One breakthrough in my understanding of people decades ago came from studying personality types. This helped me accept that people are different and being different isn’t wrong, it’s natural. I quit trying so hard to change people. The reality is humans are diverse in this way.
Recently, I came across a new way to comprehend the various worldviews people hold. A research project at the University of Pennsylvania identified Primal World Views (Primals) that people have innately. This study was funded partly by the Templeton Religion Trust.
I took the free survey and examined my Primals by reading my report. There were a few surprises but not many. It was helpful to see categories, definitions and measurements of my worldviews.
Annette Miller
In today’s society, there is a breakdown of dialogue and acceptance based on differences between people. I thought I would delve deeper into the primals to help me learn more about people who are different from me, particularly conservatives.
I grew up in conservative East Texas, in a missionary Baptist church. Now in the latter part of my work life, I claim to be a liberal, or at least a progressive. In addition, I’m on a quest of spiritual evolution and expansion, so my faith is morphing too. So, I’ve changed throughout my life.
But in general, people’s personalities (or more accurately, behavioral styles) and worldviews such as measured by the Primals Research Project don’t change much. Primals aren’t influenced by economic conditions or experiences; they’re just who we are. And wow, do these differences bring out conflict and interesting dialogue with spouses, competitors and friends!
For example, do you and your partner differ in the philosophy of keeping your home’s doors locked at all times? Does the more cautious one who wants doors locked get labeled neurotic or afraid? Does the one with a more casual relationship with locks get tagged as careless or naïve? These are examples of differences in the “Harmless” primal, which is in the category of “Safe” primals. When worldviews are opposing, there is both the opportunity to expand one’s understanding of someone who is different and the opportunity for unresolved conflict.
The Primals Research also revealed a surprise about a significant difference between liberals and conservatives. For decades, researchers thought this difference was derived from how safe the world was viewed. This hypothesis reached me, too, for that is what I believed. But that’s not what the newer science shows.
“The ‘Hierarchical’ worldview is the Primal most closely related to differences between liberals and conservatives.”
The “Hierarchical” worldview is the Primal most closely related to differences between liberals and conservatives. A high hierarchical score indicates a belief that hierarchy is innate to the world and most things can be valued as better or worse because they really are. This correlates with conservative viewpoints. Liberals tend to believe most hierarchies are artificial and most things have the same worth and value. This primal is to a large degree unrelated to personal social-economic status.
One other Primal related to political view is “Acceptable.” A high score indicates a belief that most things should be accepted as they are, tied to being more politically conservative. Yet liberals are more aligned with a low Acceptable score, a belief that constant improvement would help make change because most things are unacceptable.
Now that I have more insight into the mindset of conservative and liberal thoughts, I tried to apply this to faith. Personally, I put more trust in the New Testament writings than in the 2,000-year older Old Testament writings for applying teachings to daily living. Perhaps that is due to my primal “Progressing.” My score is on the higher end, which means I see the world as getting better. I tend to believe that as humanity evolves, our understanding of the divine can improve.
So, let’s examine some of Jesus’ teachings. Was he more conservative or liberal?
The higher status of the Pharisees didn’t impress Jesus. The lowly rank of the disabled and ill didn’t make Jesus think they weren’t worthy of value or of healing and opportunity. He himself was the Son of God, and that didn’t disqualify him from being a martyr. In my opinion, Jesus’ value system wasn’t based on hierarchy. He was a renegade, a transformative agent, teaching disciples and followers that The Way was to love God, neighbors, strangers and oneself. Life’s mission shouldn’t be to become wealthy or obtain status but to seek a higher way, the spiritual path of service and honoring the divine.
While this internal correlation between my primals and a liberal faith is self-satisfying, I need to be careful in labeling differing opinions as unworthy. I need to exercise my critical thinking skills to remember many viewpoints can add perspective, diversity can lead to more holistic solutions and kindness through respect toward others is a worthy calling.
Annette Miller serves as chief of staff for Fletcher Seminary. She is a Birkman Advanced Certified Consultant, has a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and an MBA from the University of Central Oklahoma. She also is a leadership development consultant through her own company serving nonprofits and businesses. Annette’s emphasis on well-being has led to her offering speaking engagements and murder mystery events in safe psychological spaces. She is the author of Daring the Dark: A Workbook for Exploring Your Evolving Spiritual Questions and co-editor for Radical Excellence.