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Hindus in United States the Most Tolerant – Pew Forum Survey on Religion and Public Life

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The ‘Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life’ recently released the results of a survey on the religious beliefs and practices and social and political views of various religious traditions, including Hinduism, in the United States. The find indicates that Hindus are the most tolerant and majority believes all religions are true. Majority of people associated with Hindu religion are Democrats and have liberal view on homosexuality and abortion.

This is the second part of a nation wide survey, the first part concentrated on the economic, education and other similar aspects and revealed that Hindus in United States are better educated and earned more.

The survey titled ‘U.S. Religious Landscape Survey’ is based on interviews with more than 35,000 American adults.

Here are some of the key findings from the survey regarding Hindus in United States

Belief in God or Universal Spirit Among Hindus

  • 57% believe in god and certain about it
  • 35% believe in God and are only fairly certain
  • 9% not certain
  • 5% don’t believe in god

Importance of Religion in One's Life Among Hindus

  • Very important – 45%
  • Somewhat Important – 40%
  • Not important – 15%

Frequency of Attendance at Religious Services Among Hindus

  • More than once a week – 10%
  • Once a week – 14%
  • Once or twice a month – 23%
  • A few times a year – 34%
  • Seldom – 11%
  • Never – 8%

Frequency of Prayer Among Hindus

  • Daily – 62%
  • Weekly 14%
  • Monthly 5%
  • Seldom 12%
  • Never 5%

Frequency of Receiving Answers to Prayers Among Hindus

  • Once a week – 13%
  • Once or Twice a month – 10%
  • Several times a year – 18%
  • Seldom/never – 27%

Literal Interpretation of Scripture Among Hindus

  • Holy book is the word of god – 12%
  • Holy book is written by men and not word of god – 47%
  • Holy book is word of God but not literally true word to word – 25%

Interpretation of Religious Teachings Among Hindus

  • There is more than one way to interpret the teaching of my religion – 85%
  • There is only one true way to interpret my religion – 10%

Views of One's Religion as the One True Faith among Hindus

  • Many religions can lead to eternal life – 89%
  • My religion is the one true faith leading to eternal life – 5%

Party Affiliation among Hindus

  • Democrats - 41%
  • Lean Democratic – 22%
  • Republican - 6%
  • Lean Republican – 7%
  • Independent - 13%

Political Ideology Among Hindus

  • Conservative – 12%
  • Moderate – 44%
  • Liberal – 35%

Views About Size of Government Among Hindus

  • Bigger government more services – 59%
  • Smaller government fewer services – 31%

Views About Abortion Among Hindus

  • Legal in all cases – 23%
  • Legal in most cases – 46%
  • Illegal in most cases – 19%
  • Illegal in all cases – 5%

Views About Homosexuality Among Hindus

  • Should be accepted by society – 48%
  • Should be discouraged by society – 37%

Views About Government's Role in Protecting Morality Among Hindus

  • Government should do more to protect morality – 44%
  • Government is too involved in morality – 45%

Views About Environmental Protection Among Hindus

  • Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy – 24%
  • Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost – 67%

Views About Country's Role in World Affairs Among Hindus

  • It's best for the future of our country to be active in world affairs – 34%
  • We should concentrate on problems here at home – 58%

You can download a detailed report in PDF format from the official website of Pew Forum.