Religious commitment shifts members’ focus from self-interest to collective welfare.

Evidence

For any member of the religious collective, a certain level of commitment, or willingness to work to benefit the group even if this involves self-sacrifice, is necessary (Roccas et al., 2008). Tithing, or standardized contribution based on a percentage of personal income, a practice common for both Roman Catholics and Mormons, is a demonstration of commitment. When a religious group member is committed, they will shift their focus from self-interest to the welfare of the collective. This is demonstrated most clearly in the obligated interdependence that exists between Muslims and Jews as mandated by each groups’ religious text. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 914