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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
17%
34%
29%
20%
5,967
Don't believe
16%
34%
32%
18%
699
Other/don't know
15%
28%
32%
25%
395
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
11%
11%
29%
34%
13%
1%
5,967
Don't believe
11%
12%
28%
38%
10%
2%
699
Other/don't know
9%
12%
22%
40%
16%
2%
395
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
45%
55%
6,083
Don't believe
61%
39%
709
Other/don't know
48%
52%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
59%
3%
3%
33%
2%
6,012
Don't believe
54%
2%
3%
40%
1%
699
Other/don't know
55%
2%
2%
38%
3%
402
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
26%
15%
59%
6,019
Don't believe
38%
13%
49%
704
Other/don't know
35%
11%
54%
404
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
36%
20%
26%
18%
5,190
Don't believe
35%
17%
27%
21%
628
Other/don't know
42%
18%
19%
21%
319
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
46%
28%
16%
10%
6,050
Don't believe
48%
20%
19%
13%
703
Other/don't know
47%
26%
15%
12%
404
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
52%
8%
12%
8%
21%
6,063
Don't believe
51%
10%
13%
4%
22%
706
Other/don't know
51%
8%
16%
6%
19%
407
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
31%
69%
6,058
Don't believe
29%
71%
706
Other/don't know
27%
73%
408
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.
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
62%
31%
6%
1%
< 1%
6,083
Don't believe
27%
38%
23%
12%
< 1%
709
Other/don't know
46%
37%
13%
3%
2%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
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
43%
40%
17%
< 1%
6,083
Don't believe
16%
45%
39%
< 1%
709
Other/don't know
28%
41%
29%
2%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
62%
20%
7%
10%
1%
6,083
Don't believe
31%
20%
9%
39%
1%
709
Other/don't know
50%
20%
7%
21%
3%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
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
19%
10%
11%
60%
1%
6,083
Don't believe
7%
4%
6%
82%
< 1%
709
Other/don't know
11%
7%
6%
74%
3%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
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%
9%
5%
44%
1%
6,083
Don't believe
33%
10%
5%
52%
2%
709
Other/don't know
37%
10%
3%
48%
2%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
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
59%
17%
11%
12%
1%
6,083
Don't believe
44%
13%
12%
31%
< 1%
709
Other/don't know
49%
16%
13%
18%
4%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
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
42%
15%
15%
27%
1%
6,083
Don't believe
44%
13%
15%
28%
1%
709
Other/don't know
43%
17%
11%
25%
4%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
33%
9%
47%
9%
2%
6,083
Don't believe
13%
12%
52%
21%
2%
709
Other/don't know
17%
15%
54%
9%
5%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who say…
Chart
Table
Share
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
32%
66%
1%
1%
6,083
Don't believe
23%
75%
1%
2%
709
Other/don't know
18%
77%
2%
2%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
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
27%
12%
11%
49%
1%
6,083
Don't believe
12%
7%
8%
72%
< 1%
709
Other/don't know
20%
10%
9%
59%
3%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
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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
28%
40%
3%
22%
7%
6,083
Don't believe
9%
14%
2%
69%
7%
709
Other/don't know
14%
16%
3%
42%
25%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
72%
21%
6%
6,083
Don't believe
10%
88%
2%
709
Other/don't know
17%
32%
51%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
39%
18%
43%
6,083
Don't believe
31%
20%
49%
709
Other/don't know
24%
30%
46%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
39%
36%
21%
5%
6,083
Don't believe
24%
36%
35%
4%
709
Other/don't know
34%
31%
25%
11%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
48%
46%
3%
3%
6,083
Don't believe
44%
52%
3%
2%
709
Other/don't know
39%
47%
6%
8%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
47%
47%
4%
2%
6,083
Don't believe
40%
56%
3%
1%
709
Other/don't know
44%
48%
5%
3%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
46%
50%
4%
6,083
Don't believe
66%
29%
4%
709
Other/don't know
51%
41%
8%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
68%
24%
4%
4%
6,083
Don't believe
78%
15%
3%
4%
709
Other/don't know
72%
14%
7%
6%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
56%
35%
9%
6,083
Don't believe
66%
27%
7%
709
Other/don't know
55%
28%
17%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who say…
Chart
Table
Share
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%
3%
6,083
Don't believe
35%
60%
1%
4%
709
Other/don't know
38%
52%
4%
6%
410
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 Catholics by belief in heaven
% of Catholics who say humans…
Chart
Table
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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
27%
34%
4%
30%
5%
6,083
Don't believe
56%
17%
3%
21%
3%
709
Other/don't know
38%
18%
11%
24%
9%
410
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.