Does hell exist? Who are its occupants? Almost 1500 Catholics responded to Beliefnet's online survey about the down side of the afterlife. View selected results below.
When you die, what do you think will probably happen?
I will go to heaven
50.9%
I will go to purgatory
16.3%
I will go to hell
0.4%
I will be reincarnated
4.2%
I will leave my body and return to a source of divine consciousness
22.5%
Other (please specify)
5.8%
Do you believe in a place of purgation that precedes heaven?
Yes
64.5%
No
35.5%
Do you believe in hell?
Yes-as a physical place of eternal torment and fire
12.8%
Yes-as a state of separation from God
35.2%
Yes, both of the above
25.1%
Yes--but we don't know what it will be like
9.9%
I'm not sure
8.9%
No
6.6%
Other (please specify)
1.4%
Is hell eternal or temporary?
It is eternal
55.8%
It continues until the Last Judgment or divine reckoning
31.9%
It is temporary
12.3%
What do you think are the chances that you might go to hell?
Certain
0.4%
Likely
3.5%
Unlikely
43.4%
Not a chance
20.9%
I don't know
31.9%
Do you know one or more people you think will probably go to hell?
Yes
43.4%
No
56.6%
What is the main reason they will probably go to hell?
Because they do not have the right beliefs
19.1%
Because of their immoral actions
80.9%
How would you describe your relationship to most of the individuals you think might go to hell?
They are acquaintances
61%
They are coworkers
6.9%
They are family members
22%
They are friends
10.1%
How often do you attend services at your house of worship?
