Does a denomination matter? Differences in religiosity and value systems between Catholics and Anglicans

Abstract

The purpose of this empirical article is to investigate differences between two Christian denominations: Catholics and Anglicans in terms of religiosity and values. Religiosity was measured within dimensions of centrality of religiosity and religious coping, while the value system contained hedonic, vital, aesthetic, truth, moral, and sacred values. In addition, potential associations between the dimensions of religiosity and values were assessed. One hundred and fifty one participants (75 Catholics and 76 Anglicans) completed three questionnaires: the Centrality of Religiosity Scale, the Brief RCOPE Scale, and the Scheler Values Scale. The results demonstrated that Catholics were characterised by higher levels of religious dimensions representing communal worship related to the sacraments, while Anglicans more strongly favoured religious dimensions reflecting an individual approach to religiosity. Catholics also obtained higher levels of hedonic and vital values than Anglicans. In addition, there were significant associations between most dimensions of religiosity and sacred values. Taken together, the findings emphasise the need for a combined study of religiosity and values which appears central to the formation of people’s religious beliefs and behaviour.