Hispanics more religious, not that zealous

A few months ago I pointed out that minorities don't oppose gay marriage, blacks do. Specifically, there are sometimes assumptions that Hispanics are extremely religious Roman Catholics characterized by very socially conservative views. From what I have seen the data are of much more modest magnitude than what characterizations would suggest, but I thought it would be useful to put some numbers from the General Social Survey up. The years are from 2000-2008, when the "Hispanic" variable was being collected. First I separated into three categories, Non-Hispanics who were not black, which was a 95% white and 5% Asian sample. Then Hispanics (who were 1/3 white and 2/3 "Other") and finally, blacks. Second, I decided to look at Non-Hispanic vs. Hispanic Roman Catholics. In this sample of Hispanics 2/3 were Roman Catholics.

Hispanics are somewhat more religious than the median American, but the data are spotty in arguing for a strong distinction. The main issue where a noticeable difference crops up is on the question of abortion, which is probably a cultural issue since many Hispanics and/or their families are of recent origin from nations where abortion is illegal.

All

Non-Hispanic - 95% White, 5% AsianHispanicBlack

No Religion16.111.710.6

Know God Exists57.772.683.6

Bible Word of God27.940.256.4

Inspired Word51.944.433.4

Book of Fables18.313.58.6

Human Beings Developed From Animals53.548.733.8

Approve Banning School Sanctioned Prayer From Bible43.742.822.2

Never Attend Church21.517.712.7

Every Week17.917.921.1

More than Once A week75.412.9