Forgiveness and Compassion

Forgiveness and compassion provide alternatives to conflict and anger at all levels of society. A majority of Americans (90%) say they offer forgiveness to those who do them wrong, and nearly as many agree that forgiving feels like letting go of an uncomfortable burden. Even more acknowledge that if we could forgive and reconcile all our past hurts and conflicts, we could accomplish so much more. Slightly more than half (56%) of respondents report they find it easy to let go of emotional hurt inflicted by others; yet, a similar percentage (58%) of all respondents say they support a death penalty in the U.S.

Although forgiveness and compassion are generally perceived to be associated with organized religion, among the 56% of respondents who say they find it easy to let go of emotional hurt inflicted by others, there is no significant difference between those who attend church or other religious services (58%) and those who do not (51%). Conversely, among those who say it is not easy to let go of emotional hurt, 39% attend religious services and 47% do not.

Letting Go

Of the eight types, two types report they find it more difficult to let go of emotional hurt. One type has a generally negative outlook on life and relatively little interest in social concerns or spirituality; the other type has a more positive outlook and tends to look within for spiritual direction. In contrast, two other types report that it is easier to let go of emotional hurt. One type is most likely to have been born outside the U.S., identifies with working hard, has a high regard for inner spirituality, and relies on traditional forms of spiritual expression; the other is conservative in outlook, is materially successful, lives a traditional form of the "American dream," and strongly identifies with family.

Politics, Ethics, and Values

Americans are concerned about moral and ethical values when it comes to elected leaders. Asked if they prefer that the politicians for whom they vote hold the same moral and ethical values as they do, 82% answer yes; 64% prefer that politicians hold higher and more evolved moral and ethical values than their own. Asked to describe their political orientation, 1/3 report Democrat, 1/3 Republican, and the remaining 1/3 are independent, non-affiliated, and other. In describing their political ideology, 9% of those surveyed rate themselves most conservative, 37% conservative, 35% moderate, 16% liberal, and 3% most liberal.