Religion and Its Effects on Organ Donation Intentions: Diversity within Non-Catholic Christians

In this study, the effects of Christian Absolutism (CA) and religious orientation on organ donation intentions were examined. Non-Catholic Christians comprise a diverse community with important differences in individual members’ beliefs that are not adequately characterized by religious affiliation. The study’s aim (n = 176) was to distinguish between Fundamentalist Christians and Progressive Christians. The continuous effect of Christian Absolutism (i.e., Fundamentalist vs. Progressive) on organ donation intentions was examined and no relationship was found, p > .99. The effects of religious orientation (i.e., Intrinsic, Extrinsic, Quest) on this variable was assessed. Intrinsic orientation was positively correlated with donation intentions, p = .01, and remained positively associated when controlling for the other types of orientation, p = .001, or CA, p < .001. Christian Absolutism was not significantly associated with intentions, over and above religious orientation, p = .29; however, it exhibited a negative relationship with intentions when Intrinsic and Intrinsic by Absolutism interaction were controlled for, p = .04. Significant Quest by Absolutism and Extrinsic by Absolutism interactions were observed, ps = .01. Within a non-Catholic Christian population, considering an individual’s level of Christian Absolutism provides additional insight into the donation decision-making process and suggests targets for future interventions.