Survey shows Asian Americans’ religiosity driven by family, culture

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A survey released on Oct. 11 by the Pew Research Center reveals a significant shift in religious identity among Asian Americans where it unveils an increasing pattern of nonreligious stances.

However, it is also important to note that 40 percent of the surveyed individuals, spanning various backgrounds, including Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese Americans, express a sense of religiosity driven by factors such as strong familial and cultural bonds.

It is a given fact that the Philippines is often referred to as a predominantly Christian country, which plays a significant role in the Filipino culture and societal norms. With the majority of its population adhering to Christianity, the Philippines stands as one of Asia’s largest Christian nations.

This is revealed by the survey with 74 percent of Filipino Americans identifying themselves as Christians, with 23 percent as religious nones or religiously unaffiliated.

Within the Filipino-American community, a nearly even distribution exists between Protestantism and Catholicism. In addition, Born again or evangelical Protestants constitute 10 percent of the religious landscape.

The survey offers a glimpse into the complex nature of religions within Asian American cultures, particularly Filipinos. Religion has not only shaped beliefs but has also been intertwined with customs, traditions, and even national identity, creating a rich tapestry of faith that defies simple categorization.

This deep-rooted connection is evident in the country’s history, numerous churches, familial values, and religious festivals.

Importance of religion in Asian Americans

Furthermore, Filipino Americans along with Koreans tend to have a higher rate of regular religious attendance compared to Vietnamese, Japanese, or Chinese Americans.

This means that they hear mass or go to church and have an altar at home for worshiping, which is fairly common among Filipinos who are Christian, with 66 percent of them in the survey saying that they have an altar at home.

Moreover, 36 percent of Asian Americans report having an altar, shrine, or religious symbol within their homes, indicating the significance of personal and familial spirituality.

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The findings provide insights into the complex relationship between religion, culture, and familial connections within the Filipino-American community and the broader Asian American population. It also highlights the ongoing process of redefining and reimagining religious identity in today’s multicultural society.