Monday, June 19, 2006 at 12:12am
Marin County, California Survey on Spiritual Values
Column: SpiritLinks
In late February into early March of this year, a San Francisco research firm conducted a telephone survey of Marin County, California residents to learn current attitudes toward organized religion and related issues. "The purpose of the survey is to provide a fresh and accurate appraisal of the culture, beliefs and thinking of the people of Marin."
A few days ago, the Marin Leadership Foundation (MLF), who had commissioned the study, invited the public and religious leaders to discuss the results.
Reverend Dr. Phillip Butin, President of San Francisco Theological Seminary, facilitated the meeting at the historic Montgomery Chapel in the quaint and quiet town of San Anselmo. More than 60 people attended the Thursday morning session.
The surveyor's Random Digit Dial method had yielded 502 willing participants for the eleven minute survey. The number of people hanging up mid-call was not recorded. Information gleaned presumed a margin of error of +/- 4.7%.
The following information highlights the findings: 52% indicated they are religious, while 81% call themselves spiritual (evidently, some consider themselves to be both). Interesting to know, 86% had a "religious upbringing," though only 47% at present identify with a religious denomination or spiritual group.
Particularly revealing, are the statistics for "How important would you say organized religion is in your life?" Not very important, said 49%; very important, 30%; somewhat important, 20%.
Other interesting figures presented: 52% report that they pray or meditate daily; 18% weekly; 13% monthly or less often; 17% not at all.
One focus of discussion arose in response to the number reporting that they attend church or other organized spiritual service. With 26% claiming to attend weekly or more often, plus 14%, 1-3 times a month, we are led to expect 40,000 in attendance across the county. This prompted the question "Do you really believe that?" It was noted, though, that there are 200 Alcoholics Anonymous; Nicotine Anonymous; Alanon; and Sex and Love Addicts meetings per month across the county. Many individuals consider these meetings spiritual services which would account for a significant part of the spike.
Of those who do participate in religious or spiritual community, key reasons for attending a particular church or faith venue were: location, 17%; relatives or family members attend, 14%; born into or raised in the practice, 13%; because they know other members,13%.
Reverend Butin believes the figure for location would drop in Los Angeles, where it is not unusual to drive longer distances for nearly everything they do.
Other reasons for choosing a venue rated 11% or less. These choices include spiritually focused; partial to religious or spiritual leader; feeling fulfilled; focus of religious teachings; friendliness; religion adheres to my beliefs; open-mindedness; focus on family; and enjoyment of the music.
Reverend Butin noted that other sources have indicated that when individuals are asked, the most common reason given for not going to a particular church is "No one invited me." He also said that most people do not realize that church is a public space.
Perhaps I should hesitate to bring up the good ole days, but I must: I am reminded of the era when churches, at least Catholic ones in the many communities where I lived, were open 24 hours with no supervision necessary. And, anyone who watched the Loretta Young Show knew Church was a place anyone could go to any hour on any day.
In the MLF survey, when asked, did you receive formal religious instruction as a child? Yes, was the response of 79%. In contrast, do your children attend church affiliated or parochial schools or receive formal religious or spiritual instruction, 40% said yes.
For me, the biggest surprise came with the response to questions on abortion. Though I do not know exact demographics, there is a large Catholic population in Marin County. However, replies were more liberal than I would have expected. When asked do you personally consider each of the following acceptable or not acceptable, the percentage saying "acceptable" follows the statement:
Abortion when the life of the mother is in danger - 88%
Abortion in cases of incest or rape - 82%
Abortion in all cases, if the woman so chooses - 63%
Respondents were also asked about acceptance of physician assisted suicide - 62% say it is acceptable. Reverend Butin was particularly surprised by this answer.
With San Quentin located in our community, subjects were asked, Is the death penalty acceptable? - 36% say yes. 58% percent believe the California prison system is not at all effective in rehabilitating prisoner's lives. With recidivism at 70%, that seems conservative.
Other questions asked were in regards to the rise or fall of the influence of religion on American life; issues facing teens; effective methods for educating children on spiritual and religious matters and on sex education; and affects of immigrants in the community.
Part or all of the survey will be posted on the Foundation's website at a later date. How the findings relate to other counties, states or the nation has not been addressed. The purpose of the study was to learn information that will help Marin Leadership Foundation realize their vision and accomplish their mission for Marin County.
The vision of MLF is a county where all people have an opportunity for spiritual, physical, relational, and vocational needs to be met. They see a community where Christians (both clergy and laity) of all denominations and traditions move beyond distinctive and parochial interests to work together, in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, to address those needs.
The mission of MLF is to build a coalition of leaders from among Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant laity and clergy to address basic spiritual and physical needs of people of Marin County. "While our vision and mission are rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ, it is also our firm intention to work in positive, constructive ways with any and all others who wish to meet the needs of our county with particular concern for the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized." MLF seeks to educate, motivate, and activate people to advance health and well-being. They expect to achieve these goals by means of network building, resource provision and community development of the county, its cities, towns, and rural areas.
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Diana deRegnier writes from San Francisco California. Her articles appear in websites and print publications around the world. © copyright 2006 by Diana deRegnier
A few days ago, the Marin Leadership Foundation (MLF), who had commissioned the study, invited the public and religious leaders to discuss the results.
Reverend Dr. Phillip Butin, President of San Francisco Theological Seminary, facilitated the meeting at the historic Montgomery Chapel in the quaint and quiet town of San Anselmo. More than 60 people attended the Thursday morning session.
The surveyor's Random Digit Dial method had yielded 502 willing participants for the eleven minute survey. The number of people hanging up mid-call was not recorded. Information gleaned presumed a margin of error of +/- 4.7%.
The following information highlights the findings: 52% indicated they are religious, while 81% call themselves spiritual (evidently, some consider themselves to be both). Interesting to know, 86% had a "religious upbringing," though only 47% at present identify with a religious denomination or spiritual group.
Particularly revealing, are the statistics for "How important would you say organized religion is in your life?" Not very important, said 49%; very important, 30%; somewhat important, 20%.
Other interesting figures presented: 52% report that they pray or meditate daily; 18% weekly; 13% monthly or less often; 17% not at all.
One focus of discussion arose in response to the number reporting that they attend church or other organized spiritual service. With 26% claiming to attend weekly or more often, plus 14%, 1-3 times a month, we are led to expect 40,000 in attendance across the county. This prompted the question "Do you really believe that?" It was noted, though, that there are 200 Alcoholics Anonymous; Nicotine Anonymous; Alanon; and Sex and Love Addicts meetings per month across the county. Many individuals consider these meetings spiritual services which would account for a significant part of the spike.
Of those who do participate in religious or spiritual community, key reasons for attending a particular church or faith venue were: location, 17%; relatives or family members attend, 14%; born into or raised in the practice, 13%; because they know other members,13%.
Reverend Butin believes the figure for location would drop in Los Angeles, where it is not unusual to drive longer distances for nearly everything they do.
Other reasons for choosing a venue rated 11% or less. These choices include spiritually focused; partial to religious or spiritual leader; feeling fulfilled; focus of religious teachings; friendliness; religion adheres to my beliefs; open-mindedness; focus on family; and enjoyment of the music.
Reverend Butin noted that other sources have indicated that when individuals are asked, the most common reason given for not going to a particular church is "No one invited me." He also said that most people do not realize that church is a public space.
Perhaps I should hesitate to bring up the good ole days, but I must: I am reminded of the era when churches, at least Catholic ones in the many communities where I lived, were open 24 hours with no supervision necessary. And, anyone who watched the Loretta Young Show knew Church was a place anyone could go to any hour on any day.
In the MLF survey, when asked, did you receive formal religious instruction as a child? Yes, was the response of 79%. In contrast, do your children attend church affiliated or parochial schools or receive formal religious or spiritual instruction, 40% said yes.
For me, the biggest surprise came with the response to questions on abortion. Though I do not know exact demographics, there is a large Catholic population in Marin County. However, replies were more liberal than I would have expected. When asked do you personally consider each of the following acceptable or not acceptable, the percentage saying "acceptable" follows the statement:
Abortion when the life of the mother is in danger - 88%
Abortion in cases of incest or rape - 82%
Abortion in all cases, if the woman so chooses - 63%
Respondents were also asked about acceptance of physician assisted suicide - 62% say it is acceptable. Reverend Butin was particularly surprised by this answer.
With San Quentin located in our community, subjects were asked, Is the death penalty acceptable? - 36% say yes. 58% percent believe the California prison system is not at all effective in rehabilitating prisoner's lives. With recidivism at 70%, that seems conservative.
Other questions asked were in regards to the rise or fall of the influence of religion on American life; issues facing teens; effective methods for educating children on spiritual and religious matters and on sex education; and affects of immigrants in the community.
Part or all of the survey will be posted on the Foundation's website at a later date. How the findings relate to other counties, states or the nation has not been addressed. The purpose of the study was to learn information that will help Marin Leadership Foundation realize their vision and accomplish their mission for Marin County.
The vision of MLF is a county where all people have an opportunity for spiritual, physical, relational, and vocational needs to be met. They see a community where Christians (both clergy and laity) of all denominations and traditions move beyond distinctive and parochial interests to work together, in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, to address those needs.
The mission of MLF is to build a coalition of leaders from among Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant laity and clergy to address basic spiritual and physical needs of people of Marin County. "While our vision and mission are rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ, it is also our firm intention to work in positive, constructive ways with any and all others who wish to meet the needs of our county with particular concern for the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized." MLF seeks to educate, motivate, and activate people to advance health and well-being. They expect to achieve these goals by means of network building, resource provision and community development of the county, its cities, towns, and rural areas.
—————————————————-
Diana deRegnier writes from San Francisco California. Her articles appear in websites and print publications around the world. © copyright 2006 by Diana deRegnier