Strength of Religious Affiliation

In American Evangelicalism, Christian Smith answers the question of what it means to have a “strong” religious faith. Smith claims that strength is conceptualized and measured on the self-definition, values, and purpose of the group in question. He categorizes religious strength into six distinct dimensions, which are adherence to beliefs, salience of faith, robustness of faith, group participation, commitment to mission, and retention and recruitment of members. He states that any American Christian faith tradition …

…these variables would change any patterns of association displayed in the first table. My results showed some evidence to support my hypotheses but there was enough change in patterns and inconclusive results that contradict it as well. Overall, my theories of religious affiliation controlling for degree and region did not fully hold up. There were many different factors and additional influences that I failed to consider and take into account that could affect these respondents.