Interpreting scripture among second generation immigrants

% of second generation immigrants who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord 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
201422%27%2%42%6%3,395
200723%30%4%34%9%3,018
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: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

Interpreting scripture among second generation immigrants by religious group

% of second generation immigrants who say the holy scripture is…

Religious traditionWord 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
Catholic25%37%3%28%8%1,028
Evangelical Protestant51%33%4%10%3%522
Jewish14%24%3%51%8%199
Mainline Protestant19%38%1%33%10%406
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")4%9%< 1%82%5%845
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: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who are ages…

Interpreting scripture18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%29%20%23%684
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%26%16%17%897
Not the word of God42%28%14%15%1,442
Other/don't know28%22%21%28%230
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who are…

Interpreting scriptureYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally20%14%24%23%15%4%684
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%13%21%20%12%2%897
Not the word of God32%17%22%18%9%2%1,442
Other/don't know17%14%19%24%19%7%230
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who are…

Interpreting scriptureMenWomenSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%60%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally45%55%921
Not the word of God56%44%1,460
Other/don't know45%55%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%8%3%41%3%692
Word of God; not everything taken literally50%7%7%32%3%908
Not the word of God49%3%12%30%5%1,440
Other/don't know54%5%7%28%5%229
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who have a household income of…

Interpreting scriptureLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%21%22%9%602
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%21%27%22%781
Not the word of God29%21%27%24%1,306
Other/don't know39%18%23%20%178
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who have completed…

Interpreting scriptureHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally52%34%9%4%696
Word of God; not everything taken literally35%35%19%10%921
Not the word of God29%34%22%14%1,458
Other/don't know34%39%13%13%239
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who are…

Interpreting scriptureMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally40%7%15%11%26%695
Word of God; not everything taken literally40%6%8%6%40%919
Not the word of God32%10%8%4%46%1,454
Other/don't know30%15%12%15%29%233
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who are…

Interpreting scriptureParentsNon-parentsSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally29%71%698
Word of God; not everything taken literally27%73%916
Not the word of God18%82%1,459
Other/don't know17%83%239
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who say they…

Interpreting scriptureBelieve 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
Word of God; should be taken literally90%7%1%1%1%< 1%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally73%23%2%1%1%< 1%921
Not the word of God25%25%15%1%30%4%1,460
Other/don't know58%19%7%2%9%6%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who say religion is…

Interpreting scriptureVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally80%15%2%2%< 1%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally59%33%6%2%< 1%921
Not the word of God13%30%25%30%1%1,460
Other/don't know37%38%14%5%5%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who attend religious services…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally56%31%12%< 1%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally41%41%17%< 1%921
Not the word of God9%33%58%< 1%1,460
Other/don't know22%44%31%3%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who pray…

Interpreting scriptureAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally77%14%4%5%< 1%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%21%6%11%< 1%921
Not the word of God23%12%8%57%< 1%1,460
Other/don't know48%19%8%20%5%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who attend prayer group…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally39%15%9%36%1%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally23%11%11%55%< 1%921
Not the word of God4%4%3%89%< 1%1,460
Other/don't know13%11%7%65%4%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who meditate…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally53%5%2%38%2%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%9%5%48%1%921
Not the word of God28%11%6%55%< 1%1,460
Other/don't know42%11%3%39%5%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally71%13%7%8%1%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally57%17%11%14%1%921
Not the word of God42%16%11%30%1%1,460
Other/don't know49%18%8%18%7%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%14%12%24%2%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally43%16%14%27%1%921
Not the word of God50%15%13%22%1%1,460
Other/don't know47%13%10%25%5%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Interpreting scriptureReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally55%6%31%7%2%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%10%50%7%1%921
Not the word of God6%22%52%17%2%1,460
Other/don't know18%15%51%11%5%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who say…

Interpreting scriptureThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%57%1%1%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally31%67%1%1%921
Not the word of God17%81%1%1%1,460
Other/don't know21%73%2%4%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who read scripture…

Interpreting scriptureAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally58%11%9%21%1%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally34%16%10%40%< 1%921
Not the word of God7%6%7%79%< 1%1,460
Other/don't know20%15%9%52%4%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who …in heaven

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally92%5%3%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally90%7%3%921
Not the word of God39%53%9%1,460
Other/don't know58%20%23%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who …in hell

Interpreting scriptureBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally79%15%6%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally66%28%6%921
Not the word of God25%67%8%1,460
Other/don't know38%41%21%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who identify as…

Interpreting scriptureRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Word of God; should be taken literally41%15%43%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally38%17%45%921
Not the word of God22%15%63%1,460
Other/don't know26%28%46%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who are…

Interpreting scriptureConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally48%29%17%5%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally32%42%23%3%921
Not the word of God16%35%45%4%1,460
Other/don't know26%34%28%13%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who would rather have…

Interpreting scriptureSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally47%49%2%2%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally52%45%2%2%921
Not the word of God47%47%3%3%1,460
Other/don't know49%32%7%12%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who say government aid to the poor…

Interpreting scriptureDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally49%46%3%2%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally44%52%2%1%921
Not the word of God34%61%4%1%1,460
Other/don't know37%46%9%8%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who say abortion should be…

Interpreting scriptureLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally37%57%6%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally54%43%2%921
Not the word of God82%16%2%1,460
Other/don't know63%24%13%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who say homosexuality…

Interpreting scriptureShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally45%46%3%6%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally71%22%5%3%921
Not the word of God88%8%2%2%1,460
Other/don't know72%11%8%9%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who …same-sex marriage

Interpreting scriptureStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally35%55%9%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally62%31%7%921
Not the word of God83%12%4%1,460
Other/don't know64%16%20%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who say…

Interpreting scriptureStricter 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
Word of God; should be taken literally47%47%2%4%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally37%61%1%1%921
Not the word of God25%72%2%2%1,460
Other/don't know32%54%6%8%240
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 second generation immigrants by interpretation of scripture

% of second generation immigrants who say humans…

Interpreting scriptureEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Word of God; should be taken literally17%24%1%53%5%699
Word of God; not everything taken literally26%37%3%31%2%921
Not the word of God68%14%4%12%2%1,460
Other/don't know33%26%13%15%14%240
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.