AN approach frequently employed in studying the motivations underlying human behavior is one based on a theory of need. Though variously stated (Cattell, 1957; Guilford, 1959; Maslow, 1943; Murray, 1938), the essence of the theory is that action is motivated by needs or dispositions to strive for particular kinds of goals, states, or aims which transform in a certain direction an existing unsatisfying situation. (Murray, 1938, p. 123). The core of personality in this approach is considered as a hierarchy of these various needs. The need constructs, it is thought, can be inferred from subjective reports regarding feelings, intentions, and goals as well as from objective behavioral observations. A number of writers-for example, Dunlap, 1946; Farmer, 1954; Horton, 1931; McDougall, 1934; and Patterson, 1925have suggested at a theoretical level a number of hypothesized needs which are satisfied through religious behavior. However, since there is no concensus concerning the number or nature of the needs hypothesized, and since there is no empirical evidence that any of them can be identified or inferred in terms of religiously oriented materials and behavior, the validity and utility of these suggestions is uncertain.