Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201452%40%9%15,190
200755%34%11%18,234
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.

Learn More: Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Hell among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious group

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist36%58%6%111
Catholic60%32%9%3,428
Evangelical Protestant77%16%7%2,407
Historically Black Protestant78%15%7%751
Jewish18%73%8%414
Mainline Protestant57%32%11%2,990
Mormon57%34%9%162
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")29%63%8%4,142
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Believe, Don't believe

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Belief in Hell18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe23%35%26%15%7,206
Don't believe24%34%24%18%6,353
Other/don't know16%31%30%24%1,355
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HellYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe15%15%29%31%10%1%7,206
Don't believe15%17%27%29%11%1%6,353
Other/don't know9%12%26%36%15%2%1,355
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HellMenWomenSample size
Believe50%50%7,312
Don't believe51%49%6,467
Other/don't know48%52%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Belief in HellWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe65%15%3%14%4%7,236
Don't believe73%7%5%12%3%6,381
Other/don't know70%9%4%12%5%1,366
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HellImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe12%9%79%7,205
Don't believe13%12%75%6,401
Other/don't know13%10%77%1,382
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…

Belief in HellLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe39%21%25%15%6,438
Don't believe28%20%29%24%5,746
Other/don't know39%20%22%20%1,119
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Belief in HellHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe49%33%12%6%7,278
Don't believe36%31%20%13%6,437
Other/don't know46%30%14%11%1,396
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HellMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe46%9%14%6%25%7,291
Don't believe45%10%12%6%27%6,449
Other/don't know44%8%15%10%23%1,389
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HellParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe31%69%7,288
Don't believe26%74%6,453
Other/don't know23%77%1,405
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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they…

Belief in HellBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Believe71%23%4%1%1%1%7,312
Don't believe34%27%10%1%25%4%6,467
Other/don't know47%30%9%2%3%9%1,411
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 who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Belief in HellVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe51%36%9%3%< 1%7,312
Don't believe21%30%22%27%1%6,467
Other/don't know37%34%16%10%3%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe29%43%28%< 1%7,312
Don't believe12%34%54%< 1%6,467
Other/don't know18%39%42%2%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Belief in HellAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe56%21%8%15%1%7,312
Don't believe28%15%8%49%1%6,467
Other/don't know42%18%7%29%4%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe18%10%10%62%< 1%7,312
Don't believe7%4%5%83%< 1%6,467
Other/don't know9%5%6%78%2%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe34%8%4%53%1%7,312
Don't believe30%10%5%54%1%6,467
Other/don't know33%8%6%51%3%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe53%18%11%16%1%7,312
Don't believe43%16%12%28%1%6,467
Other/don't know46%15%13%22%4%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe38%17%14%30%1%7,312
Don't believe43%16%15%26%1%6,467
Other/don't know41%16%13%26%3%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Belief in HellThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe30%69%1%1%7,312
Don't believe20%78%1%1%6,467
Other/don't know24%72%2%2%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe28%13%11%47%1%7,312
Don't believe11%7%8%74%1%6,467
Other/don't know17%9%9%64%2%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HellWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Believe31%36%3%23%7%7,312
Don't believe8%17%1%68%7%6,467
Other/don't know16%19%3%40%22%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Belief in HellBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe96%2%2%7,312
Don't believe38%56%5%6,467
Other/don't know47%3%50%1,411
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Belief in HellRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe39%18%44%7,312
Don't believe28%19%53%6,467
Other/don't know32%25%42%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Belief in HellConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe36%37%20%7%7,312
Don't believe21%38%35%6%6,467
Other/don't know30%37%22%11%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Belief in HellSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe52%42%2%3%7,312
Don't believe52%42%3%3%6,467
Other/don't know51%35%6%8%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HellDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe49%46%3%1%7,312
Don't believe40%55%3%2%6,467
Other/don't know41%47%6%6%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Belief in HellLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe55%41%4%7,312
Don't believe76%21%3%6,467
Other/don't know59%31%11%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Belief in HellShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe64%29%4%3%7,312
Don't believe82%13%3%2%6,467
Other/don't know69%18%6%7%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HellStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe53%38%8%7,312
Don't believe77%17%6%6,467
Other/don't know59%27%15%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Belief in HellStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe42%53%2%2%7,312
Don't believe30%66%2%2%6,467
Other/don't know36%53%4%7%1,411
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by belief in hell

% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say humans…

Belief in HellEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe27%33%4%33%4%7,312
Don't believe58%18%4%17%3%6,467
Other/don't know37%21%9%22%11%1,411
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.