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 baby Boomers by religious group
% of baby Boomers who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Buddhist
32%
65%
3%
107
Catholic
61%
30%
10%
2,905
Evangelical Protestant
81%
11%
7%
3,416
Historically Black Protestant
80%
12%
8%
749
Jewish
18%
75%
7%
330
Mainline Protestant
59%
31%
10%
2,435
Mormon
57%
35%
8%
214
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
25%
66%
9%
2,281
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.
Age distribution among baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
< 1%
< 1%
85%
15%
7,225
Don't believe
< 1%
< 1%
82%
18%
4,668
Other/don't know
< 1%
< 1%
83%
17%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
48%
52%
7,225
Don't believe
50%
50%
4,668
Other/don't know
45%
55%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
71%
14%
2%
10%
3%
7,132
Don't believe
79%
6%
2%
10%
3%
4,590
Other/don't know
70%
12%
3%
11%
4%
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.
Immigrant status among baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
11%
5%
84%
7,149
Don't believe
13%
9%
78%
4,638
Other/don't know
14%
7%
80%
1,142
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
35%
20%
28%
17%
6,394
Don't believe
25%
17%
29%
29%
4,213
Other/don't know
32%
17%
25%
25%
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.
Educational distribution among baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
47%
31%
14%
8%
7,206
Don't believe
32%
28%
22%
19%
4,656
Other/don't know
41%
28%
17%
13%
1,148
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
61%
3%
20%
7%
9%
7,205
Don't believe
60%
6%
19%
5%
9%
4,649
Other/don't know
59%
5%
19%
6%
12%
1,145
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
14%
86%
7,209
Don't believe
12%
88%
4,667
Other/don't know
14%
86%
1,151
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 God among baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Believe
83%
14%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
7,225
Don't believe
45%
26%
8%
1%
17%
3%
4,668
Other/don't know
63%
22%
5%
2%
2%
6%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
72%
22%
4%
2%
< 1%
7,225
Don't believe
34%
26%
17%
21%
1%
4,668
Other/don't know
55%
28%
9%
5%
2%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
48%
33%
18%
1%
7,225
Don't believe
21%
32%
46%
< 1%
4,668
Other/don't know
32%
35%
30%
2%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
72%
16%
5%
7%
1%
7,225
Don't believe
41%
16%
6%
37%
1%
4,668
Other/don't know
58%
17%
5%
18%
3%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
35%
10%
9%
46%
1%
7,225
Don't believe
14%
5%
6%
75%
< 1%
4,668
Other/don't know
22%
6%
6%
64%
2%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
48%
7%
4%
40%
1%
7,225
Don't believe
40%
8%
4%
46%
2%
4,668
Other/don't know
41%
7%
5%
44%
4%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
69%
12%
8%
10%
1%
7,225
Don't believe
52%
14%
11%
21%
2%
4,668
Other/don't know
58%
13%
10%
16%
4%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
46%
15%
12%
26%
2%
7,225
Don't believe
51%
14%
13%
21%
1%
4,668
Other/don't know
47%
15%
11%
21%
6%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
49%
5%
39%
4%
2%
7,225
Don't believe
18%
15%
52%
13%
2%
4,668
Other/don't know
31%
9%
50%
5%
5%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
45%
53%
2%
1%
7,225
Don't believe
26%
71%
1%
1%
4,668
Other/don't know
33%
61%
3%
3%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
49%
10%
8%
32%
1%
7,225
Don't believe
20%
8%
8%
64%
1%
4,668
Other/don't know
33%
9%
8%
47%
2%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
48%
29%
3%
13%
6%
7,225
Don't believe
13%
20%
2%
59%
7%
4,668
Other/don't know
24%
22%
6%
29%
19%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
95%
2%
3%
7,225
Don't believe
42%
51%
6%
4,668
Other/don't know
52%
4%
45%
1,156
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.
Party affiliation among baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
46%
14%
40%
7,225
Don't believe
28%
18%
54%
4,668
Other/don't know
38%
20%
42%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
51%
30%
15%
5%
7,225
Don't believe
25%
35%
34%
6%
4,668
Other/don't know
36%
34%
20%
10%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
58%
35%
3%
3%
7,225
Don't believe
49%
43%
4%
4%
4,668
Other/don't know
51%
35%
7%
8%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
51%
43%
4%
2%
7,225
Don't believe
35%
60%
3%
2%
4,668
Other/don't know
42%
45%
8%
5%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
53%
4%
7,225
Don't believe
73%
23%
4%
4,668
Other/don't know
52%
37%
11%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
46%
46%
4%
3%
7,225
Don't believe
76%
17%
3%
3%
4,668
Other/don't know
58%
26%
7%
8%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
34%
58%
8%
7,225
Don't believe
70%
23%
7%
4,668
Other/don't know
45%
38%
17%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
48%
48%
2%
2%
7,225
Don't believe
31%
65%
2%
2%
4,668
Other/don't know
37%
52%
4%
6%
1,156
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 baby Boomers by belief in hell
% of baby Boomers who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
15%
30%
3%
48%
4%
7,225
Don't believe
50%
22%
5%
20%
3%
4,668
Other/don't know
27%
23%
8%
32%
10%
1,156
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.