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Accountability

Man sitting in pews beneath large stained glass windows

Many people who described that their inner spirituality informed their outer actions explained that in came from a sense of responsibility.

They said that sense of responsibility came with their faith, their relationship with a higher power, or their sense of connection with humanity, to “help others.” 

The survey found that the more a person feels accountable to a higher power for their impact on others and the natural environment, the more likely they are to believe community and civic action is important, and engage in community, civic, and political behaviors themselves. People who believe that their spirituality requires them to hold political leaders accountable also engage in these same behaviors at higher rates as well. 

The majority of respondents reported feeling accountable to a higher power for their impact on other people and on the natural environment. 

In focus groups and interviews, people described feeling accountable to God or a divine being, or accountable to values rooted in their religious or spiritual beliefs. 

People who see themselves as extremely accountable to a higher power for their impact on other people are also more likely to say that their spirituality and their religion influences their civic engagement, such as volunteering in my community or donating to charity. 

I’m a Hindu, so my faith says do as much as you can do for society. If God has given you some resources you should spend those resources as much as possible for others, help them support them; if somebody doesn’t have food if you have food give them food. It’s like karma: what you do gets back to you. It’s your act. Karma is … a path you can follow.” 

Robin, 33 

Very spiritual / Very religious (Hindu) 

Those who feel most accountable to a higher power for their impact on other people are more likely to care about making a difference in their communities—and take action. 

They are more likely to believe it is very important to volunteer and help people in need, in particular. 

Those who feel most accountable to a higher power for their impact on other people are more likely to make positive changes in their community.

They are more likely to say they get to know their neighbors and strangers, and donate to causes they care about, in particular.