Sacrality Practice: Spirituality and Civic Action

Spirituality compels people to engage in action and activities tied to creating a better nation and world—and helps sustain action. —Rev. Adam Russel Taylor, Executive Director, Sojourners and “What Does Spirituality Mean to Us?” advisor

Our spirituality study, “What Does Spirituality Mean to Us?” found that the most spiritual people are most likely to do prosocial, civic, and political activities. They also think those actions are important. We found that people who identify as slightly spiritual are least likely to engage in prosocial and civic activities. Many who claim they are not spiritual may hold civic-mindedness as part of their secular ideology. Do any of these findings resonate with you, personally?

What underlying experience, belief, sacred, or moral value drives your civic involvement? Trace what has shaped your civic-mindedness and how that motivates your actions. Discuss this with family members, friends, fellow students, and others.

We invite you to share your answers in the comments. We would also love it if you shared what you’re finding in your conversations with others.