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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by religious group
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
59%
31%
10%
1,158
Evangelical Protestant
78%
13%
9%
1,230
Historically Black Protestant
77%
16%
7%
184
Jehovah's Witness
5%
92%
3%
188
Mainline Protestant
59%
26%
15%
822
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
33%
55%
12%
1,474
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
25%
40%
22%
13%
2,772
Don't believe
28%
35%
23%
14%
2,012
Other/don't know
21%
40%
24%
15%
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.
Generational cohort among independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Hell
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
15%
18%
33%
26%
8%
1%
2,772
Don't believe
17%
19%
28%
28%
8%
1%
2,012
Other/don't know
11%
18%
33%
28%
9%
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.
Gender composition among independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
47%
53%
2,894
Don't believe
51%
49%
2,105
Other/don't know
50%
50%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
56%
10%
4%
24%
6%
2,823
Don't believe
59%
7%
6%
23%
5%
2,041
Other/don't know
61%
7%
5%
22%
6%
605
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Hell
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
24%
8%
68%
2,791
Don't believe
24%
10%
66%
2,054
Other/don't know
24%
11%
66%
624
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
51%
21%
19%
9%
2,213
Don't believe
44%
19%
23%
14%
1,684
Other/don't know
51%
16%
19%
14%
444
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who have completed…
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Table
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Belief in Hell
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
55%
30%
10%
5%
2,844
Don't believe
47%
31%
14%
8%
2,075
Other/don't know
47%
32%
13%
8%
641
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
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Table
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Belief in Hell
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
45%
8%
15%
7%
25%
2,858
Don't believe
43%
11%
14%
5%
27%
2,084
Other/don't know
43%
9%
14%
6%
28%
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.
Parent of children under 18 among independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Hell
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
36%
64%
2,866
Don't believe
29%
71%
2,099
Other/don't know
29%
71%
642
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say they…
Chart
Table
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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
73%
19%
4%
1%
1%
1%
2,894
Don't believe
46%
21%
6%
1%
22%
4%
2,105
Other/don't know
54%
21%
9%
3%
4%
10%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say religion is…
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Table
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Belief in Hell
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
64%
25%
6%
4%
1%
2,894
Don't believe
35%
24%
16%
24%
1%
2,105
Other/don't know
46%
26%
13%
10%
5%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
40%
34%
25%
1%
2,894
Don't believe
25%
27%
47%
1%
2,105
Other/don't know
28%
30%
37%
5%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
64%
17%
6%
12%
1%
2,894
Don't believe
40%
11%
6%
42%
1%
2,105
Other/don't know
47%
13%
6%
27%
7%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
30%
10%
9%
50%
2%
2,894
Don't believe
19%
5%
6%
69%
1%
2,105
Other/don't know
19%
7%
8%
61%
4%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
44%
7%
3%
43%
3%
2,894
Don't believe
40%
8%
4%
45%
2%
2,105
Other/don't know
40%
7%
5%
42%
6%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
63%
13%
8%
14%
2%
2,894
Don't believe
52%
13%
9%
24%
2%
2,105
Other/don't know
56%
12%
8%
17%
7%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
44%
13%
12%
29%
3%
2,894
Don't believe
50%
13%
11%
25%
2%
2,105
Other/don't know
48%
12%
12%
21%
6%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
41%
7%
42%
7%
4%
2,894
Don't believe
20%
13%
51%
12%
4%
2,105
Other/don't know
26%
11%
48%
5%
10%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
33%
63%
2%
2%
2,894
Don't believe
26%
71%
1%
2%
2,105
Other/don't know
25%
67%
4%
4%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
44%
10%
8%
37%
1%
2,894
Don't believe
24%
7%
7%
61%
1%
2,105
Other/don't know
29%
11%
8%
48%
5%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
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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
42%
27%
5%
17%
9%
2,894
Don't believe
16%
19%
2%
54%
9%
2,105
Other/don't know
22%
16%
7%
30%
25%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
94%
3%
3%
2,894
Don't believe
40%
54%
7%
2,105
Other/don't know
39%
2%
59%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
30%
32%
18%
21%
2,894
Don't believe
18%
36%
23%
23%
2,105
Other/don't know
25%
33%
15%
27%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who would rather have…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Hell
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
46%
4%
7%
2,894
Don't believe
51%
38%
5%
6%
2,105
Other/don't know
45%
35%
8%
12%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
43%
47%
6%
4%
2,894
Don't believe
39%
51%
6%
4%
2,105
Other/don't know
38%
44%
8%
9%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
42%
52%
7%
2,894
Don't believe
58%
34%
7%
2,105
Other/don't know
43%
42%
15%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
52%
35%
7%
6%
2,894
Don't believe
70%
20%
5%
5%
2,105
Other/don't know
55%
23%
10%
13%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Hell
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
43%
14%
2,894
Don't believe
64%
25%
12%
2,105
Other/don't know
46%
30%
25%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party who say…
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Table
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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
40%
51%
4%
6%
2,894
Don't believe
29%
60%
4%
7%
2,105
Other/don't know
33%
50%
6%
11%
659
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 independents and those who don't lean to either party by belief in hell
% of independents and those who don't lean to either party 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
21%
27%
5%
40%
7%
2,894
Don't believe
44%
19%
6%
26%
5%
2,105
Other/don't know
27%
17%
13%
27%
16%
659
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.