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 who say religion is very important by religious group
% of adults who say religion is very important who …in hell
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Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
71%
21%
8%
4,220
Evangelical Protestant
85%
8%
7%
6,904
Historically Black Protestant
84%
10%
6%
1,641
Jehovah's Witness
7%
90%
3%
224
Jewish
40%
51%
9%
279
Mainline Protestant
68%
21%
11%
3,317
Mormon
63%
30%
7%
559
Muslim
81%
14%
5%
154
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
60%
32%
8%
826
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 who say religion is very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who are ages…
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Belief in Hell
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
17%
34%
29%
20%
13,201
Don't believe
16%
30%
30%
24%
3,514
Other/don't know
9%
30%
32%
30%
1,557
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Belief in Hell
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
11%
12%
28%
34%
14%
1%
13,201
Don't believe
9%
12%
25%
36%
16%
2%
3,514
Other/don't know
4%
9%
26%
37%
21%
3%
1,557
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Belief in Hell
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
44%
56%
13,485
Don't believe
39%
61%
3,606
Other/don't know
39%
61%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…
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Belief in Hell
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
61%
18%
2%
16%
4%
13,315
Don't believe
61%
12%
3%
20%
4%
3,547
Other/don't know
64%
13%
2%
16%
4%
1,580
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Belief in Hell
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
15%
8%
77%
13,304
Don't believe
20%
10%
70%
3,561
Other/don't know
17%
8%
76%
1,600
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who have a household income of…
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Belief in Hell
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
39%
22%
26%
14%
11,594
Don't believe
37%
21%
24%
18%
3,103
Other/don't know
41%
15%
26%
18%
1,243
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who have completed…
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Belief in Hell
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
46%
33%
14%
8%
13,411
Don't believe
41%
29%
16%
14%
3,585
Other/don't know
43%
26%
17%
13%
1,615
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Belief in Hell
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
53%
5%
14%
8%
20%
13,428
Don't believe
53%
6%
14%
9%
19%
3,588
Other/don't know
54%
5%
13%
12%
16%
1,615
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Belief in Hell
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
32%
68%
13,435
Don't believe
29%
71%
3,596
Other/don't know
27%
73%
1,617
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 who say religion is very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who say they…
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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
90%
8%
1%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
13,485
Don't believe
77%
17%
2%
1%
2%
1%
3,606
Other/don't know
83%
13%
1%
2%
< 1%
1%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who attend religious services…
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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
62%
27%
10%
1%
13,485
Don't believe
52%
32%
16%
< 1%
3,606
Other/don't know
57%
28%
13%
2%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who pray…
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Belief in Hell
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
83%
12%
2%
2%
1%
13,485
Don't believe
75%
15%
3%
6%
1%
3,606
Other/don't know
81%
11%
2%
3%
3%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who attend prayer group…
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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
44%
14%
10%
31%
1%
13,485
Don't believe
35%
11%
10%
43%
1%
3,606
Other/don't know
37%
10%
9%
41%
2%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who meditate…
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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
53%
7%
3%
35%
2%
13,485
Don't believe
55%
8%
3%
31%
2%
3,606
Other/don't know
55%
7%
3%
30%
5%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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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
77%
11%
5%
5%
1%
13,485
Don't believe
73%
12%
7%
7%
1%
3,606
Other/don't know
73%
10%
6%
7%
4%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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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%
16%
11%
24%
2%
13,485
Don't believe
55%
13%
10%
20%
2%
3,606
Other/don't know
52%
13%
10%
20%
4%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Belief in Hell
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
59%
5%
30%
4%
2%
13,485
Don't believe
39%
11%
39%
7%
3%
3,606
Other/don't know
49%
7%
34%
4%
6%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who say…
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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
44%
53%
2%
1%
13,485
Don't believe
33%
64%
2%
2%
3,606
Other/don't know
38%
56%
3%
3%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who read scripture…
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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
61%
12%
8%
18%
1%
13,485
Don't believe
47%
14%
8%
30%
1%
3,606
Other/don't know
55%
12%
6%
24%
2%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is…
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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
55%
30%
4%
6%
5%
13,485
Don't believe
29%
34%
3%
25%
8%
3,606
Other/don't know
39%
27%
8%
11%
15%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who …in heaven
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Belief in Hell
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
95%
2%
3%
13,485
Don't believe
67%
27%
6%
3,606
Other/don't know
63%
3%
34%
1,634
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 who say religion is very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…
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Belief in Hell
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
46%
16%
38%
13,485
Don't believe
31%
24%
45%
3,606
Other/don't know
39%
22%
39%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who are…
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Belief in Hell
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
51%
29%
14%
6%
13,485
Don't believe
33%
32%
26%
9%
3,606
Other/don't know
43%
30%
16%
11%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who would rather have…
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Belief in Hell
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
54%
40%
3%
3%
13,485
Don't believe
46%
46%
3%
4%
3,606
Other/don't know
50%
37%
7%
7%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who say government aid to the poor…
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Belief in Hell
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
50%
44%
4%
2%
13,485
Don't believe
39%
55%
3%
2%
3,606
Other/don't know
42%
45%
7%
6%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who say abortion should be…
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Belief in Hell
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
33%
62%
4%
13,485
Don't believe
51%
44%
5%
3,606
Other/don't know
37%
52%
11%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who say homosexuality…
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Belief in Hell
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
50%
5%
4%
13,485
Don't believe
64%
29%
4%
3%
3,606
Other/don't know
47%
37%
7%
9%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who …same-sex marriage
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Belief in Hell
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
31%
62%
7%
13,485
Don't believe
55%
36%
9%
3,606
Other/don't know
37%
47%
16%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who say…
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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
45%
49%
2%
3%
13,485
Don't believe
34%
59%
3%
4%
3,606
Other/don't know
41%
46%
5%
9%
1,634
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 very important by belief in hell
% of adults who say religion is very important who say humans…
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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
12%
29%
2%
52%
5%
13,485
Don't believe
23%
29%
5%
38%
5%
3,606
Other/don't know
13%
25%
8%
42%
12%
1,634
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.