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 in Generation X by religious group
% of adults in Generation X who …in heaven
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Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
86%
10%
4%
1,472
Evangelical Protestant
86%
6%
8%
1,751
Historically Black Protestant
93%
4%
3%
450
Jewish
53%
39%
8%
140
Mainline Protestant
83%
11%
7%
1,044
Mormon
95%
1%
4%
166
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
39%
51%
10%
1,764
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 adults in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who are ages…
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Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
< 1%
100%
< 1%
< 1%
5,112
Don't believe
< 1%
100%
< 1%
< 1%
1,668
Other/don't know
< 1%
100%
< 1%
< 1%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
46%
54%
5,112
Don't believe
58%
42%
1,668
Other/don't know
56%
44%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who identify as…
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Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
59%
14%
3%
19%
4%
5,068
Don't believe
69%
5%
7%
15%
4%
1,640
Other/don't know
67%
9%
3%
17%
5%
507
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
19%
8%
73%
5,052
Don't believe
21%
9%
70%
1,650
Other/don't know
17%
8%
75%
516
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who have a household income of…
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Belief in Heaven
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
32%
20%
28%
21%
4,701
Don't believe
20%
17%
30%
34%
1,570
Other/don't know
25%
19%
30%
26%
462
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who have completed…
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Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
40%
32%
17%
11%
5,099
Don't believe
27%
25%
25%
23%
1,663
Other/don't know
35%
30%
20%
15%
521
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
59%
8%
15%
2%
17%
5,104
Don't believe
57%
11%
14%
1%
17%
1,664
Other/don't know
60%
7%
14%
1%
18%
521
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
60%
40%
5,096
Don't believe
54%
46%
1,664
Other/don't know
55%
45%
516
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 adults in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who say they…
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Belief in Heaven
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
76%
20%
3%
< 1%
1%
1%
5,112
Don't believe
23%
21%
12%
< 1%
39%
5%
1,668
Other/don't know
57%
23%
8%
1%
3%
8%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who say religion is…
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Belief in Heaven
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
64%
26%
7%
3%
< 1%
5,112
Don't believe
16%
20%
23%
40%
1%
1,668
Other/don't know
45%
25%
17%
11%
3%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who attend religious services…
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
40%
38%
21%
< 1%
5,112
Don't believe
11%
26%
63%
< 1%
1,668
Other/don't know
35%
28%
37%
1%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who pray…
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Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
66%
17%
6%
10%
1%
5,112
Don't believe
22%
10%
6%
62%
< 1%
1,668
Other/don't know
53%
14%
6%
25%
2%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who attend prayer group…
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
29%
12%
9%
49%
< 1%
5,112
Don't believe
10%
4%
4%
83%
< 1%
1,668
Other/don't know
27%
6%
7%
58%
2%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who meditate…
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
40%
8%
4%
46%
2%
5,112
Don't believe
32%
10%
6%
51%
1%
1,668
Other/don't know
42%
8%
3%
44%
3%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
62%
16%
10%
11%
1%
5,112
Don't believe
43%
14%
12%
30%
1%
1,668
Other/don't know
58%
12%
11%
16%
3%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
16%
13%
29%
1%
5,112
Don't believe
46%
18%
15%
21%
1%
1,668
Other/don't know
52%
15%
12%
20%
2%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
40%
8%
44%
7%
2%
5,112
Don't believe
9%
19%
50%
20%
1%
1,668
Other/don't know
29%
12%
45%
8%
7%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who say…
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Belief in Heaven
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
37%
61%
1%
1%
5,112
Don't believe
24%
75%
1%
< 1%
1,668
Other/don't know
39%
56%
3%
2%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who read scripture…
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Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
12%
10%
35%
< 1%
5,112
Don't believe
11%
6%
7%
75%
< 1%
1,668
Other/don't know
36%
7%
5%
49%
2%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who say the holy scripture is…
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Belief in Heaven
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
40%
33%
3%
19%
6%
5,112
Don't believe
7%
8%
1%
80%
4%
1,668
Other/don't know
21%
16%
5%
39%
19%
523
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among adults in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who …in hell
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Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
78%
17%
5%
5,112
Don't believe
6%
93%
1%
1,668
Other/don't know
24%
21%
55%
523
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 adults in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who identify as…
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Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
41%
19%
40%
5,112
Don't believe
23%
19%
58%
1,668
Other/don't know
37%
28%
35%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who are…
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Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
34%
19%
6%
5,112
Don't believe
16%
34%
44%
5%
1,668
Other/don't know
40%
30%
19%
11%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who would rather have…
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Belief in Heaven
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
53%
42%
3%
3%
5,112
Don't believe
46%
47%
4%
3%
1,668
Other/don't know
54%
31%
7%
8%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who say government aid to the poor…
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Belief in Heaven
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
49%
46%
4%
1%
5,112
Don't believe
35%
61%
4%
1%
1,668
Other/don't know
47%
41%
8%
4%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who say abortion should be…
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Belief in Heaven
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
48%
48%
4%
5,112
Don't believe
76%
21%
3%
1,668
Other/don't know
50%
43%
7%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who say homosexuality…
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Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
57%
34%
5%
4%
5,112
Don't believe
83%
13%
3%
1%
1,668
Other/don't know
56%
32%
7%
6%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who …same-sex marriage
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Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
47%
45%
9%
5,112
Don't believe
80%
15%
5%
1,668
Other/don't know
50%
37%
12%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who say…
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Belief in Heaven
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
40%
55%
2%
2%
5,112
Don't believe
23%
73%
2%
2%
1,668
Other/don't know
40%
52%
6%
3%
523
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 in Generation X by belief in heaven
% of adults in Generation X who say humans…
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Belief in Heaven
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
22%
30%
3%
41%
4%
5,112
Don't believe
70%
11%
3%
15%
1%
1,668
Other/don't know
34%
15%
12%
31%
7%
523
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.