Religion in the Face of Uncertainty: An Uncertainty-Identity Theory Account of Religiousness

Abstract

The authors characterize religions as social groups and religiosity as the extent to which a person identifies with a religion, subscribes to its ideology or worldview, and conforms to its normative practices. They argue that religions have attributes that make them well suited to reduce feelings of self-uncertainty. According to uncertainty-identity theory, people are motivated to reduce feelings of uncertainty about or reflecting on self; and identification with groups, particularly highly entitative groups, is a very effective way to reduce uncertainty. All groups provide belief systems and normative prescriptions related to everyday life. However, religions also address the nature of existence, invoking sacred entities and associated rituals and ceremonies. They are entitative groups that provide a moral compass and rules for living that pervade a person's life, making them particularly attractive in times of uncertainty. The authors document data supporting their analysis and discuss conditions that transform religiosity into religious zealotry and extremism.

Christian self-enhancement.

“…These are theories in social-personality psychology Second, a key focus of inquiry about religion concerns its functions (Cohen, 2015;Saroglou, 2011;. Religion can satisfy a broad array of psychological motives, including security (Saroglou et al, 2004), meaning (Park, 2005), control (Kay, Gaucher, McGregor, & Nash, 2010), certainty (Hogg, Adelman, & Blagg, 2010), immortality beliefs (Vail et al, 2010), attachment (Granqvist et al, 2010), belonging , and a positive social or collective identity (Ysseldyk et al, 2010). …”

Psychological Effects of Uncertainty

“…Bu noktada belirtmek gerekir ki; belirsizlik yalnızca yeni grup aidiyeti gelişimini değil, aynı zamanda daha önceden benimsenmiş grup aidiyetinin pekişmesini de sağlar (Hogg ve Adelman 2013). Öyle ki bazı durumlarda bu süreç uç-gruplarla oluşturulan grup aidiyetini de kapsamaktadır (Hogg, Adelman ve Blagg, 2010).…”

A study on religious values

“…Ethical and religious believes normally helps people improve their life style and contribute more on society (Turner, 1991;Hogg et al, 2010). Religious people may be found more reliable for job opportunities since they could be trusted, more easily (Worthington, 1988).…”