Traditional Religious Beliefs

Abstract

This chapter examines orthodox religious beliefs which are commonly accepted as coming within the traditional framework of Christianity, including specific biblical content. It assesses the main areas of change and continuity in levels of religious belief, both overall and within social and religious groups. The picture revealed is one of both change and continuity across the sources and indicators used. Some beliefs have remained at broadly stable levels in recent decades, while others have registered variable decline over time. There are also some consistent findings as to the groups more likely to hold traditional beliefs and have more ‘biblecentric’ attitudes. Finally, contemporary survey data are used to examine, in a multivariate context, the factors associated with religious beliefs.