Consequences of a multi-dimensional approach to religion for the relationship between religiosity and value priorities.

Based on both a theological and a socio-psychological analysis, the goals of Roman Catholic religion were identified and translated in terms of Schwartz’ (1992) ten value types of Hedonism, Stimulation, Self-Direction, Universalism, Benevolence, Tradition, Conformity, Security, Power and Achievement. The relations between these value types and Wulff’s (1991, 1997) two religiosity dimensions of Exclusion vs. Inclusion of Transcendence and Literal vs. Symbolic, as measured by the Post-Critical Belief scale (Fontaine et al., 2003), were tested in seven samples (N=1695) gathered in Flanders (Belgium). The value pattern associated with the Exclusion vs. Inclusion of Transcendence dimension was characterized by a conflict between Hedonism, Stimulation, and Self-Direction on the one hand, and Tradition and Conformity on the other hand. The value pattern associated with the Literal vs. Symbolic dimension was characterized by a conflict between Security and Power on the one hand, and Universalism and Benevolence at the other hand.