Religion as Prosocial: Agent or Double Agent?

Abstract

Does religion promote prosocial behavior? A verdict not clear. Methodological and theoretical weaknesses in recent studies correlating religious orientation with social values (e.g., prejudice) led to the proposal of a new three dimensional model of religiosity. Religion as a Quest was considered along with the well known Means and End orientations (cf. Allport's extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity). These three dimensions were operationalized by use of complete-estimation factor scores on three factors derived from six religious orientation scales. Convergent and discriminant validity of the scales and factors were examined using both seminarian and undergraduate samples. Finding satisfactory validity, the three dimensional model was employed in three studies concerning the relationship of religious orientation and prosocial behavior. Study 1 suggested that the frequently reported link between intrinsic (End) religion and less prejudicial questionnaire responses could be an artifact of social desirability. Studies 2 and 3 concerned helping behavior. In both, the Quest orientation was found to relate to more tentative, situationally responsive helping. The End orientation related to more persistenthelping that was less attuned to the expressed needs of the person seeking aid. O xford philosopher Basil Mitchell (1955) tells the following parable: In a war torn country occupied by enemy forces a member of the resistance meets a stranger one night. The Stranger deeply impresses him. In the course of a long conversation the Stranger tells the partisan that he too on the side of the resistance, indeed that he in command of it, and urges the partisan to have faith in him no matter happens. The partisan, utterly convinced of the Stranger's sincerity and constancy, trusts him. In the ensuing months the partisan does not speak to the Stranger. But sometimes he sees the Stranger helping members of the resistance, and he grateful and says, He on our side. At other times he sees the Stranger in the uniform of the police handing patriots over to the occupying forces. In spite of this behavior and the grumbling of his friends, the partisan maintains that the Stranger is on our side. At such times the partisan's friends object, asking what would he have to do for you to admit that you were wrong and that he not really on our side, that he a double