Immigrant status among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by religious group

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Religious traditionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Catholic44%14%41%1,517
Evangelical Protestant9%6%85%4,692
Historically Black Protestant7%2%91%1,071
Jehovah's Witness32%9%59%105
Mainline Protestant9%5%86%1,251
Mormon15%5%80%206
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")23%5%72%529
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are ages…

Immigrant status18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Immigrants16%50%23%11%1,243
Second generation29%29%20%23%684
Third generation or higher13%31%33%24%7,527
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Immigrant statusYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Immigrants8%19%40%26%7%< 1%1,243
Second generation20%14%24%23%15%4%684
Third generation or higher8%9%27%39%16%2%7,527
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Immigrant statusMenWomenSample size
Immigrants46%54%1,264
Second generation40%60%699
Third generation or higher43%57%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who identify as…

Immigrant statusWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Immigrants8%11%11%69%1%1,255
Second generation45%8%3%41%3%692
Third generation or higher69%22%< 1%4%4%7,586
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should 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
Immigrants65%19%10%6%1,022
Second generation49%21%22%9%602
Third generation or higher42%23%24%11%6,602
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.

Educational distribution among adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who have completed…

Immigrant statusHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Immigrants69%17%10%5%1,254
Second generation52%34%9%4%696
Third generation or higher53%32%11%5%7,646
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Immigrant statusMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Immigrants53%9%15%4%18%1,260
Second generation40%7%15%11%26%695
Third generation or higher52%4%15%10%19%7,649
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Immigrant statusParentsNon-parentsSample size
Immigrants47%53%1,259
Second generation29%71%698
Third generation or higher27%73%7,656
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should 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
Immigrants69%28%2%1%< 1%< 1%1,264
Second generation90%7%1%1%1%< 1%699
Third generation or higher93%6%1%1%< 1%< 1%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say religion is…

Immigrant statusVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Immigrants85%12%2%1%< 1%1,264
Second generation80%15%2%2%< 1%699
Third generation or higher85%12%2%1%< 1%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should 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
Immigrants59%28%13%< 1%1,264
Second generation56%31%12%< 1%699
Third generation or higher61%26%12%1%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who pray…

Immigrant statusAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Immigrants76%14%4%6%1%1,264
Second generation77%14%4%5%< 1%699
Third generation or higher82%12%2%4%< 1%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who attend prayer group…

Immigrant statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Immigrants45%15%9%30%1%1,264
Second generation39%15%9%36%1%699
Third generation or higher47%13%9%30%1%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who meditate…

Immigrant statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Immigrants61%10%4%21%4%1,264
Second generation53%5%2%38%2%699
Third generation or higher51%6%3%38%2%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should 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
Immigrants73%11%7%7%2%1,264
Second generation71%13%7%8%1%699
Third generation or higher77%10%5%7%1%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should 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
Immigrants54%13%13%17%3%1,264
Second generation49%14%12%24%2%699
Third generation or higher44%14%10%29%2%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Immigrant statusReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Immigrants53%6%28%12%2%1,264
Second generation55%6%31%7%2%699
Third generation or higher62%4%30%3%2%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should 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
Immigrants32%64%1%3%1,264
Second generation41%57%1%1%699
Third generation or higher49%49%1%1%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who read scripture…

Immigrant statusAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Immigrants57%13%7%23%1%1,264
Second generation58%11%9%21%1%699
Third generation or higher65%11%6%18%1%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who …in heaven

Immigrant statusBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Immigrants88%7%5%1,264
Second generation92%5%3%699
Third generation or higher91%4%5%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who …in hell

Immigrant statusBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Immigrants74%19%7%1,264
Second generation79%15%6%699
Third generation or higher84%10%6%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who identify as…

Immigrant statusRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Immigrants21%35%43%1,264
Second generation41%15%43%699
Third generation or higher50%14%36%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who are…

Immigrant statusConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Immigrants39%24%27%10%1,264
Second generation48%29%17%5%699
Third generation or higher57%25%12%7%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who would rather have…

Immigrant statusSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Immigrants19%76%2%3%1,264
Second generation47%49%2%2%699
Third generation or higher57%38%2%3%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should 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
Immigrants38%55%4%3%1,264
Second generation49%46%3%2%699
Third generation or higher53%42%4%2%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say abortion should be…

Immigrant statusLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Immigrants30%65%5%1,264
Second generation37%57%6%699
Third generation or higher31%65%4%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who say homosexuality…

Immigrant statusShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Immigrants48%43%4%5%1,264
Second generation45%46%3%6%699
Third generation or higher33%59%4%4%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should be taken literally who …same-sex marriage

Immigrant statusStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Immigrants35%55%10%1,264
Second generation35%55%9%699
Third generation or higher23%70%7%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should 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
Immigrants38%53%2%7%1,264
Second generation47%47%2%4%699
Third generation or higher51%43%3%4%7,682
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 and should be taken literally by immigrant status

% of adults who say their holy scripture is the word of God and should 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
Immigrants19%24%3%48%6%1,264
Second generation17%24%1%53%5%699
Third generation or higher10%22%2%62%5%7,682
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.