We Are a Religious People; 
We Are a Vengeful People

Abstract

We evaluate the relation between religiousness and vengeance using multiple indicators of religiousness (religious orientation and church variables) and behavioral as well as self-reports of vengeance. Results from hierarchical regression analyses revealed that intrinsic religious orientation was negatively and extrinsic religious orientation positively related to self-reports of revenge but not to behavioral indicators of revenge. Only quest orientation was related to behavioral indicators of revenge with those higher on quest setting relatively lower levels of shock following a provocation and giving more money to an obnoxious confederate. Of the church variables, the number of religious activities was negatively and frequency of monetary donations positively related to selfreported vengeance. Only frequency of monetary donations, however, was uniquely related to one of the behavioral indicators of revenge, level of shock, with those who give more frequently also retaliating with higher levels of shock.

Does religious belief promote prosociality? A critical examination.

“…In contrast, Greer et al (2005) found that those high on a measure of nontraditional quest religiosity did not self-report as particularly "nonvengeful," but they actually had lower behavioral vengefulness retaliation. In a nearly identical result.…”

Is the importance of religion in daily life related to social trust? Cross-country and cross-state comparisons

“…7 This type of effect rests on the assertion that social participation generates trust, a mechanism that is still debated (e.g.,Putnam, 2000;Claibourn and Martin, 2000; Uslaner, 2002; Sønderskov, in press).8 This kind of rhetoric has, e.g., been used by the Moral Majority in the U.S. -seeConrad (1983). Some religious people may even hold that without religion, there is no firm, credible basis for moral rules, indeed, that morality may not even exist, which implies that the non-religious, although not necessarily immoral, are more likely to not follow the true moral teachings than those who believe in a divine law-maker -seeGarcia and King (2008).9 See alsoEmerson and Smith (2000),Greer et al (2005) andPutnam and Campbell (2010). In the most serious cases, religiously based distrust can form a basis for terrorism and warfare against perceived enemies.…”

Does Religiosity Promote or Discourage Social Trust? Evidence from Cross-Country and Cross-State Comparisons

“…9 Indeed, Guiso et al (2003: 249) find that religious people are more intolerant of people of different background than themselves, compared to the non-religious, and that they hold a less equal view of women (cf. Emerson and Smith, 2000;Greer et al, 2005).…”