Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by religious group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Religious traditionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Catholic19%15%66%2,751
Evangelical Protestant8%7%84%2,447
Historically Black Protestant6%7%87%456
Jehovah's Witness20%6%75%102
Jewish15%22%64%182
Mainline Protestant6%7%87%2,145
Mormon3%8%89%359
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")12%10%78%694
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: Immigrants, Second generation, Third generation or higher

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are ages…

Immigrant status18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Immigrants27%44%19%10%884
Second generation40%26%16%17%897
Third generation or higher21%33%27%18%7,522
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Immigrant statusYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Immigrants16%19%36%22%6%< 1%884
Second generation32%13%21%20%12%2%897
Third generation or higher14%13%27%33%12%1%7,522
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Immigrant statusMenWomenSample size
Immigrants46%54%901
Second generation45%55%921
Third generation or higher46%54%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…

Immigrant statusWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Immigrants22%10%15%51%2%894
Second generation50%7%7%32%3%908
Third generation or higher81%10%< 1%4%4%7,550
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have a household income of…

Immigrant statusLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Immigrants43%21%22%14%771
Second generation31%21%27%22%781
Third generation or higher27%21%31%21%6,796
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who have completed…

Immigrant statusHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Immigrants47%25%17%11%897
Second generation35%35%19%10%921
Third generation or higher36%35%18%11%7,609
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Immigrant statusMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Immigrants51%7%12%4%26%898
Second generation40%6%8%6%40%919
Third generation or higher53%6%13%6%23%7,602
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Immigrant statusParentsNon-parentsSample size
Immigrants41%59%899
Second generation27%73%916
Third generation or higher30%70%7,600
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they…

Immigrant statusBelieve 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
Immigrants71%24%4%< 1%< 1%< 1%901
Second generation73%23%2%1%1%< 1%921
Third generation or higher78%19%2%< 1%1%< 1%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say religion is…

Immigrant statusVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Immigrants66%27%4%2%1%901
Second generation59%33%6%2%< 1%921
Third generation or higher61%31%5%2%< 1%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend religious services…

Immigrant statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Immigrants47%38%15%1%901
Second generation41%41%17%< 1%921
Third generation or higher41%40%19%< 1%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who pray…

Immigrant statusAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Immigrants63%19%8%10%< 1%901
Second generation62%21%6%11%< 1%921
Third generation or higher64%21%6%9%< 1%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who attend prayer group…

Immigrant statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Immigrants29%14%14%42%1%901
Second generation23%11%11%55%< 1%921
Third generation or higher24%11%11%54%< 1%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who meditate…

Immigrant statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Immigrants49%8%5%36%2%901
Second generation38%9%5%48%1%921
Third generation or higher37%8%4%49%1%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Immigrant statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Immigrants62%16%10%10%1%901
Second generation57%17%11%14%1%921
Third generation or higher60%18%10%11%1%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Immigrant statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Immigrants47%17%14%21%1%901
Second generation43%16%14%27%1%921
Third generation or higher41%18%14%26%1%7,624
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Immigrant statusReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Immigrants34%13%40%10%3%901
Second generation32%10%50%7%1%921
Third generation or higher39%8%46%5%2%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…

Immigrant statusThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Immigrants30%68%2%< 1%901
Second generation31%67%1%1%921
Third generation or higher38%61%1%< 1%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who read scripture…

Immigrant statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Immigrants39%14%12%34%1%901
Second generation34%16%10%40%< 1%921
Third generation or higher37%14%11%38%< 1%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in heaven

Immigrant statusBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Immigrants86%11%4%901
Second generation90%7%3%921
Third generation or higher90%6%5%7,624
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 adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …in hell

Immigrant statusBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Immigrants68%26%6%901
Second generation66%28%6%921
Third generation or higher71%22%7%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who identify as…

Immigrant statusRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Immigrants28%24%48%901
Second generation38%17%45%921
Third generation or higher50%14%36%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who are…

Immigrant statusConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Immigrants34%36%24%6%901
Second generation32%42%23%3%921
Third generation or higher43%38%15%4%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who would rather have…

Immigrant statusSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Immigrants34%60%3%3%901
Second generation52%45%2%2%921
Third generation or higher64%32%2%3%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say government aid to the poor…

Immigrant statusDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Immigrants41%53%5%2%901
Second generation44%52%2%1%921
Third generation or higher52%43%3%1%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say abortion should be…

Immigrant statusLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Immigrants43%53%4%901
Second generation54%43%2%921
Third generation or higher48%49%3%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say homosexuality…

Immigrant statusShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Immigrants61%31%4%4%901
Second generation71%22%5%3%921
Third generation or higher62%31%4%3%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who …same-sex marriage

Immigrant statusStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Immigrants47%43%9%901
Second generation62%31%7%921
Third generation or higher51%42%7%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say…

Immigrant statusStricter 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
Immigrants35%60%2%3%901
Second generation37%61%1%1%921
Third generation or higher41%55%2%2%7,624
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 their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God but should not be taken literally who say humans…

Immigrant statusEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Immigrants25%33%3%36%4%901
Second generation26%37%3%31%2%921
Third generation or higher19%39%3%36%3%7,624
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.