This study explores how beliefs in Divine Love and Divine Punishment vary across cultures and demographic groups. Using data from 200,000 individuals in 22 countries, we examine how factors like age, gender, education, religious attendance, and immigration status relate to these beliefs. We present cross-national comparisons and highlight cultural patterns and potential interpretation challenges. Findings will offer a foundation for future research into how sociocultural contexts shape representations of the Divine.
Researchers
Kathryn A. Johnson A. Johnson
Arizona State University, Psychology
Jeff Levin
Israel
Richard Cowden
Harvard University, Psychology
South Africa
Brendan Case
Harvard University, Theology
Robert Woodberry
Baylor University, Sociology
Matthew T. Lee
Baylor University/ Harvard University , Sociology
Byron R. Johnson
Baylor University, Institute for Studies of Religion/Sociology
Tyler VanderWeele
Harvard University, Epidemiology / Biostatistics
Jordan W. Moon
Brunel University of London
The Question:
Do you agree with the following statement? “I feel God, a god, or a spiritual force is punishing me.”