Heaven, Existence of - Measurement Concept
Does the respondent believe that Heaven exists?
34 Questions match selected parameters.
Survey Questions
HEAVEN from
Baylor Religion Survey, Wave II (2007)
Q23b. In your opinion, does each of the following exist? Heaven
| TOTAL | % |
1) Absolutely not | 133 | 8.2 |
2) Probably not | 159 | 9.9 |
3) Probably | 315 | 19.6 |
4) Absolutely | 1002 | 62.3 |
Missing | 45 | |
Total | 1608 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2007
|
Cases:
|
1648
|
Variables:
|
318
|
Scope:
|
U.S. Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Mixed Mode
|
HEAVEN from
National Study of Youth and Religion, Wave 3 (2007-2008)
(heaven_w3) I:9. Do you believe in heaven as a place where some people go after death, or not? [INTERVIEWER: IF R SAYS 'MAYBE,' PROBE ONCE. IF HE/SHE STILL SAYS 'MAYBE,' CODE YES.]
| TOTAL | % |
0) No | 423 | 16.7 |
1) Yes | 2078 | 82.1 |
777) Don't know | 22 | 0.9 |
888) Refused | 4 | 0.2 |
999) Legitimate skip | 5 | 0.2 |
Missing | 838 | |
Total | 2532 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2008
|
Cases:
|
2532
|
Variables:
|
484
|
Scope:
|
U.S. Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Phone
|
RA_11 from
Portraits of American Life Study, 1st Wave, 2006
I believe in Heaven where people live with God forever.
| TOTAL | % |
-7) Refused | 2 | 0.1 |
-4) Don't know | 9 | 0.4 |
1) Strongly agree | 1671 | 64.1 |
2) Somewhat agree | 389 | 14.9 |
3) Neither agree nor disagree | 318 | 12.2 |
4) Somewhat disagree | 70 | 2.7 |
5) Strongly disagree | 146 | 5.6 |
Missing | 3 | |
Total | 2607 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2006
|
Cases:
|
2610
|
Variables:
|
666
|
Scope:
|
U.S. Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
In-Person
|
HEAVEN from
General Social Survey 2008 Cross-Section and Panel Combined
Do you believe in heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
0) Inapplicable | 2194 | 61.6 |
1) Yes, definitely | 853 | 24.0 |
2) Yes, probably | 276 | 7.8 |
3) No, probably not | 117 | 3.3 |
4) No definitely not | 80 | 2.2 |
8) Don't know | 33 | 0.9 |
9) No answer | 6 | 0.2 |
Total | 3559 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2008
|
Cases:
|
3559
|
Variables:
|
898
|
Scope:
|
U.S. Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
In-Person
|
HEAVEN from
Spirit and Power: A 10-Country Survey of Pentecostals
Which, if any, of the following do you believe in? Do you believe in Heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 87.7 |
2) No |   | 10.7 |
8) Don't know |   | 1.5 |
9) Refused |   | 0.1 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2006
|
Cases:
|
11028
|
Variables:
|
200
|
Scope:
|
Other: United States; Brazil, Chile and Guatemala in Latin America; Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa in Africa; and India, the Philippines and South Korea in Asia.
|
Frame:
|
Other: Pentecostals and Charismatics
|
Sample:
|
Unknown Sample Types
|
Mode:
|
Other: Telephone interviews in the United States and in-person in other countries.
|
Q51A from
Sub-Saharan Africa Religion Survey, 2010
Q51A [WHICH, IF ANY, OF THE FOLLOWING DO YOU BELIEVE IN?] In Heaven, where people how have led good lives are eternally rewarded?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 91.6 |
2) No |   | 5.8 |
8) Don't know |   | 2.3 |
9) Refused |   | 0.2 |
Total | 25091 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2009
|
Cases:
|
25091
|
Variables:
|
203
|
Scope:
|
Other: sub-Saharan Africa (Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania)
|
Frame:
|
Other: Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
In-Person
|
Q26C from
Baylor Religion Survey, Wave I (2005)
Q26 In your opinion, does each of the following ... exist c. Heaven
| TOTAL | % |
1) Absolutely | 1077 | 64.3 |
2) Probably | 300 | 17.9 |
3) Probably not | 180 | 10.7 |
4) Absolutely not | 118 | 7.0 |
Missing | 46 | |
Total | 1675 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2005
|
Cases:
|
1721
|
Variables:
|
395
|
Scope:
|
U.S. Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Mixed Mode
|
HEAVEN from
Spirit and Power: Survey of Pentecostals in Chile
Which, if any, of the following do you believe in? Do you believe in Heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 80.3 |
2) No |   | 15.8 |
8) Don't know |   | 2.8 |
9) Refused |   | 1.0 |
Total | 988 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2006
|
Cases:
|
988
|
Variables:
|
133
|
Scope:
|
Other: Chile
|
Frame:
|
Other: Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
In-Person
|
Q34A from
U.S. Religious Landscape Survey - Continental Dataset
IF BUDDHIST (Q.16=7), ASK: Do you believe in nirvana, the ultimate state transcending pain and desire in which individual consciousness ends?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 62.2 |
2) No |   | 19.3 |
3) Other (Vol.) |   | 1.4 |
9) Don't know/Refused (Vol.) |   | 17.0 |
Missing | 35145 | |
Total | 411 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2007
|
Cases:
|
35556
|
Variables:
|
133
|
Scope:
|
U.S. Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Phone
|
Q35 from
U.S. Religious Landscape Survey - Continental Dataset
Do you think there is a heaven, where people who have led good lives are eternally rewarded?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 73.8 |
2) No |   | 16.8 |
3) Other (Vol.) |   | 3.3 |
9) Don't know/Refused (Vol.) |   | 6.0 |
Total | 35556 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2007
|
Cases:
|
35556
|
Variables:
|
133
|
Scope:
|
U.S. Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Phone
|
HEAVEN from
National Study of Youth and Religion, Wave 2 (2005)
(heaven_w2) I:9. Do you believe in heaven as a place where some people go after death, or not? [INTERVIEWER: IF R SAYS "MAYBE", PROBE ONCE. IF HE/SHE STILL SAYS "MAYBE", CODE YES.]
| TOTAL | % |
0) No | 371 | 14.2 |
1) Yes | 2179 | 83.7 |
666) Invalid skip | 17 | 0.7 |
777) Don't know | 36 | 1.4 |
888) Refused | 1 | 0.0 |
Total | 2604 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2005
|
Cases:
|
2604
|
Variables:
|
509
|
Scope:
|
Other
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Phone
|
HEAVEN from
Spirit and Power: Survey of Pentecostals in Brazil
Which, if any, of the following do you believe in? Do you believe in Heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 79.9 |
2) No |   | 18.4 |
8) Don't know |   | 1.7 |
9) Refused |   | 0.0 |
Total | 1000 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2006
|
Cases:
|
1000
|
Variables:
|
127
|
Scope:
|
Other: Brazil, urban areas
|
Frame:
|
Other: Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
In-Person
|
HEAVEN from
General Social Survey, 1991
Do you believe in. . . Heaven
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes, definitely | 776 | 57.1 |
2) Yes, probably | 275 | 20.2 |
3) No, probably not | 115 | 8.5 |
4) No, definitely not | 63 | 4.6 |
8) Can't choose | 68 | 5.0 |
9) No answer | 62 | 4.6 |
Missing | 158 | |
Total | 1359 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
1991
|
Cases:
|
1481
|
Variables:
|
758
|
Scope:
|
U.S. Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
In-Person
|
HEAVEN from
Spirit and Power: Survey of Pentecostals in South Korea
Which, if any, of the following do you believe in? Do you believe in Heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 47.0 |
2) No |   | 46.2 |
8) Don't know |   | 6.7 |
9) Refused |   | 0.2 |
Total | 1000 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2006
|
Cases:
|
1000
|
Variables:
|
127
|
Scope:
|
Other: Korea
|
Frame:
|
Other: Korean adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Mailed
|
HEAVEN from
Spirit and Power: Survey of Pentecostals in the United States
Which, if any, of the following do you believe in? Do you believe in Heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 85.0 |
2) No |   | 12.2 |
8) Don't know |   | 2.5 |
9) Refused |   | 0.3 |
Total | 1074 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2006
|
Cases:
|
1074
|
Variables:
|
129
|
Scope:
|
U.S. Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Phone
|
Q34A from
U.S. Religious Landscape Survey - Alaska and Hawaii Dataset
IF BUDDHIST (Q.16=7), ASK: Do you believe in nirvana, the ultimate state transcending pain and desire in which individual consciousness ends?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 56.8 |
2) No |   | 17.9 |
9) Don't know/Refused (Vol.) |   | 25.4 |
Missing | 389 | |
Total | 12 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2008
|
Cases:
|
401
|
Variables:
|
129
|
Scope:
|
Regional Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Phone
|
Q35 from
U.S. Religious Landscape Survey - Alaska and Hawaii Dataset
Do you think there is a heaven, where people who have led good lives are eternally rewarded?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 68.5 |
2) No |   | 21.9 |
3) Other (Vol.) |   | 3.6 |
9) Don't know/Refused (Vol.) |   | 5.9 |
Total | 401 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2008
|
Cases:
|
401
|
Variables:
|
129
|
Scope:
|
Regional Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Phone
|
HEAVEN from
Spirit and Power: Survey of Pentecostals in the Philippines
Which, if any, of the following do you believe in? Do you believe in Heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 93.6 |
2) No |   | 5.7 |
8) Don't know |   | 0.7 |
9) Refused |   | 0.0 |
Total | 1300 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2006
|
Cases:
|
1300
|
Variables:
|
134
|
Scope:
|
Other: Philippines
|
Frame:
|
Other: Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
In-Person
|
HEAVEN from
Spirit and Power: Survey of Pentecostals in Chosen Regions of India
Which, if any, of the following do you believe in? Do you believe in Heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 63.5 |
2) No |   | 34.7 |
8) Don't know |   | 1.8 |
9) Refused |   | 0.0 |
Total | 1224 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2006
|
Cases:
|
1224
|
Variables:
|
128
|
Scope:
|
Other: India
|
Frame:
|
Other: Indian adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Mailed
|
HEAVEN from
Spirit and Power: Survey of Pentecostals in South Africa
Which, if any, of the following do you believe in? Do you believe in Heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 86.6 |
2) No |   | 9.4 |
8) Don't know |   | 4.0 |
9) Refused |   | 0.0 |
Total | 1137 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2006
|
Cases:
|
1137
|
Variables:
|
128
|
Scope:
|
Other: South Africa
|
Frame:
|
Other: Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
In-Person
|
HEAVEN from
General Social Survey, 1998
Do you believe in... Heaven
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes, definitely | 770 | 60.0 |
2) Yes, probably | 223 | 17.4 |
3) No probably not | 90 | 7.0 |
4) No definitely not | 75 | 5.8 |
8) Can't choose | 71 | 5.5 |
9) No answer | 55 | 4.3 |
Missing | 1548 | |
Total | 1284 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
1998
|
Cases:
|
2832
|
Variables:
|
858
|
Scope:
|
U.S. Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
In-Person
|
HEAVEN from
Spirit and Power: Survey of Pentecostals in Guatemala
Which, if any, of the following do you believe in? Do you believe in Heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 92.2 |
2) No |   | 6.3 |
8) Don't know |   | 1.3 |
9) Refused |   | 0.2 |
Total | 1305 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2006
|
Cases:
|
1305
|
Variables:
|
133
|
Scope:
|
Other: Guatemala
|
Frame:
|
Other: Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
In-Person
|
HEAVEN from
Spirit and Power: Survey of Pentecostals in Nigeria
Which, if any, of the following do you believe in? Do you believe in Heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 99.4 |
2) No |   | 0.4 |
8) Don't know |   | 0.2 |
9) Refused |   | 0.0 |
Total | 999 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2006
|
Cases:
|
999
|
Variables:
|
133
|
Scope:
|
Other: Nigeria
|
Frame:
|
Other: Nigerian adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Mailed
|
HEAVEN from
Spirit and Power: Survey of Pentecostals in Kenya
Which, if any, of the following do you believe in? Do you believe in Heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes |   | 96.0 |
2) No |   | 3.6 |
8) Don't know |   | 0.4 |
9) Refused |   | 0.0 |
Total | 1001 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
2006
|
Cases:
|
1001
|
Variables:
|
134
|
Scope:
|
Other: Kenya
|
Frame:
|
Other: Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
In-Person
|
BLFHELL from
Southern Focus Poll, South Survey, Spring 1998
Do you believe that after people die, some souls go to Heaven and others go to Hell?
| TOTAL | % |
1) BELIEVE | 609 | 80.9 |
2) DON'T BELIEVE | 144 | 19.1 |
Missing | 91 | |
Total | 753 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
1998
|
Cases:
|
844
|
Variables:
|
112
|
Scope:
|
Regional Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Phone
|
BLFHELL from
Southern Focus Poll, Non-South Survey, Spring 1998
Do you believe that after people die, some souls go to Heaven and others go to Hell?
| TOTAL | % |
1) BELIEVE | 241 | 66.9 |
2) DON'T BELIEVE | 119 | 33.1 |
Missing | 53 | |
Total | 360 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
1998
|
Cases:
|
413
|
Variables:
|
114
|
Scope:
|
Regional Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Phone
|
SOUL2 from
Religion and Politics Survey, 1996
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE RESPONDENTS WHO THINK THEIR SOUL WILL LIVE ON AFTER DEATH: Do you think there is a heaven, where people who have led good lives are eternally rewarded?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes (Believe in heaven) |   | 87.8 |
2) No (Don't believe in heaven) |   | 8.5 |
3) Don't know/Refused (Don't know if believe in heaven) |   | 3.7 |
Missing | 380 | |
Total | 1595 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
1996
|
Cases:
|
1975
|
Variables:
|
151
|
Scope:
|
U.S. Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Phone
|
HEAVEN from
Religious Fundamentalism Scale, 1988
Please indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the following statement - The religious idea of heaven is not much more than superstition.
| TOTAL | % |
1) Strongly disagree | 32 | 33.3 |
2) Disagree | 25 | 26.0 |
3) Undecided | 25 | 26.0 |
4) Agree | 7 | 7.3 |
5) Strongly Agree | 7 | 7.3 |
Total | 96 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
1988
|
Cases:
|
96
|
Variables:
|
28
|
Scope:
|
Other: Undergraduates at University of North Carolina
|
Frame:
|
Other
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Other: Respondents answered questions via computer terminals
|
AFTRDETH from
Survey of Northern California Church Bodies, 1963
What do you feel will probably happen to you after death? -- (I feel that I will do one of the following):
| TOTAL | % |
1) Go to purgatory | 452 | 16.3 |
2) Go to hell | 35 | 1.3 |
3) Simply stop existing | 449 | 16.1 |
4) Go to heaven | 1734 | 62.4 |
5) Don't know | 94 | 3.4 |
6) Reincarnation | 10 | 0.4 |
7) Other | 7 | 0.3 |
Missing | 94 | |
Total | 2781 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
1963
|
Cases:
|
2875
|
Variables:
|
629
|
Scope:
|
Regional Samples
|
Frame:
|
Other: Members of the sampled congregations were randomly selected.
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Mailed
|
AFTERLIF from
Spirituality and the Elderly: Survey of Staff and Residents From Long-Term Care Facilities, 1998
Do you believe in an afterlife?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes, definitely | 395 | 68.2 |
2) Sometimes | 117 | 20.2 |
3) No | 67 | 11.6 |
Missing | 13 | |
Total | 579 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
1998
|
Cases:
|
592
|
Variables:
|
129
|
Scope:
|
Other: California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Oklahoma, Utah.
|
Frame:
|
Other: Staff (N=299) and residents (N=266) from long-term care facilities completed one of eight forms. Facilities included skilled nursing facilities, continuing-care residential communities (CCRCs), retirement apartment complexes and assisted living facilities
|
Sample:
|
Non-Random
|
Mode:
|
Mailed
|
BLFHELL from
Southern Focus Poll, Combined Sample, Spring 1998
Do you believe that after people die, some souls go to Heaven and others go to Hell?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Believe | 795 | 72.1 |
2) Don't Believe | 308 | 27.9 |
Missing | 144 | |
Total | 1102 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
1998
|
Cases:
|
1257
|
Variables:
|
118
|
Scope:
|
U.S. Samples
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Phone
|
HEAVEN from
Middletown Area Study, 1998
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE RESPONDENTS WHO NEVER ATTEND CHURCH: Do you believe in heaven?
| TOTAL | % |
1) Yes | 105 | 76.6 |
2) No | 21 | 15.3 |
3) Are not sure | 11 | 8.0 |
Missing | 390 | |
Total | 137 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
1998
|
Cases:
|
527
|
Variables:
|
99
|
Scope:
|
Single Sample
|
Frame:
|
U.S. Adults
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Phone
|
HEAVEN from
Religious Fundamentalism Scale, 1986
Please indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the following statement - The religious idea of heaven is not much more than superstition.
| TOTAL | % |
1) Strongly disagree | 38 | 39.6 |
2) Disagree | 31 | 32.3 |
3) Undecided | 16 | 16.7 |
4) Agree | 6 | 6.3 |
5) Strongly Agree | 5 | 5.2 |
Total | 96 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
1986
|
Cases:
|
96
|
Variables:
|
30
|
Scope:
|
Other: Undergraduates at University of North Carolina
|
Frame:
|
Other
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Other: Respondents answered questions via computer terminals
|
HEAVEN from
Religious Fundamentalism Scale, 1987
Please indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the following statement: The religious idea of heaven is not much more than superstition.
| TOTAL | % |
1) Strongly disagree | 25 | 27.8 |
2) Disagree | 30 | 33.3 |
3) Undecided | 22 | 24.4 |
4) Agree | 6 | 6.7 |
5) Strongly Agree | 7 | 7.8 |
Total | 90 | 100.0 |
Survey Details | |
Year:
|
1987
|
Cases:
|
90
|
Variables:
|
30
|
Scope:
|
Other: Undergraduates at University of North Carolina
|
Frame:
|
Other
|
Sample:
|
Random Samples
|
Mode:
|
Other: Respondents answered questions via computer terminals
|