Age distribution among who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are ages…
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Survey year
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
2014
17%
34%
29%
21%
13,745
2007
12%
40%
28%
21%
11,973
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…
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Survey year
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
2014
11%
11%
28%
35%
14%
1%
13,745
2007
< 1%
9%
27%
39%
20%
5%
11,973
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…
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Survey year
Men
Women
Sample size
2014
52%
48%
14,019
2007
55%
45%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who identify as…
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Survey year
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
2014
81%
6%
2%
8%
3%
13,833
2007
84%
6%
2%
6%
2%
12,095
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…
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Survey year
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
2014
7%
9%
84%
13,895
2007
6%
7%
87%
12,144
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who have a household income of…
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Survey year
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
2014
26%
22%
32%
21%
12,233
2007
22%
22%
36%
21%
10,251
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who have completed…
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Survey year
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
2014
38%
35%
18%
10%
13,951
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…
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Survey year
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
2014
58%
5%
11%
7%
19%
13,971
2007
64%
4%
10%
9%
13%
12,167
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…
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Survey year
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
2014
29%
71%
13,965
2007
33%
67%
12,190
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say they…
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Survey year
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
2014
79%
17%
2%
< 1%
1%
< 1%
14,019
2007
83%
14%
1%
< 1%
< 1%
1%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say religion is…
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Survey year
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
2014
65%
26%
6%
2%
< 1%
14,019
2007
64%
28%
6%
2%
< 1%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who attend religious services…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
46%
35%
19%
< 1%
14,019
2007
48%
35%
17%
< 1%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who pray…
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Survey year
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
66%
18%
6%
10%
1%
14,019
2007
66%
19%
5%
9%
1%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who attend prayer group…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
30%
11%
9%
50%
< 1%
14,019
2007
26%
9%
9%
54%
< 1%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who meditate…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
42%
7%
4%
45%
2%
14,019
2007
42%
7%
4%
45%
2%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
65%
15%
9%
11%
1%
14,019
2007
57%
15%
13%
13%
2%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
44%
17%
13%
25%
1%
14,019
2007
39%
15%
15%
28%
3%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Survey year
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
2014
44%
7%
42%
5%
2%
14,019
2007
36%
7%
51%
3%
2%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say…
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Survey year
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
2014
46%
52%
1%
1%
14,019
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who read scripture…
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Survey year
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
2014
44%
11%
9%
35%
1%
14,019
2007
40%
11%
9%
39%
1%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say the holy scripture is…
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Survey year
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
2014
36%
37%
3%
19%
6%
14,019
2007
35%
35%
3%
19%
7%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …in hell
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Survey year
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
2014
78%
17%
5%
14,019
2007
76%
17%
7%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who identify as…
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Survey year
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
2014
60%
15%
25%
14,019
2007
54%
13%
33%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who are…
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Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
54%
32%
10%
4%
14,019
2007
51%
34%
11%
4%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say government aid to the poor…
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Survey year
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
65%
30%
3%
1%
14,019
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say abortion should be…
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Survey year
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
2014
41%
56%
3%
14,019
2007
44%
51%
5%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say homosexuality…
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Survey year
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
49%
43%
4%
3%
14,019
2007
40%
51%
5%
4%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who …same-sex marriage
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Survey year
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
2014
39%
53%
7%
14,019
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say…
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Survey year
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
2014
52%
44%
2%
2%
14,019
2007
38%
54%
3%
4%
12,227
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 who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services
% of who believe in Heaven who would rather have smaller government; fewer services who say humans…
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Survey year
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
2014
18%
31%
3%
44%
4%
14,019
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.