Three Faces of the True Believer: Motivations for Attending a Fundamentalist Church

The minister and members of a conservative church were administered Q-sorts consisting of 56 items assessing religious orientation. These items were derived from interviews with members of the congregation. Factor analysis provided three distinct orientations, or hypothetical types of persons. The authority-seeker wants the minister to lay it on the line and tell the congregation what it should and should not do. He wants bold and forcible criticism as well as strong guidance. The comfort-seeker is afraid of death and Hell, illness and old age, and the church helps him reduce his fears. It gives him peace of mind by its assurance of eternal life. The social participator enjoys the friendly social interaction and an opportunity to talk with others about matters of mutual interest. The church is a kind of social home, where he can enjoy human companionship.