30%5%20%2%2,756
Don't believe75%12%3%8%1%8,467
Other/don't know56%17%10%11%6%909
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.