Theological religiosity: A quantitative study

This study aims to examine the religiosity of individuals in Turkey who have either graduated from or are currently enrolled in theology programs, commonly referred to as "theologians" in society. The research addresses the issue of whether contemporary theological religiosity represents normative religiosity or folk religiosity. The study seeks to identify tendencies toward these two forms of religiosity and investigate how these tendencies are related to various socio-demographic variables. Quantitative research methods were employed, and a "Religious Representation Scale" was developed to measure participants' perceptions of religiosity. This scale was structured with two sub-dimensions: Normative Religiosity and Folk Religiosity. Based on validity and reliability tests, the overall reliability coefficient of the scale, represented by Cronbach's Alpha, was found to be 0.785. As a result of validity analyses, certain items were deemed necessary to remove from the scale. Participants' subjective perceptions of religiosity and the importance they attach to religion were evaluated using single-item scales. The population of the study comprises a total of 602,809 individuals who enrolled in theology, Islamic studies, Islamic sciences, Islamic and religious sciences, and Religious Culture and Ethics (DKAB) undergraduate and associate degree programs in Turkey between 1992 and 2023. Using Cochran's sampling formula, a minimum sample size of 663 was calculated, with a 99% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. To enhance the validity and reliability of the research, the sample size was increased to 1005 participants. It was determined that the data obtained in the study showed a normal distribution. Therefore, parametric statistical methods were employed in the analyses. In addition to frequency analyses based on demographic variables, an independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to examine group differences, and Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationships between variables. Correlation analyses revealed a moderate positive relationship between "Normative Religiosity" and "Importance of Religion", while a weak pozitive relationship was found between "Normative Religiosity" and "Folk Religiosity". The findings of the study indicate that the religiosity of individuals who have received theological education is largely based on scriptural principles, as represented by normative religiosity. However, practices related to folk religiosity also hold a significant place in theological religiosity, reflecting a complex and multifaceted approach to religious practice and belief. Keywords: Sociology of religion, theological religiosity, religious representation scale, normative religiosity, folk religiosity.