According to the Science of Generosity Survey, self-reported data about how much people give to religious causes is significantly inflated. While roughly 25% stated they tithed (gave 10% of their income) to charity, actual giving records revealed that just 3% gave 5% or more to charity. And, not only do people have exceedingly favorable self-impressions, many are anything but generous: only 57% of respondents claim they gave more than $25 in the past year to charity.
So What?
It has long been known that people’s self-reported behavior does not match their actual behavior. In general, people tend to portray themselves more positively. Americans are especially good at providing very favorable perspectives. For example, consider the gap between the rate at which people claim to attend church services and actually do so.
- Why do you think people respond to surveys in such a way as to portray their behaviors more favorably than their actions warrant?
- Do you know what percentage of your income you gave to charity last year?
- How does your congregation balance stewardship campaigns with stewardship education?