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1 Survey of Love and Forgiveness in American Society prepared for the Fetzer Institute by StrategyOne October 2010

Fetzer Institute Survey on Love and Forgiveness in American Society

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At a time when significant emphasis is placed on the issues that divide Americans, the Fetzer Institute’s “Survey of Love and Forgiveness in American Society” reveals the commonalities that bind us together. The report uncovers the deeply held beliefs and attitudes individuals have about love, forgiveness, and their connection to the world beyond our borders. The Fetzer Institute commissioned the research in 2010 in an effort to explore these complex topics that are central to its mission and to learn more about where love and forgiveness are present in American life.

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Page 1: Fetzer Institute Survey on Love and Forgiveness in American Society

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Survey of Love and Forgiveness in American Society

prepared for the Fetzer Institute by StrategyOneOctober 2010

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Methodology

•Influencers are defined as follows:-Business Influencer: currently holds a professional title of director or above-Community Influencer: has participated in at least three community activities like volunteering or charities or nonprofit organizations, attending public meetings, contacting politicians, or others in the past 12 months

Who

n=1,000 US Adults age 18+ (Margin of Error: 3.1% in 95 out of 100 cases)

n=200 Oversample of influencers* (Margin of Error: 6.9% in 95 out of 100 cases)

n=300 Oversample in six geographic markets (Margin of Error: 5.7% in 95 out of 100 cases)Dallas; Detroit; New York City; San Francisco; Seattle; Washington, D.C.

How Online Data Collection

When August 4–15, 2010

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Key Findings

A Growing Desire for Love and ForgivenessAmerican adults recognize a need for more meaningful love and

forgiveness. Sixty-eight percent of Americans agree (strongly or somewhat) that they need more meaningful love in their personal lives, and this number increases to 89% in their communities, 94% in America, and 95% in the world. Sixty-two percent of Americans agree (strongly or somewhat) that they need more forgiveness in their personal lives, and this number increases to 83% in their communities, 90% in America, and 90% in the world.

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Key Findings

Americans Seek Greater Connection GloballyAmericans express a universal desire for a more loving and unified world. For example, most (61%) claim that if they better understood the values of people in other countries, there would be less conflict in the world, which indicates a need in our country for better understanding of foreign cultures and values and how those values align with our own. Additionally, 9 in 10 Americans agree that the world is too divided and apart, and 95% agree that we need more meaningful love in the world.

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Key Findings

An Increasingly Fearful and Violent WorldThe belief is prevalent in the United States that the world is increasingly becoming more fearful and violent. Ninety-one percent of Americans feel this way, and the majority of Americans also believe that both the United States and the world today are too divided and apart (87% and 90% respectively).

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Key Findings

The Complexity of Forgiveness in America Sixty-seven percent of Americans agree that the US population is

composed of generally forgiving people, but 58% also agree that there are instances where people should never be forgiven. The unforgiveable instances are murder (41%), abuse or sexual crimes (26%), or any intentionally committed crime (22%), suggesting that most Americans focus on crimes against an individual as being unforgiveable. Additionally, 60% of Americans believe that forgiving someone would first depend on the offender apologizing and making changes.

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Key Findings

Americans Live with Distrust and Long to BelongWhile most Americans describe their personal communities as friendly,

peaceful, respectful, and compassionate, 74% agree that most people would take advantage of others if they had the chance. In addition, 40% of Americans describe their communities as divided; 31% claim their communities are intolerant; and 27% state their communities are untrusting. The data also points to a clear majority who long to belong. 82% of Americans agree that it’s personally important to feel part of a community, and 58% say that they want to be a part of something bigger than themselves but don’t know how to begin.

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Key Findings

Americans Are Becoming More SpiritualThe United States is becoming an increasingly spiritual country. Seventy-six percent of American adults consider themselves to be spiritual, and 60% of American adults say they are becoming more spiritual as compared to five years ago. Furthermore, nearly three-quarters of American adults believe spirituality can help solve misunderstandings between cultures. Still, there is a segment of the population that doesn’t know where to turn to address their spiritual needs. Around one-third of American adults spend a lot of time grappling with spirituality, and more than one-in four have spiritual needs and don’t know where to turn for help.

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Meaningful Love

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Being com-passionate

Helping others Sacrifices Acts of kindness Anticipating needs

Respect Spending time Community involvement

Physical affection

21% 20%

8% 7% 7% 6% 6% 5% 5%

Meaningful love in Americans’ personal lives is primarily about compassion and supporting others.

Asked among US Population•Thinking about the term “meaningful love,” how would you define this in the context of your personal life? •What are some ways you demonstrate “meaningful love” in your personal life?

Defining “meaningful love”

Ways to demonstrate “meaningful love”

US Population

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Ways “meaningful love” is part of industry/field

Americans believe that meaningful love is not part of the workplace.

•In what ways do you think “meaningful love” is part of the industry or field in which you currently work? •What do you think is the main obstacle to having more “meaningful love” in the industry or field in which you currently work?

Inappropriate in the workplace Profits Selfishness Competition Lack of communication Bureaucracy

11%9%

7%5% 5% 5%

13% 13%

5% 5% 5% 5%

US Population Business influencers

Top

men

tions

Main obstacle to “meaningful love” in the workplace

US Population

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Americans indicate a strong desire for more meaningful love in their lives, particularly at the community and societal levels.

•How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

We need more meaningful love in the world

We need more meaningful love in America

We need more meaningful love in my community

We need more meaningful love in the industry or field in which

I work

I need more meaningful love in my personal life

62%

58%

42%

29%

28%

33%

36%

47%

48%

40%

3%

4%

9%

14%

22%

2%

2%

2%

9%

10%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

% AGREE, Key Groups

US Population

Community Influencers

Business Influencers

68% 67% 66%

77% 77% 75%

89% 87% 85%

94% 94% 92%

95% 95% 92%

US Population

Perceived Need for Meaningful Love

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Forgiveness

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Americans see an increasing need for forgiveness, particularly at the community and societal levels.

•How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

We need more forgiveness in the world

We need more forgiveness in America

We need more forgiveness in my community

We need more forgiveness in the industry or field in which I currently work

I need more forgiveness in my personal life

55%

51%

37%

27%

22%

35%

39%

46%

45%

40%

7%

7%

13%

18%

28%

2%

3%

4%

10%

9%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

% AGREE, Key Groups

US Population

Community Influencers

Business Influencers

62% 63% 61%

72% 73% 72%

83% 83% 84%

90% 91% 89%

90% 93% 89%

Perceived Need for Forgiveness

US Population

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Attitudes about forgiveness are mixed, and more than half of Americans agree there are instances that do not warrant forgiveness.

•How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?•What are these instances where people should never be forgiven?

There are instances where people should never be forgiven

In general, my forgiving someone should depend upon the offender first apologizing

and making changes

24%

22%

34%

38%

23%

24%

19%

16%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

% AGREE, Key Groups

US Population

Community Influencers

Business Influencers

60% 49% 58%

58% 50% 60%

Situations of Forgiveness

Murder Abuse / Sexual crimes Intentional crimes Betrayal Terrorism / War crimes

41%

26%22%

10%4%

US Population

Unforgiveable Instances

US Population

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Americans believe that forgiveness is not part of the workplace.

12% 11%7% 6% 6% 4%

10%13% 11%

5% 5% 6% 6%

18%US Population Business influencers

Top

men

tions

Main obstacle to forgiveness in the workplace

•In what ways do you think forgiveness is part of the industry or field in which you currently work? •What do you think is the main obstacle to having more forgiveness in the industry or field in which you currently work?

Ways forgiveness is part of industry/field

US Population

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Americans are more comfortable seeking help to forgive others than in seeking help to forgive themselves.

•Have you ever turned to anyone for help or guidance in trying to forgive others?•Have you ever turned to anyone for help or guidance in trying to forgive yourself?•Which of the following have you turned to?

Friend

Family member

Spouse

Mental health professional

Parent

Clergy

Support group

Teacher

Colleague

God

54%

41%

30%

29%

27%

26%

12%

7%

7%

6%

69%

54%

41%

22%

37%

27%

12%

10%

15%

4%

To forgive others

To forgive yourselfForgive othersForgive yourself

53%

43%

Turn to others for help to… Turn to:

US Population

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Influencers demonstrate similar attitudes to the general public, but they are more comfortable turning to a variety of support sources.

Community and Business Influencers

•Have you ever turned to anyone for help or guidance in trying to forgive others?•Have you ever turned to anyone for help or guidance in trying to forgive yourself?•Which of the following have you turned to?

Friend

Family member

Mental health professional

Clergy

Spouse

Parent

Support group

Colleague

Teacher

God

53%

40%

35%

33%

30%

25%

21%

14%

8%

6%

69%

54%

27%

37%

39%

33%

18%

21%

10%

4%

To forgive othersTo forgive yourselfForgive othersForgive yourself

59%

47%

Turn to others for help to… Turn to:

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92%

2%6%

Most Americans seek help from friends and family when grappling with a personal problem.

•To which of the following do you turn for support when you are struggling with a personal problem?

87%

3% 10%I have resources

I don't know where to turn

I don't look for help

Community and Business Influencers

US Population

Family

Friends

Physical activity or hobby

Religion or spirituality

Meditation

Published materials

Personal indulgences

A personal advisor

Online communication

62%

56%

32%

27%

22%

18%

17%

13%

10%

Family

Friends

Physical activity or hobby

Religion or spirituality

Meditation

Published materials

Personal indulgences

A personal advisor

Online communication

66%

64%

42%

35%

31%

29%

19%

17%

15%

Where You Turn for Personal Guidance

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Religion & Spirituality

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Americans are uniformly committed to leading spiritual, connected lives.

•How important would you say each of the following is in your personal life?

To feel part of a community

To find meaning in my life

To lead a life of high moral value

To find inner peace

33%

62%

60%

63%

49%

32%

35%

32%

15%

4%

3%

4%

3%

2%

1%

1%

Very important Somewhat important Not very important Not at all important

% IMPORTANT, Key Groups

US PopulationCommunity Influencers

Business Influencers

95% 96% 95%

95% 95% 95%

94% 95% 93%

82% 90% 87%

Importance of Values

US Population

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Most Americans consider themselves “spiritual.”

•Thinking about religion and spirituality, which of the following best describes you?

US Population

Business Influencers

Community Influencers

35%

37%

39%

6%

10%

6%

41%

34%

42%

18%

19%

13%

Spiritual, but not religious Religious, but not spiritual Both Neither

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Spiritual only Religious only Both Spiritual only Religious only Both Spiritual only Religious only Both

79%77%

90%

84%86%

95%

88%

74%

91%

Americans who are both religious and spiritual lead lives more aligned with their beliefs.

•How well connected is your life with your spiritual beliefs? (Asked among spiritual only.)•How well connected is your life with your religious beliefs? (Asked among religious only.)•How well connected is your life with your spiritual/religious beliefs? (Asked among both spiritual and religious.)

US Population Community Influencers Business Influencers

% Life is well connected with beliefs

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Spiritual only Religious only Both Spiritual only Religious only Both Spiritual only Religious only Both

47%

35%

50%

35%

19%

35%

63%

51%

59%

Spirituality is a common factor in Americans having more trust and openness to others.

Forgiveness not conditional Trust of others Positive global views% DISAGREE

“In general, my forgiving someone should depend upon the offender first apologizing

and making changes in their behavior”

% DISAGREE“Most people would take advantage of

others if they had the chance”

% DISAGREE“People in other countries are generally

intolerant people”

•How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

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Belief/Faith in God

Practices/Worship

System of be-liefs

Organized/Structured faith

Belief in higher power

Sharing of be-liefs

Dogma/Defined beliefs

23% 21%17% 16%

10% 9% 8%

Americans understand religion as a set of beliefs and practices of faith.

•What does the term “religion” mean to you? (Mentions less than 10% omitted from table.)

Participation in an organized, structured version of spirituality.Believing in God,

going to my church, having the right to go to my choice of

church.Religious does not necessarily mean you attend church

every Sunday. It means you believe in a greater power.

Religion for me is the practice of rituals that connect me with my

spiritual beliefs. Religion is a gateway, though not the

only gateway, to spirituality.

A dogma or set of rules that people band together to

follow.

Having a belief in God and living by

example. Attending a local church..being a

part of that church community.

Definition of Religion

Religions are the greatest lie ever told to

mankind. Its a tool used by people to gain and/or maintain power

and control.

Religion is man's attempt to explain his

existence and his connection to the

universe of which he is a part.

US Population

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Americans understand spirituality to be more personal than religion.

•What does the term “spirituality’” mean to you? (Mentions less than 5% omitted from table.)

Spirituality means the love and worship of GOD.

Having a personal relationship with

God.

Religion is for people who are afraid of going to hell,

Spirituality is for the people who have already

lived through it.

To me, it means having faith in a

higher power or in something greater

than you.

Spirituality is the feeling of peace and serenity you get knowing there is a power greater than yourself who

knows what is best for you.

You live your life in the 'spirit' of Christ.

That you are kind, and compassionate, and you think

about broader things than yourself, like making the world a better place, and having a moral code that you live by, and being

good to others.

Belief/Faith in God Belief in higher power Faith (general) Self-awareness Inner peace

22% 21%

10%7% 6%

Definition of Spirituality

US Population

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Religion is largely old-fashioned and out of date

Spirituality is largely old-fashioned and out of date

Science and religion are in direct conflict

Science and spirituality are in direct conflict

Religion can help solve misunderstandings and gaps between cultures

Spirituality can help solve misunderstandings and gaps between cultures

Science and religion are both useful

Science and spirituality are both useful

Science and religion are compatible

Science and spirituality are compatible

42%

22%

19%

13%

54%

72%

39%

40%

18%

22%

Attitudes about religion and spirituality differ. Americans are more likely to see spirituality as relevant and useful.

•How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

Perceived Relevance of Religion and Spirituality% Agree

Neg

ative

atti

tude

sPo

sitiv

e atti

tude

s

US Population

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Those who are both religious and spiritual are most likely to participate in religious/spiritual practice.

•How often do you do each of the following activities?

Pray privately outside of church

Meditate

Attend a church

Spiritual activity not connected with a

church

59%

36%

28%

27%

% FREQUENTLY, Key Groups

US PopulationCommunity Influencers

Business Influencers

Spiritual only

Religious only Both

59% 62% 61% 50% 62% 87%

36% 46% 52% 41% 35% 49%

28% 37% 38% 12% 46% 54%

27% 36% 41% 29% 29% 38%

Religious/Spiritual Practice% Once per week or more

US Population

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Americans have a growing interest in spirituality and are searching for guidance.

•How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

I believe the events in my life unfold according to a divine or greater plan

Compared to 5 years ago, I am becoming more spiritual

I want to join and be a part of something bigger than myself but I don’t know how to begin

I have spiritual needs that are not addressed by a traditional religious institution

Compared to 5 years ago, I am becoming more religious

I spend a lot of time grappling with the issue of spirituality

I have spiritual needs and I don’t know where to turn

69%

60%

58%

48%

41%

31%

27%

% AGREE, Key Groups

US Population

Community Influencers

Business Influencers

Spiritual only

Religious only Both

69% 67% 69% 63% 71% 89%

60% 63% 67% 66% 42% 77%

58% 52% 56% 56% 58% 57%

48% 52% 56% 70% 45% 39%

41% 41% 44% 22% 55% 67%

31% 30% 39% 30% 45% 31%

27% 22% 32% 27% 43% 24%

Connection to Spirituality% Agree

US Population

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Many Americans believe their religion is the right one.

•How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? •Do you believe that your children should be raised with… (Asked of respondents with children.)

I believe interfaith marriage is wrong

The religion I believe in is the right religion

7%

30%

13%

33%

27%

16%

52%

20%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

% AGREE, Key Groups

US Population

Community Influencers

Business Influencers

63% 57% 60%

21% 16% 25%

How Religious Preference Affects Lifestyle

Organized religion Spiritual guidance Both Neither

9%

24%

46%

12%

Children should be raised with…

US Population

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Community & Self

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47%

41%

4% 2% 6%

The people and houses in my neighborhood

The broader locale or city in which I live

The state in which I live

The country in which I live

The world in which I live

For many, “community” is defined by close geographic proximity.

•Thinking about the word “community,” geographically, do you define this primarily as…

Community and Business InfluencersUS Population

34%

53%

5% 2% 7%

Community as neighborhood or city 88%

Community as neighborhood or city 87%

Page 33: Fetzer Institute Survey on Love and Forgiveness in American Society

33•Thinking about your personal community, whom do you include…

My neighbors

My family

The people and groups with whom I spend the greatest amount of time

My church/local religious group

My company/co-workers

Organizations and associations I am a member of

My online social networks

76%

72%

60%

40%

36%

34%

23%

Key Groups

US PopulationCommunity Influencers

Business Influencers

76% 82% 75%

72% 80% 78%

60% 75% 69%

40% 53% 49%

36% 46% 56%

34% 56% 52%

23% 32% 34%

Definition of Personal Community

Influencers have a wider definition of their personal community than other Americans.

US Population

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34•Thinking about this personal community, how well do you agree that each of these terms describes your community now?•Which of the following do you wish your personal community was more of?

Preference for Personal Community

Americans recognize the positive qualities of their communities, but also identify room for improvement.

Frien

dly

Peace

ful

Respectf

ul

Compassio

nate

Lovin

g

Forgi

ving

Accountab

le

Multicu

ltural

Faith

-fille

d

Spirit

ual

Divided

Intoler

ant

Untrusti

ng

Corrupt

92% 89% 89%85% 83% 82% 81%

77%73% 73%

40%31%

27%20%

33%25%

35%

26%22%

18%21%

13% 16% 16%

1% 2% 2% 1%

Currently describes community Wish my community was more

US Population

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35•How important would you say each of the following is in your personal life?•For each of the following statements, please indicate how much you agree or disagree.

Americans want to be a part of a community and are looking to belong to something bigger than themselves.

82% 87% 90%

58% 56%52%

Importance of Community Joining Something Bigger% IMPORTANT

“To feel part of a community”% AGREE

“I want to join something bigger than myself, but I don’t know how to begin.”

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Americans believe that both the United States and the world are too divided and apart.

•For each of the following statements, please indicate how much you agree or disagree.

America today is too divided and apart

The world today is too divided and apart

The world is increasingly becoming more fearful and violent

Most people would take advantage of others if they had the chance

42%

46%

48%

29%

45%

44%

43%

45%

10%

8%

7%

23%

3%

3%

2%

3%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

Perception of Social Health

US Population

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The majority of Americans have similar perceptions of themselves as they do of people around the world.

•How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? (Total % Agree shown)

Perceptions of Foreign Cultures

Question split sampled [Americans] [People in other countries]

Are generally intolerant people

If they understood others' values better, there would be less conflict

Are generally spiritual people

Are generally forgiving people

Are generally religious people

Are generally loving people

Are generally compassionate people

43%

52%

76%

61%

76%

71%

72%

49%

61%

65%

67%

75%

76%

77%

AmericansPeople in other countries

US Population

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Detailed Findings by City

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Dallas

93% 90% 91% 88% 87% 87% 83% 87%77% 80%

36% 27% 24% 16%35%

22%35% 28% 21% 23% 28%

12%24% 20%

0% 1% 0% 0%

Currently describes community Wish my community was more

We need more forgiveness in the world

We need more forgiveness in America

We need more forgiveness in my community

I need more forgiveness in my personal life

We need more meaningful love in the world

We need more meaningful love in America

We need more meaningful love in my community

I need more meaningful love in my personal life

59%

54%

33%

22%

65%

60%

40%

26%

35%

40%

49%

43%

28%

33%

44%

44%

5%

5%

16%

26%

3%

3%

12%

19%

1%

1%

2%

9%

3%

3%

4%

11%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagreeThe world is increasingly more fear-ful and violent

I have spiritual needs and I don't know where to turn

90%

22%

% Agree

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40

Detroit

92% 85% 86% 86% 84% 81% 84% 75% 72% 74%

37%24% 20% 18%

30% 25% 30% 25% 20% 20% 20% 13% 17% 17%1% 2% 1% 1%

Currently describes community Wish my community was more

We need more forgiveness in the world

We need more forgiveness in America

We need more forgiveness in my community

I need more forgiveness in my personal life

We need more meaningful love in the world

We need more meaningful love in America

We need more meaningful love in my community

I need more meaningful love in my personal life

54%

50%

35%

20%

61%

56%

36%

26%

38%

39%

47%

40%

33%

39%

52%

42%

7%

9%

16%

34%

4%

3%

9%

24%

1%

2%

2%

6%

2%

2%

2%

8%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagreeThe world is increasingly more fear-ful and violent

I have spiritual needs and I don't know where to turn

92%

24%

% Agree

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41

New York City

89% 88% 86% 84% 81% 79% 82% 84%67% 68%

49%34% 32% 25%31% 29% 33% 27% 21% 17%

23%9% 14% 16%

5% 2% 1% 2%

Currently describes community Wish my community was more

We need more forgiveness in the world

We need more forgiveness in America

We need more forgiveness in my community

I need more forgiveness in my personal life

We need more meaningful love in the world

We need more meaningful love in America

We need more meaningful love in my community

I need more meaningful love in my personal life

48%

40%

31%

24%

56%

50%

38%

32%

42%

48%

49%

38%

39%

43%

50%

36%

8%

10%

15%

26%

4%

4%

10%

20%

2%

2%

5%

12%

1%

2%

2%

11%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagreeThe world is increasingly more fear-ful and violent

I have spiritual needs and I don't know where to turn

88%

31%

% Agree

Page 42: Fetzer Institute Survey on Love and Forgiveness in American Society

42

San Francisco

92% 88% 91% 91% 89% 83% 85% 88%

58% 67%

40%24% 23% 17%

30% 25%38% 30% 26% 20% 24%

14% 12% 17%2% 1% 1% 1%

Currently describes community Wish my community was more

We need more forgiveness in the world

We need more forgiveness in America

We need more forgiveness in my community

I need more forgiveness in my personal life

We need more meaningful love in the world

We need more meaningful love in America

We need more meaningful love in my community

I need more meaningful love in my personal life

46%

44%

27%

18%

56%

49%

34%

25%

47%

47%

51%

42%

38%

45%

56%

44%

5%

7%

19%

31%

4%

5%

8%

24%

2%

2%

3%

9%

1%

1%

2%

7%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagreeThe world is increasingly more fear-ful and violent

I have spiritual needs and I don't know where to turn

85%

24%

% Agree

Page 43: Fetzer Institute Survey on Love and Forgiveness in American Society

43

Seattle

92% 88% 90% 89% 86% 84% 83% 84%62% 65%

33%20% 21% 13%

31%19%

30% 24% 18% 15% 19% 14% 12% 13%0% 1% 1% 0%

Currently describes community Wish my community was more

We need more forgiveness in the world

We need more forgiveness in America

We need more forgiveness in my community

I need more forgiveness in my personal life

We need more meaningful love in the world

We need more meaningful love in America

We need more meaningful love in my community

I need more meaningful love in my personal life

50%

45%

33%

17%

54%

51%

37%

23%

43%

44%

47%

41%

37%

41%

47%

41%

4%

7%

16%

31%

6%

5%

12%

26%

3%

3%

4%

11%

3%

3%

4%

10%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagreeThe world is increasingly more fear-ful and violent

I have spiritual needs and I don't know where to turn to help me with

them

88%

23%

% Agree

Page 44: Fetzer Institute Survey on Love and Forgiveness in American Society

44

Washington, D.C.

91% 87% 88% 86% 80% 82% 81% 88%68% 71%

35% 29% 27% 19%28% 21%36%

23% 16% 17%23%

13% 13% 15%1% 2% 1% 1%

Currently describes community Wish my community was more

We need more forgiveness in the world

We need more forgiveness in America

We need more forgiveness in my community

I need more forgiveness in my personal life

We need more meaningful love in the world

We need more meaningful love in America

We need more meaningful love in my community

I need more meaningful love in my personal life

50%

46%

29%

18%

51%

47%

30%

22%

40%

43%

49%

39%

41%

42%

50%

41%

8%

10%

20%

34%

5%

7%

16%

27%

2%

1%

2%

9%

3%

4%

4%

10%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagreeThe world is increasingly more fear-ful and violent

I have spiritual needs and I don't know where to turn

84%

26%

% Agree

Page 45: Fetzer Institute Survey on Love and Forgiveness in American Society

45

Demographics

Page 46: Fetzer Institute Survey on Love and Forgiveness in American Society

46

DemographicsGen Pop Business

InfluencersCommunity Influencers

Age

18-24 14% 4% 10%

25-29 10% 9% 7%

30-34 10% 13% 8%

35-44 22% 22% 18%

45-54 22% 24% 21%

55-64 16% 19% 27%

65+ 6% 8% 11%

GenderMale 45% 59% 41%

Female 55% 41% 59%

Region

Northeast 24% 31% 26%

South 29% 24% 25%

Midwest 23% 17% 20%

West 23% 29% 30%

Metropolitan Areas

Dallas 4% 11% 10%

Detroit 3% 9% 11%

NYC 16% 23% 18%

San Francisco 5% 15% 16%

Seattle 2% 10% 12%

DC 4% 12% 13%

None of these cities 65% 20% 20%

Gen Pop BusinessInfluencers

Community Influencers

Education

High School or less 21% 9% 8%

Some College 35% 22% 31%

College graduate 29% 38% 35%

Professional/Graduate School 14% 31% 26%

Type of School

Public School 82% 76% 77%

Parochial/Religious School 10% 12% 14%

Private School 5% 9% 6%

Employment Status

Employed Full-Time 40% 75% 46%

Employed Part-Time 14% 14% 14%

Part-Time Student 1% 0% <1%

Full-Time Student 7% 3% 7%

Retired/Semi-Retired 10% 4% 15%

Unemployed, looking for work 13% 2% 9%

Unemployed, not looking for work 2% 1% <1%

Homemaker/Unpaid caregiver 8% 0% 5%

Disabled 5% 1% 3%

Page 47: Fetzer Institute Survey on Love and Forgiveness in American Society

47

DemographicsGen Pop Business

InfluencersCommunity Influencers

Ethnicity

Caucasian 76% 78% 79%

African-American 8% 6% 8%

Asian 5% 8% 6%

Hispanic 9% 5% 5%

American Indian <1% 1% 1%

Middle-Eastern <1% <1% <1%

Other 2% 1% 2%

Income Level

>$20,000 15% 5% 8%

$20,000-$34,999 19% 8% 12%

$35,000-$49,999 17% 11% 15%

$50,000-$74,999 21% 20% 22%

$75,000-$99,999 14% 18% 18%

$100,000-$149,999 8% 19% 15%

$150,000+ 4% 17% 10%

Voting Preference

McCain 29% 29% 34%

Obama 43% 56% 53%

Other 4% 6% 5%

Did not vote 23% 9% 8%

Gen Pop BusinessInfluencers

Community Influencers

Occupation

Business 9% 27% 12%

Education 8% 10% 12%

Health 4% 7% 7%

Government 5% 6% 6%

Engineering 3% 6% 4%

Labor 3% 2% 3%

NGO/Non-profit 2% 5% 4%

Communications 2% 5% 2%

Law 1% 2% 2%

Arts 1% 3% 1%

Design 1% 3% 2%

Sports 1% 2% 1%

Natural Sciences <1% 1% 1%

Religion 1% 1% 1%

Social Sciences <1% 1% 1%

Humanities <1% 1% 1%

None of these 28% 28% 19%

Not currently professionally employed 34% 0% 28%

Page 48: Fetzer Institute Survey on Love and Forgiveness in American Society

48

DemographicsGen Pop Business

InfluencersCommunity Influencers

Professional Titles

C-Suite 5% 31% 6%

President 3% 20% 5%

Executive Vice President 1% 7% 2%

Senior Vice President 1% 4% 1%

Vice President 1% 7% 2%

Director 4% 31% 8%

Manager 16% 0% 20%

Other Professional Staff Member 32% 0% 37%

Not currently professionally employed 13% 0% 5%

None 23% 0% 14%

Marital Status

Married 47% 56% 52%

In a relationship, but not married 13% 8% 10%

Single 25% 22% 21%

Widowed 3% 3% 4%

Divorced 11% 9% 11%

Prefer not to answer <1% 1% <1%

Gen Pop BusinessInfluencers

Community Influencers

Children in HH

Yes 34% 39% 31%

No 66% 61% 69%

Religion

Protestant / Christian 36% 26% 34%

Catholic 22% 26% 24%

Born-again 11% 8% 12%

Jewish 4% 9% 7%

Evangelical 2% 5% 4%

Buddhist 1% 2% 2%

Believe in God, but not organized religion 1% 4% 2%

Hindu 1% 3% 1%

Muslim 1% 2% 1%

None/Atheist/Agnostic 9% 9% 10%

Other 20% 20% 21%

Don’t Know/Refused 7% 6% 5%