A Comparison of Denominational Identification and Membership

Abstract

multiple regression equations. In general, denominational identification is related to those features of Jewish life which occur outside an institutional framework, while actual synagogue membership is associated with public worship, children's Jewish education, and activities in Jewish voluntary associations. Denominational identification is indicative of a broad, communal orientation toward Judaism, the Jewish, and the non-Jewish communities. Moreover, it is associated with people's choice of the specific type of synagogue with which they affiliate. Synagogue membership, in turn, heightens involvement with the institutional aspects of Jewish life. While these findings apply directly to American Jews, analogous relationships ought to be found among American Christians. Over twenty years ago, Robert Merton (1957: 281-335) pointed out the importance of distinguishing between the actual members of a social group and those who remain outside of the group although they are eligible for membership in it. The latter category includes those who are not motivated to belong, those who are indifferent to affiliation, and those who are candidates for membership. These distinctions provide a useful guide to understanding the dynamics of voluntary association membership in general and membership in religious groups in particular. As numerous studies have shown, many Americans continue to identify with religious groups without actually affiliating with the organizations formed by their more active adherents. Similarly, individuals identifying with a particular religious tradition often vary widely in their degree of adherence to the tenets of that tradition. Fichter (1954), for example, contrasted marginal and dormant Catholics with active, nuclear Catholics. Sklare (1955: 45-46) pointed out the non-Orthodox behavior of nominally Orthodox Jews. Anderson (1970: 112-126) showed that white Protestants may be better viewed as an ethnic community within which many individuals choose to join churches. Underlying such research studies is the distinction between active membership in interacting social groups and identification with what Merton terms collectivities