Some Dimensions of Religiosity amongst Young People

• Published in: Nova prisutnost Vol. 6; no. 3; pp. 397 - 420
• Main Authors: Leutar, Zdravka, Josipovic, Ana Marija
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Croatian; English
• Published: 01.01.2008
• Subjects: Religiosity; Religious Beliefs; Social Influence; Youth
• ISSN: 1334-2312

This paper investigates religiosity amongst young people in regards to two different dimensions: personal religiosity and the development of one's own religiosity. The sample consisted of 117 students from three generations who had selected the optional course entitled "Spirituality and social engagement" as offered by the Philosophical University of Jesuits. A structured questionnaire containing 126 questions was used as a method (Coric, 1999). In order to investigate the two dimensions mentioned above, 24 variables were used for that purpose. The group of examinees was more or less homogenous. Thus, statistically significant differences regarding the manner in which religiosity was acquired, as well as social background of the examinees were examined. The results had shown that a belief in God is present in a high percentage of the examinees, that they occasionally practice their faith; however, they also find the development of their own religiosity unsatisfactory. The manner in which they acquired their religiosity proved to be statistically significant in almost all areas, while social background was shown to be significant only in some areas. Young people, who were brought up in faith within their families since childhood, had the most firmly rooted religious values and they nourish some form of church practice, whilst the newly converted practice their own personal religiosity more and they want to deepen it further. When it comes to both dimensions, they are seekers 'on a path'. Adapted from the source document.