Abstract
This article uses a Scottish national sample to examine the relationship between church involvement, religious socialization among nonattenders, orthodox Christian beliefs, and a variety of unconventional nonmaterialist beliefs. Greater conventional religious belief is strongly associated with supposed alternatives but nonetheless, nonattenders are more likely to believe in the unconventional over and above any enduring sympathy they may hold for Christian doctrine. One group in particular stands out: belief remains high among nonattenders who once went to services regularly and seriously contemplate reengaging with organized religion. The article discusses the importance of these findings for "believing but not belonging."
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 585-595 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 22 Nov 2006 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2006 |