Just what is religious motivation? People have different religions, therefore there is no one answer to what truly motivates someone to do something in the name of their religion, or because of a religious motivation. The question generally goes deeper than trying to understand religious motivation to trying to understand what makes people religious in the first place. If you were to ask people why they were religious and if they had a religious motivation in what they did on a day to day basis the answers you would receive would probably be as numerous as the people you asked. There is no easy answer.

For instance, the concept of religious motivation, living your life according to your religion or being religious varies widely depending upon a person’s religious denomination. A study put forth by the Barna Research Group of Ventura, California found that individuals who were connected with the Mormons, Assembly of God or the Pentecostal churches were more inclined to participate or be active in religious undertakings. There study also showed that people who were Episcopal or Catholics were the least of the eight religions studied to be involved or practice religious endeavors and/or have religious motivation.

When you delve into the subject of religious motivation many people think of violent or unsavory acts that have been done in the name of religion. However, it is important to note that religious motivation doesn’t necessarily have to always have negative connotations. Many people live their lives daily and do good things because they are religiously motivated to do so. Charities, support groups, acts of kindness and so on are often prompted by religious motivation. In fact, the United States of America was founded by religious motivation.

What religious motivation is the most common? According to the survey that was released the top religious practice that was performed was praying. Over 80 percent of the Americans who were polled stated they had prayed to God in the past week. Attending religious services and reading the Bible were also top on the list of practices that the religious people performed. Surprisingly, only 24% of the people polled said they had a religious motivation to share their faith and only 18% gave money each month to their local church.

So, what does religious motivation mean to you? After you answer that question go out and ask your friends and neighbors what it means to them. The chances are high that you will only scratch the surface of the topic. Yet, you will also open the door to a plethora of discussion. Religion and religious motivation is hard to understand in black and white because it goes deeper than that. It involves something that is spiritual and it is hard to capture or define, much like love.