Environmental Acts and Divine Judgment: Religious Perceptions of Sin and Blessings

Many studies have found that religious affiliation can affect environmental attitudes and behaviors. Here, we explore a potential mechanism underlying such linkages: how important religious concepts (e.g., sin, judgment, blessings) connect to the environment. Through semi-structured interviews with religious individuals, we investigate how environmental actions are viewed in the context of religious and moral frameworks. In what ways, if at all, do religious adherents associate religious consequences with positive or negative environmental acts? Is harming the environment viewed as sinful or does caring for the environment confer blessings? We find that most interviewees believe that environmental degradation or pollution is a sign of sin, with almost all agreeing that there is a connection between greed and environmental problems. The majority also believe there could be negative religious consequences for not being a good steward of the earth. Intent and motivation behind environmental acts matter strongly in these moral decisions. This effect can be heightened in cases where interviewees perceive omniscient judgment, making intentions as salient as actions and outcomes. Additionally, many interviewees perceive rewards (self-betterment, happiness, and religious fulfillment) from trying to engage in positive environmental acts, independent of whether environmental problems are solved. This focus on personal rewards for trying one’s best, rather than achieving actual outcomes, suggests an alternate approach to motivating action on large-scale environmental problems.